Desmond Dekker

The Profile

Desmond Dekker (born Desmond Adolphus Dacres) was a Jamaican ska and rocksteady singer-songwriter whose international hits—including Israelites, 007 (Shanty Town), It Mek, and You Can Get It If You Really Want—helped bring Jamaican music to worldwide audiences.

Born 16 July 1941 in Saint Andrew Parish, Jamaica; died 25 May 2006 in London, England. Pioneering ska/rocksteady artist; collaborated with producer Leslie Kong; scored international hits with Israelites (1968/69), 007 (Shanty Town) (1967), It Mek (1969), and You Can Get It If You Really Want (1970).

Desmond Dekker is a Jamaican ska and rocksteady pioneer best known for Israelites, 007 (Shanty Town), It Mek, and You Can Get It If You Really Want. A defining voice of late-60s Jamaican music, he brought ska/rocksteady into global charts. On DeBaser, we currently have no reviews for him.