15 Facts About Desmond Dekker

Desmond Dekker's workplace singing had drawn the attention of his co-workers, who encouraged him to pursue a career in music.

Meanwhile, Desmond Dekker spotted the talent of Bob Marley, a fellow welder, and brought the youth to Kong's attention.

Desmond Dekker's fourth hit, "King of Ska", made him into one of the island's biggest stars.

In 1968 Desmond Dekker's "Israelites" was released, eventually topping the UK Singles Chart in April 1969 and peaking in the top ten of the US Billboard Hot 100 in June 1969.

Desmond Dekker was the first Jamaican artist to have a hit record in the US with Jamaican-style music.

In 1970 Desmond Dekker released "You Can Get It If You Really Want", written by Jimmy Cliff, which reached No 2 in the UK charts.

Desmond Dekker was initially reluctant to record the track but was eventually persuaded to do so by Leslie Kong.

Desmond Dekker's version uses the same backing track as Cliff's original.

Desmond Dekker had begun working on new material with the production duo Bruce Anthony in 1974.

The 1980s found Desmond Dekker signed to a new label, Stiff Records, an independent label that specialized in punk and new wave acts as well as releases associated with the 2 Tone label, whose acts instigated a short-lived but influential ska revival.

Desmond Dekker collaborated with the Specials on the 1993 album, King of Kings, which was released under Desmond Dekker and the Specials.

Desmond Dekker collaborated on a remix of "Israelites" with reggae artist Apache Indian.

Desmond Dekker died of a heart attack on 25 May 2006, at his home in Thornton Heath in the London Borough of Croydon, England, aged 64 and was buried at Streatham Park Cemetery.

Desmond Dekker was preparing to headline The World Music Festival in Prague.

The 2006 to 2015 line-up for Desmond Dekker's backing band, The Aces, who are still performing tribute concerts, includes:.