BY KANDRÉ MCDONALD, Freelance Writer
The three-man singing group, Desmond Dekker and the Aces, is seen before departing on a tour of the United Kingdom, New York, Germany and Ireland, at the Palisadoes Airport. (From left) Winston Samuels, Desmond Dekker and Easton Howard. - FILE
NATIONAL SONG COMPETITION 1968 winner Desmond Dekker died yesterday morning at 4 a.m. in England.
Dekker, who was born Desmond Adolphus Dacres on July 17, 1941, in Jamaica, died suddenly of a heart attack leaving family members and friends in shock. According to his manager Delroy Williams, Dekker was not ill prior to his death.
"He was not sick, he simply died suddenly this morning from a heart attack," he outlined. His sister also confirmed this notion adding that he complained of being tired after returning from his last tour of Germany.
Dekker has not only left behind family and friends but also a long list of tour dates stretching to November 18 this year. Information retrieved from his website desmonddekker.com revealed that he has dates in Poland, Belgium, London, Sweden, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, Ireland, Switzerland, and several other countries.
The next date listed on Dekker's website for him to perform is June 2, at the Respect Festival in the Czech Republic. These dates will now never be realised.
Desmond Dekker rose to prominence in the late 1960s first with Honour Your Mother and Father, which was done under the watchful eyes of Derrick Morgan. Other hits such as Israelites, Oh Oh Seven, Shanty Town, It Mek, Writing on the Wall and Unity, followed in later years.
According to his sister it has not been ascertained as to where Dekker will be buried as some of his family members may still not be aware of his death.
"I am not sure where he is going to be bury him. I will be talking to daughter who is in England tomorrow (today) so we can decide where we are going to burry him. I am also sorry that some of his relatives had to hear about his death over the radio," she said.
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