Desmond Dekker – Essential Artist Collection (2 CD)

Two CDs. Long before Bob Marley’s rise to pre-eminence, the title of the world’s leading reggae performer rested firmly with another young singer from Kingston, Jamaica: Desmond Dekker. Between 1967 and 1970, Desmond enjoyed a succession of international hit singles, breaking new ground with singles such as ‘007’, the first Jamaican-produced single to break into the UK top twenty, and ‘Israelites’, the first reggae single to reach the Number One spot in Britain and to breach the US chart. Further triumphs followed thereafter, with major chart hits including ‘It Mek’, ‘Pickney Gal’, ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want’ and ‘Sing A Little Song’, all of which cemented his place in history as Jamaica’s first global superstar. All these works, along with the best of his remaining recordings from the ska, rock steady and reggae eras are featured on this compilation, featuring extensive liner notes and imagery, the set pays due respect to the original King of Reggae and superbly demonstrates the immense talent that set Desmond Dekker apart from his peers during the Golden Age of Jamaican music.