Desmond Dekker

Desmond Dekker was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singersongwriter and musician. Together with his backing group the Aces , he had one of the earliest international reggae hits with Israelites . Other hits include 007 , It Mek and You Can Get It If You Really Want .

Desmond Adolphus Dacres was born in Saint Andrew Parish , Jamaica, onJuly 1941. Dekker spent his early formative years in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica. From a very young age he would regularly attend the local church with his grandmother and aunt. This early religious upbringing as well as Dekkers enjoyment of singing hymns led to a lifelong religious commitment. Following his mothers death as a result of illness, he moved to the parish of St. Mary and then later to St. Thomas. While at St. Thomas, Dekker embarked on an apprenticeship as a tailor before returning to Kingston, where he secured employment as a welder. His workplace singing had drawn the attention of his coworkers, who encouraged him to pursue a career in the music industry. In 1961 he auditioned for Coxsone Dodd and Duke Reid , though neither audition was successful. The young unsigned vocalist then successfully auditioned for Leslie Kongs Beverleys record label and was awarded his first recording contract.

Source: Wikipedia