Desmond Dekker Musician Date of Birth: 16.07.1943 Country: Jamaica

Desmond Dekker: The Pioneer of Jamaican Music

Desmond Adolphus Dacres, better known as Desmond Dekker, was a Jamaican musician who revolutionized the international music scene with his unique sound. Born on July 16, 1943, in Kingston, Jamaica, Dekker spent his childhood on his family's farm outside the city. Raised in a musical household, Dekker regularly sang in the church choir and learned to play the piano, guitar, and drums. He was not the only musician in the family; his brother George was a member of The Pioneers, and his sister Pauline was known for her duet with Derrick Morgan on the song "You Never Miss Your Water."

Inspired by the likes of Nat King Cole, Brook Benton, and Jackie Wilson, Dekker developed a deep passion for music at a young age. He was particularly enamored with Nat King Cole, whom he considered his idol. Dekker's love for music led him to the famous Alpha Boys School in Kingston, where he met and befriended a young Robert Nesta Marley. Despite their different musical paths, Dekker and Marley remained friends throughout their lives.

Dekker's journey as a musician faced initial struggles, but he eventually caught the attention of Leslie Kong, the owner of Beverly Records. After persistently pursuing Kong, Dekker finally got an opportunity to showcase his talents. His debut single, "Honour Your Mother and Father," became a number one hit in Jamaica and marked the beginning of his successful collaboration with Kong.

With the backing of Kong and the renowned Federal Studios, Dekker recorded several hit singles, including "007 (Shanty Town)" and "Rude Boy Train." These songs resonated with the emerging subculture of skinheads, who related to Dekker's lyrics about the struggles of Kingston's shanty towns and the rebellious lifestyles of rude boys. Dekker's distinct image, complete with a pork-pie hat, mohair suit, and loafers, further solidified his connection with the skinhead movement.

Dekker's success continued with the release of his iconic song "Israelites," which topped the charts not only in the UK but also in several other countries worldwide. However, despite his initial triumphs, Dekker's career faced setbacks after the untimely death of his producer and mentor Leslie Kong in 1971.

Throughout the 1970s, Dekker struggled to replicate his earlier successes and experienced a five-year hiatus from the charts. It wasn't until the revival of ska music in the UK, led by the 2 Tone movement, that Dekker's career saw a resurgence in the 1980s. He signed with the renowned independent label Stiff Records and recorded albums such as "Black and Dekker" and "Compass Point." Although these albums received critical acclaim, they failed to achieve significant commercial success.

Dekker faced further challenges in the 1980s when he was declared bankrupt by a British court in 1984. However, he demonstrated his resilience and made a comeback in 1987 when he signed a new contract with Trojan Records, where he continues to record to this day. In 1993, Dekker released the ska hits album "King Of Kings" with former members of The Specials, showcasing his enduring talent as a performer.

While Dekker may never reach the heights of his late 1960s success again, his contribution to Jamaican music remains unparalleled. His perseverance and unique sound have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Desmond Dekker will always be remembered as a pioneer and icon of Jamaican music.