The King of Ska: The Early Singles Collection, 1963-1966 (Vinyl 7" Boxset)

In 1963, a 21-year-old welder with dreams of becoming a full-time singer-songwriter, auditioned for one of Jamaica's new elite record producers, Leslie Kong, owner of the recently launched Beverley's Records label. After performing a number of original compositions, a deal was secured and within weeks, Desmond Adolphus Dacres saw his name in print as "Desmond Dekker" on the label of what would prove to be the first of what would be a catalogue of 7" singles.
The record, which coupled two of his own songs, "Honour Your Mother And Father' and 'Madgie', became an instant best-seller and heralded the beginning of a long and immensely successful fun of singles by Dekker, both as a solo artist and. Later, as lead singer for The Aces. To mark what would have been Desmond's 80th birthday on 16th July 2021, this deluxe, limited edition box set comprises faithful reproductions of his first ten 7" singles for Kong's Beverley's labels. Each of the singles are presented in stylishly designed sturdy card sleeves, while the set is further enhanced by a stunning 14" x 14" poster of the box set cover, with the alternate side featuring a fascinating essay by respected music journalist Tony Rounce and career on Desmond's career and music.

All 'RSD Drop 1' titles will be available for purchase in store from 8am Saturday 12th June. Online sales for remaining stock will start at 6pm 12th June.

Condition
Media: Mint (M)
Sleeve: Mint (M)

Our Grading Standards
We grade all vinyl using the Goldmine standard:
Mint (M): Perfect, unplayed condition.
Near Mint (NM): Nearly perfect with minimal signs of handling.
Very Good Plus (VG+): Shows light signs of play but plays with minimal surface noise. The most common grade for collectable vinyl.
Very Good (VG): Noticeable marks and some surface noise, but still an enjoyable listen.
Good (G): Heavy wear — for collectors only.

All records are graded visually and by play. Media and sleeve are graded separately.

About Peckham Soul

Visit our physical store at Linnégatan 2, 413 04 Göteborg.
Mon–Tue 11:00–18:00 · Wed–Thu 11:00–18:30 · Fri 11:00–20:30 · Sat 11:00–17:00 · Sun Closed.

We're a specialist vintage vinyl shop with roots in Peckham, London. From our Swedish store we ship across Europe and the EU. Every record in our collection is individually sourced, inspected, and graded. We stock soul, funk, jazz, reggae, punk, indie, psych and beyond — always original pressings, always honestly described.

Shipping & Returns
We ship carefully packed in rigid mailers to protect your record in transit. If a record arrives not as described, we'll sort it — no hassle.