Desmond Dekker

Desmond Dekker (1941–2006) was a Jamaican singer and songwriter whose records helped bring ska and reggae to international audiences. Working with producer Leslie Kong, he recorded songs including 007 (Shanty Town), Israelites, It Mek and You Can Get It If You Really Want.

Israelites reached number one in Britain and the American top ten in 1969. His work with the Aces connected Jamaican vocal music with British audiences during the late 1960s. He subsequently toured and recorded with later Aces line-ups, including a long musical partnership with Leon Delroy Williams.