Rich-TWSC- Posted May 26, 2006 Report Share Posted May 26, 2006 True legend of Ska and Reggae.Reggae legend Desmond Dekker dies Israelites was the first reggae song to top the UK charts Reggae legend Desmond Dekker has died suddenly from a heart attack, his manager has announced. The 64-year-old Jamaican, best known for his 1969 hit Israelites, collapsed at his Surrey home. Manager Delroy Williams said the performer had seemed fine when they met a day earlier. "It is such a shock. I don't think I will ever get over this," he said, adding that Dekker led the way for reggae stars such as Bob Marley. "Desmond was the first legend, believe it or not. When he released Israelites nobody had heard of Bob Marley - he paved the way for all of them." The star was divorced with a son and daughter. Peaceful He had been due to perform at the Respect Festival in Prague on 2 June, and numerous dates across Europe during the summer. His last concert was at Leeds Metropolitan University on 11 May. "He was at his peak fitness, he had this big tour coming up for this summer and he was looking forward to it - and then that was it," Mr Williams said. "He died peacefully but it still hurts. I was his manager and his best friend. I don't think anyone knew how close we were - we go back so far." He added: "I didn't even get the chance to say goodbye properly." Chart-topper Dekker was born on 16 July 1941 in Kingston, Jamaica, and began his working life as a welder before turning to singing full-time. Dekker's hits included Israelites, It Mek and 007 (Shanty Town) His band Desmond Dekker and the Aces topped the UK charts with Israelites, which also made the US top 10. He moved to the UK in the '70s, later recording the hit You Can Get It If You Really Want, written by Jimmy Cliff. The musician's popularity waned in the late '70s and '80s, and Dekker was declared bankrupt in 1984. But a new version of Israelites was released in 1990 and used in television commercials, boosting the star's popularity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barry_manc Posted May 26, 2006 Report Share Posted May 26, 2006 The guys a legend that is a crying shame, would have loved to be at his last gig, a true pioneer who revolutionised reggae. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vespa Red Posted May 26, 2006 Report Share Posted May 26, 2006 A damn shame. I know a number of people who saw him play at a number of scooter rallies over the years. A true legend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KevinC Posted May 26, 2006 Report Share Posted May 26, 2006 Very sad, the end of an era Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RED4LIFE Posted May 26, 2006 Report Share Posted May 26, 2006 RIP Desmond. You will live on forever through your music.A great loss to music. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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