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On this day in Jamaican history: Desmond Dekker

Desmond Dekker

Desmond Dekker

On this day in Jamaican history:  On July 16, 1941 ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter- musician was born in Kingston, Jamaica. Together with his backing group, The Aces, he had one of the first international Jamaican hits with “Israelites”. Other hits include “007 (Shanty Town)” (1967) and “It Miek” (1969). Before the ascent of Bob Marley, Dekker was one of the most popular musicians within Jamaica, and one of the best-known musicians outside it. Desmond Dekker passed away on May 25, 2006.

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