Jamaican singer (1941-2006). Born Desmond Adolphus Dacres in Saint Andrew, Jamaica. Among the most internationally successful ska and rocksteady artists of the late 1960s.
Released over 20 studio albums between 007 (Shanty Town) (1967) and Halfway to Paradise (1999). Best-known single: "Israelites" (1968), the first Jamaican-recorded song to top the UK Singles Chart and the first reggae song to reach the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Other significant hits: "007 (Shanty Town)," "It Mek," and "Sing a Little Song."
