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Desmond Dekker & The Aces
According to a legendary song by Toots & the Maytals, "Desmond Dekker Came First." While that may not be true from a historical standpoint (Laurel Aitken recorded what are widely considered the first ska records in the late '50s), Dekker was certainly the first Jamaican artist to find widespread international success, and is undeniably one of the most important figures in ska and reggae music. Dekker's first single, 1963's "Honour Your Mother and Father," topped the charts in his native Jamaica, and got him signed to the then-upstart reggae label, Island. By 1966, he was a star in the UK, as well, with the classic "007 (Shanty Town)" making the British Top 20.

Dekker's real international breakthrough, though, was the soulful classic "Israelites." Produced by Dekker's most noted collaborator, the legendary Leslie Kong, the spiritual 1969 single hit number one in Jamaica, the UK, Canada, and a number of other countries, and even made the US Top Ten. While he'd never again reach such lofty heights in the US, Dekker remained popular in the UK and Jamaica through the early '70s, with such Top Ten hits as "A It Mek" and a cover of Jimmy Cliff's "You Can Get It If You Really Want It." While Kong's death in 1971 was a major blow to Dekker both personally and professionally, the inclusion of "007 (Shanty Town)" on the soundtrack to the classic 1972 film The Harder They Come kept him in the public eye for a time. However, after moving to England, Dekker found himself virtually unknown by the end of the '70s.

With the UK ska revival of the early '80s, though, Dekker suddenly found himself in the midst of a renaissance. Signing with Stiff Records (home of UK ska legends Madness), he released two albums, including 1980's well-received Black & Dekker, and toured with Graham Parker's band, the Rumour, as his back-up. Unfortunately, this turn of fortunes was as short lived as the 2 Tone movement itself, and by the late-'80s, he was semi-retired and nearly bankrupt.

Luckily, in 1990, "Israelites" was picked up for use in a UK commercial for Maxell tapes, and again in 1992 for Vitalite margarine. Amazingly, the commercials revived Dekker's popularity in the UK, and in 1993, he recorded a new album of classic ska songs, backed by members of the Specials. Since then, he's continued to write, record, and tour, and continues to be a vital performer well into his late fifties.


Desmond Dekker & The Aces	Israelites	LiquidAudio	Reggae
Truly one of the greatest reggae songs ever recorded, the spiritual soulfulness of this international Top 10 smash can still send chills down your spine - more than 30 years after its original release.