May God bless you and your...
Thank you for the music.
Rita Cline
July 02, 2024 | North Kawarths, ON
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Obituary
LONDON (AP) - Desmond Dekker, who brought the sound of Jamaican ska music to the world with hits such as "Israelites," has died, his manager said Friday. He was 64.
Dekker, who lived in England, collapsed from an apparent heart attack at his home on Thursday, manager Delroy Williams said.
"It is such a shock, I don't think I will ever get over this," Williams said.
Dekker's 1969 song "Israelites," a Top 10 single in both Britain and the United States, was the first international hit produced by Jamaica's vibrant music scene. With its haunting vocals and irresistible rhythm, it introduced the world to ska, a precursor to reggae.
Other hits included "007 (Shanty Town)" - featured on the soundtrack of the seminal Jamaican film "The Harder They Come" - and "Rudie Got Soul."
"Desmond was the first legend, believe it or not," Williams said. "When he released 'Israelites' nobody had heard of Bob Marley - he paved the way for all of them."
Dekker, who was divorced, is survived by a son and a daughter. Funeral details were not immediately available.
Copyright © 2006 The Associated Press
Guest Book
You were my all time favourite, but sadly never got to see you in concert, great pleasure your music gives me. RIP Desmond.
Helen Carmichael
May 25, 2024 | Liverpool, England UK
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Godspeed Desmond, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Harry Simpson
May 26, 2017 | Buckeye, AZ
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Rest In Peace Desmond,I loved you and your music.
Janet Laramie
January 27, 2016 | Midland, ON
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A beautiful man with a beautiful legacy. After 40+ years of having The Israelites occasionally (and JOYFULLY) occupy my mind, a friend sent me a video of Desmond performing it, and I was simply blown away by his charisma--the sheer talent. May you rest in peace, and may your family know that you will all be ultimately united.
Jayni Mosher
August 05, 2010 | Houston, TX
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Desmond gave voice to his fans.
Desmond Oyeye
December 23, 2006
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you are and always will be a beautiful soul, your music is pure and filled with love...we all will miss you.You didnt just leave us but you went where we all go and its was only the beginning...ill see you there some day , where the volume buttons have no down arrows, and your never sad where we can dance all day. R.I.P great one , you surley made your mark on this world. You always have and will always be remember and in all of our hearts be alive . thats way i never used the word was. xoxo
Desiree marcoux
August 27, 2006 | Freeport, PA
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Loved the Dekka music, this legend will be sadly missed.
Trevor
July 27, 2006 | Port Macquarie/ Australia
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Respect
g
July 12, 2006 | Chicago, IL
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