Jamaican Legend Desmond Dekker Dies at 64

Jamaica – Desmond Dekker, the singer who became popular
worldwide with the hit songs “The Israelites” and “Intensified” died May 25 in
the morning. He suffered a heart attack at home. Dekker, who lived in England, was 64.

Desmond Dekker (born Desmond Adolphus Dacres in Kingston, Jamaica on July 16,
1941) was a ska and reggae singer and songwriter. Together with his backing
group, The Aces (consisting of Wilson James and Easton Barrington Howard), he
had the first international Jamaican hit with “Israelites”. Other hits include
“007 (Shanty Town)” (1967), and “It Mek” (1968).

Before the ascent of Bob Marley, Desmond Dekker was the best-known Jamaican
musician outside of his country, and one of the most popular within it.

Dekker was divorced and is survived by a son and a daughter.