https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmvQ0ElPKDg
The Merrymen started in Barbados in 1962 as a four man band playing traditional Barbadian Calypso and folk music. Robin Hunte (tenor guitar and electric mandolin), Stephen Fields (guitar and vocals), and Emile Straker (lead vocalist, guitar and steel pan) started a trio and then Chris Gibbs (Bass Guitar) joined a few months later. Of course, all that glitters is not gold and they had social barriers to hurdle in those early years. As White Barbadians, they were accused by the lower class of exploiting the African-Barbadian culture. And as White Barbadians they were accused by Whites and the Middle Class as stooping to the lowest rungs of society performing Barbadian Folk and Calypso.
But Emile Straker had his eyes on the prize and an unbending will to succeed as a musician. And Chris Gibbs turned down a swimming scholarship to attend a University in the United States in order to remain with the MERRYMEN. Together they had the guts and gumption to go with a dream and ride a tropical tide, seemingly forever.
The group would go on to perform for over FIFTY YEARS delivering their farewell performance in 2013. Their musical accomplishments are too much to mention. Global Demand for their performances were still at a fever pitch even when they walked away from a half a century of taking calypso and Caribbean Folk music around the world.
What the public does not know is how many private performances the MERRYMEN did around the globe for some of the world’s most famous personalities. They also owned their own recording company and made millions of dollars selling and performing CALYPSO for THE WORLD. At home they built financial empires that will leave their families wealthy for generations to come.
This video gives a glimpse into the MERRYMEN EXPERIENCE from the horse’s mouth. It is tragic that Robin Hunte died so soon after his retirement.
Replies
I grew up listening to the music of the Merrymen. I remember their leader Mr Straker who has immortalized some great whistling improvisations in the music. RIP Robin
Bob Diaz,
You know Daddy had daughters who were never allowed to play music. It's a shame, I could have been a great musician.
It's never too late, June. A million free classes on the INTERNET on any instrument you want. GO FOR IT!!!