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Ziggy
* Dog in the Sand *
United Kingdom
2494 Posts |
 Posted - 05/26/2006 : 02:15:50
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From BBC News
Reggae legend Desmond Dekker has died suddenly from a heart attack, his manager has announced.
The 64-year-old Jamaican, best known for his 1969 hit Israelites, collapsed at his Surrey home.
Manager Delroy Williams said the performer had seemed fine when they met a day earlier.
"It is such a shock. I don't think I will ever get over this," he said, adding that Dekker led the way for reggae stars such as Bob Marley.
"Desmond was the first legend, believe it or not. When he released Israelites nobody had heard of Bob Marley - he paved the way for all of them."
The star was divorced with a son and daughter.
Peaceful
He had been due to perform at the Respect Festival in Prague on 2 June, and numerous dates across Europe during the summer.
His last concert was at Leeds University on 11 May.
"He was at his peak fitness, he had this big tour coming up for this summer and he was looking forward to it - and then that was it," Mr Williams said.
"He died peacefully but it still hurts. I was his manager and his best friend. I don't think anyone knew how close we were - we go back so far."
He added: "I didn't even get the chance to say goodbye properly."
Chart-topper
Dekker was born on 16 July 1941 in Kingston, Jamaica, and began his working life as a welder before turning to singing full-time.
Dekker's hits included Israelites, It Mek and 007 (Shanty Town)
His band Desmond Dekker and the Aces topped the UK charts with Israelites, which also made the US top 10.
He moved to the UK in the '70s, later recording the hit You Can Get It If You Really Want, written by Jimmy Cliff.
The musician's popularity waned in the late '70s and '80s, and Dekker was declared bankrupt in 1984.
But a new version of Israelites was released in 1990 and used in television commercials, boosting the star's popularity.
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Cheeseman1000
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Iceland
8201 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2006 : 02:39:55
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Sad news, loving the Dekker.
 I have joined the Cult Of Frank/And I have dearly paid |
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vilainde
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Niue
7448 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2006 : 03:02:41
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:( R.I.P.
Just yesterday my sister showed me the Dour Festival programmation and I told her Desmond Dekker was not to be missed. He was supposed to play there on July 16th.
Denis
I love Guitar Wolf from the Erath! |
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Carl
- A 'Fifth' Catholic -
Ireland
11546 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2006 : 03:36:31
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I'm actually none too familiar with his music, but The Israelites is a classic. Sorry to hear this. RIP.
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1965
= Cult of Ray =
Australia
799 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2006 : 06:56:39
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R.I.P. ~ D.D.
"I WANT ROCK & ROLL"
(( I'm a Snake... cut in half 'cause I'm not the one you needed. )) |
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jimmy
= Cult of Ray =
USA
876 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2006 : 09:34:24
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I had never heard that song until a couple years ago when I saw Drugstore Cowboy- such a good movie and the song fits it perfectly.
"Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." JOHN 15:14 |
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R.I.P Desmond Dekker
