World Music Cenntral reports that Desmond Dekker, the Jamaican singer who became popular worldwide with the hit songs 'The Israelites' and 'Intensified' died May 25 in the morning. He suffered a heart attack on stage during a soundcheck in Dublin, Ireland.

Desmond Dekker (born Desmond Adolphus Dacres in Kingston, Jamaica on July 16, 1941) was a ska and reggae singer and songwriter. Together with his backing group, The Aces (consisting of Wilson James and Easton Barrington Howard), he had the first international Jamaican hit with 'Israelites'. Other hits include '007 (Shanty Town)' (1967), and 'It Mek' (1968).

Before the ascent of Bob Marley, Desmond Dekker was the best-known Jamaican musician outside of his country, and one of the most popular within it.