Desmond Dekker – Essential Artist Collection LP

The original King of Reggae, Desmond Dekker, brought the sound of Jamaica to the world through a string of international hits, with his music appearing on the British pop charts no fewer than seven times between 1967 and 1975. This incredible string of hits included “007,” “It Mek,” “Pickney Gal,” “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” “Sing A Little Song,” and “Israelites”—the first recording produced in Jamaica to top the British 7-inch singles chart. All of these essential recordings are included on “The Essential Artist Collection,” which also features the best of his other work, with nearly every track being a major Jamaican hit.

This is a carefully curated collection that highlights Desmond Dekker’s influence on ska, rocksteady, and early reggae. With standout tracks like “Israelites” and “007 (Shanty Town),” it captures the sound that helped introduce Jamaican music to an international audience.

This is a more compact version of the 2023 “Essential Collection.” The release offers a clear, warm sound and serves as a concise overview of Dekker’s most important recordings—a reliable addition for collectors and an ideal introduction for anyone looking to discover classic reggae.
(BMG/ 2026)

Tracklist:
A1 (Poor Mi) Israelites
A2 You Can Get It If You Really Want
A3 007 (Shanty Town)
A4 It Mek (UK Mix)
A5 Fu Man Chu
A6 King Of Ska
A7 Intensified '68 (Music Like Dirt)
B1 Unity
B2 Get Up Adina Aka Get Up Edina
B3 Licking Stick
B4 It Pays
B5 Pickney Gal
B6 Sign A Little Song
B7 Jamaica Ska