Desmond Dekker (1941–2006) was a pioneering Jamaican singer-songwriter whose energetic vocals and charismatic stage presence helped introduce ska and rocksteady to international audiences. Rising to fame in the 1960s with hits like “Israelites,” he became one of the first Jamaican artists to top charts worldwide. Dekker’s music, shaped by gospel, mento, and the rhythms of Kingston, blended social commentary with irresistible grooves. His distinctive style and global success paved the way for reggae’s expansion and cemented his legacy as one of Jamaica’s most influential musical trailblazers.