Desmond Dekker, one of the most influential singers to come out of Jamaica, maintained a remarkable singing career from the early 1960s until his death in 2006. Dekker was known for developing the "slightly behind the beat" style that became a hallmark of reggae's unique sound. This made his music an essential template for any aspiring reggae singer or songwriter.

If you want to sing like Dekker, start by analyzing your voice with the Vocal range test. Knowing your range will give you an idea of which of his songs would be the best fit. Then, take the Pitch accuracy test to determine how well you can sing in tune. Both tests can be accessed at Singing Carrots.

Next, focus on breath support and relaxation, essential components of Desmond Dekker's sound. Take a look at the Singing Carrots articles "Breathing basics" and "Breath support". Then, work on opening your mouth and throat while singing, head to the Singing Carrots article "Open mouth & throat". This will help you achieve Dekker's relaxed style and sound.

When it comes to singing like Desmond Dekker, rhythm is key. Devon's unique syncopated phrasing comes from his mastery of Jamaican rhythms and syncopation, which he blended with American soul in a way that changed reggae forever. To achieve something similar, you might want to check out "Contemporary vocal techniques: Heavy modal, Twang, Belting" where you can learn more about techniques to give a little bit of an edge to your singing style.

To get a sense of Desmond Dekker's unique vocal technique, study some of his songs, such as his hits "The Israelites," "007 (Shanty Town)," and "It Mek." Links for Desmond Dekker and his music can be found in the Singing Carrots’ Song-book.

Finally, if you want to enhance your singing skills even more, Singing Carrots offers a 21-lesson comprehensive singing course that covers theory and practical tips. You might be interested in checking out "Educational singing course".