Cultural Pursuits

Anniversary of Calypso on the Billboards

On Saturday the 18^th May, 2013, our music industry would celebrate another milestone, that of adapted versions of calypso reaching the top spot(s) on Billboard charts.

All Recording Artists/Songwriters are aware a song reaching the billboard charts is a sign of a major accomplishment.   The Billboard charts have been around since the early 1940’s. To date these charts remain a tool in determining a song’s worldwide popularity.

In May 18^th, 1963 a song known as ‘If you wanna be Happy’, sung by American Jimmy Soul,  hit # 1 on the  Billboard Hot 100 charts. The significance of this happening to Trinidad and Tobago is the fact the song is based on a calypso ‘Ugly Woman’ originally written and composed, in 1933, by calypsonian Roaring Lion. It was recorded by him in 1934. Frank Guardia was the person who modified Ugly Woman, thus creating ‘If you wanna be happy’ andcreated history for the calypso. It went on to be featured in several movies including Mermaids, released in 1990 and My Best Friend’s Wedding, released in 1997.

Prior to this, there were other adapted Calypsoes also on the Billboard Charts.  Roaring Lion’s Marry Ann was composed in 1945. In 1957 both The Hilltoppers and Terry Gilkyson & the Easy Riders did versions. On February 9th 1957, The Hilltoppers’ version reached #3, while on April 6th, 1957 Terry Gilkyson’s version reached # 4 on the Billboard charts.  Rum ‘n’ Coca Cola is another example of an adapted Calypso that reached the charts in 1945, in fact it was #1. It was written by Lord Invader, composed by Lionel Belasco and that version was sung by the Andrew Sisters.

 Between the 1930’s to the 1950’s, Calypso music had a widespread presence internationally. Prominent American entertainers would often re-record Calypsoes written and composed by Trinibagonian Calypsonians. A noteworthy example of such an occurrence was when famed actor Robert Mitchum re-recorded the calypso ‘Ugly Woman’ in 1957 and renamed it ‘Logical Point of View ‘. Hollywood also used several calypsoes in films between 1940 to 1955.

Among these adapted versions is the very popular ‘Jump in the Line’.  This was recorded by Harry Belafonte  in 1961 under the name Shake Shake Senora. It was released on the album ‘Jump up Calypso’ and was later featured in the films Beetlejuice in 1998 and The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning  in 2008. Among the many other versions, the song was covered by American ska-swing band the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies for the soundtrack to the movie Basketball in 1998. It was sampled by Pitbull, featuring Sean Paul and T Pain, off his 2011 album, ‘Planet Pit’.

Barrack Yard Productions takes this opportunity to highlight these events and we  salute the late Roaring Lion for his contributions to our musical legacy..

Went to the launch of “Bread” at the historic Trinidad Theatre workshop. it was great! I encourage you to get the album, it is totally relevant local music, produced right here.

you can purchase album tracks and /or ringtones here: http://www.reverbnation.com/gyazette

 All photos  by Andre Bagoo.

2012 has more to celebrate other than 50 years of Independence. This  year also marks 100 years of us having a recording industry. To  commemorate this, I will be posting a series of “firsts” occurrences and/or events in the context of the recording history of our country. RIATT, the organisation  responsible for bringing this to my attention, has indicated this milestone will be  celebrated with a series of events; the first to be a re-creation of Lovey’s Band later this  year. Stay tuned to this space for more information.

First Band to be recorded from Trinidad and Tobago:

 Lovey’s Band 1912

 In June 1912, George Bailey led Lovey’s String Band to the US where they recorded for both Columbia and Victor Records. That first recording was of Mango Vert.

Lovey’s Band was made up entirely of stringed instruments; they played calypsoes and related styles. Lovey’s Band was the leading string band to play for colonial balls and other elite events. The Band was originally formed during the 1890s and continued performing until the early 1920s.  Its Members were:

·         Walter Edwards – clarinet; George R. L. Bailey & L. Betancourt – violin; P. Branche – flute; C. Eugene Bernier & F. A. Harte – cuarto; Patrick L. Johnson –bass; Cleto Chacha –braga; Louis Schneider –tiple; Donald Black & L. Demile –guitar; Egbert Bertie Butcher – piano.

Some other early recordings include: Trinidad Paseo, Petrol and Sara, Mari-Juana and Manuelita.

The 1912 recording of the song Manuelita has been included in the US Government’s inaugural ‘Top-50’ list of recordings to be preserved in perpetuity by the Library of Congress.

The archive was created to preserve recordings that are culturally, historically or aesthetically significant. Lovey’s work ranks as the only listed recording by a non-American, to be included in this listingwhich includes the likes of : Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane, Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Bing Crosby, The Great Caruso, George Gershwin, Bessie Smith, Cannonball Adderley, Bob Dylan, the father of gospel music Thomas Dorsey, and latter-day rap pioneers, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.

Yet another notable fact is Mango Vert was recorded a good five years before the first jazz recordings in the US; which was in 1917.  This gives credence to Trinidad and Tobago having one of the oldest recording industries in the world.

Lovey’s Trinidad String Band shares a space in history representing the Trinibagonian rhythm in a collection that features virtually every music genre from classical to avant garde to jazz.

“a powerful, positive, soul to soul message”

Rizon has always striven to make his life a positive example for the younger generation and his visibility as a recording artiste has afforded him further opportunities to share his message. With numerous invitations as a motivational speaker, he believes these occasions complement his efforts through music to offer guidance and inspiration. This dedication to youth and the improvement of their social and spiritual consciousness has been seen as a genuine passion and strengthened his place as an ambassador for the youth.

The popularity of Rizon’s music has defied all expectations. His themes are not considered mainstream yet the universality of his message coupled with a unique musical style has captured the attention of music lovers in the Caribbean and beyond, achieving both commercial and critical acclaim, including his live performances, for which he has been described by one journalist as ‘a powerhouse’.

Rizon has established himself in the music industry as a distinctly conscious voice. With sharp lyrical compositions; evocative images; refreshing musical structures; a powerful, effervescent personality; and a fierce resolve to confront the violence and moral corruption that has become so prevalent in Trinbagonian society and the world at large. Rizon is set to create a lasting impact on the Caribbean music scene, an ambassador with a distinctive sound and an eternal message.

see more of Rizon: http://www.rizonmusic.com

rizonmusic.com twitter.com/rizonmusic facebook.com/rizonmusic youtube.com/rizon001

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To commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Recording Industry of Trinidad and Tobago, RIATT, in association with Barrack Yard Productions, proposes to create a documentary highlight the milestones of the century. From 1912 to 2012. That’s quite a lot of music to look forward to!

 An exhibition will also be set up.

 If you have any old records or recordings to share contact RIATT at 678 5579 or drop a line on this blog or visit both the Recording Industry Association of Trinidad and Tobago’s as well as  Barrack Yard Productions  pages on Facebook.