A Classic Gone: RIP
From the Wall Street Journal:
Ska Legend Dekker Dies
Desmond Dekker, legendary purveyor of ska, the Jamaican music known for its skittering rhythms and liquid basslines, died at his home in England of an apparent heart attack. He was 64 years old. Mr. Dekker's 1969 song "Israelites" was a Top 10 hit in both the U.S. and U.K., and though further global chart success would prove largely elusive, his influence extended to many branches of pop music. Mr. Dekker was a hero to the British punk musicians who embraced reggae's sonic palette and revolutionary imagery, and he was also a pioneer of the so-called rude boy sound, which like so much of the hip-hop music that was heralded by mid-20th century Jamaican music both celebrated and subtly bemoaned the hard knocks of street life.
Note: I've been trying to get Israelites to play here but no luck.
Update: Now it plays but I can't get the controller to show up. Well, turn the sound down for a couple of minutes if you can't deal.
Other update: I think I've got it.
