Calypso is a true product of Caribbean, at the heart of the Caribbean. Trinidad & Tobago is famous for being the home of calypso and in the 1920's, it was the dominant style of music throughout the Caribbean. Calypso, is thought to be derived from ‘kaiso' a similar West African style of music, with its stories being passed on in song. Calypso music is a form of social commentary, full of sharp wit and verbal dexterity, and has inspired other Caribbean music styles, including reggae, soca and rapso.
One of the first recordings of calypso by the 'Lovey's Orchestra' in 1912. More were to follow, during the 1930s, you could hear the sounds of Lord Caresser, Lord Executor, Mighty Growler, Lord Invader; Roaring Lion, Duke of Iron; Mighty Destroyer, Chieftain Douglas and many more.
Recording and international distribution of calypso music increased and the sound became internationally popular inspiring popular music of the day. Calypso music was hugely popular not only in the Caribbean and the UK but it had taken America by storm, with Harry Belafonte’s 1958 Calypso, which was the first album to sell over one million copies. It was Lord Invader who penned the famous "Rum and Coca-Cola" popularised by the ‘Andrews Sisters’ However, by the early 60’s Calypso had been, replaced by the popular music of the next generation, and became a sound for revival nights.
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