In the sixties, big , powerful steelbands ruled the road on Carnival day, and they determined the most popular tunes for the Carnival.As a result,. there were rumors about calypsonians paying steelbands to"beat" their tunes on Carnival days so that they could win the coveted Road March title and prize money.The Mighty Stalin as he was then known was more familiar to us "limers" in Marabella than to the whole country, and was just emerging as a nationally known singer, and this may have been his first hit.As a matter of fact, this tune was not that well known when it was chosen by San Fernando's Silvertones Steel Orchestra as their calypso of choice in the 1967 music festival, but it could be considered a great pan tune.(Silvertones placed second in the unsponsored category)
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. I remember seeing Leroy limin' by Union Road junction in Marabella, looking sharp in the days when sagaboys used to wear stingy brim hats and "short of a length" tight pants, even before I knew he was a calypsonian.( Or maybe he was waiting for a Gasparillo taxi)
The accusation was about Sparrow's "Melda" which is ironic, since the Beverly Griffith arrangement of that tune by Despers won the Panorama in '66, and it is today considered a classic panorama tune.
GRJ. Do the answer come from the Calypso by Lord Melody " Desperadoes made ah mistake, de tune dat dey play was wrong. How could dey leave out Kitchener....." " But dey looking for money, dey accepting bribery and one day Sparrow pay." He had to pay his way like he did with Mae Mae, you must realize dat is Desperadoes wey give him de prize". Lets hear from others before you reveal the answers. Nice one GRJ.
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Nice.
Waiting to see who can answer Glenroy's questions !
Allyuh remember those days?
When, according to Stalin and others, calypsonians were so desperate for steelband support, they would actually bribe bands to play their tune?
Think about that!!
A great , early pan calypso by the Mighty (Black) Stalin.
I love this calypso
. I remember seeing Leroy limin' by Union Road junction in Marabella, looking sharp in the days when sagaboys used to wear stingy brim hats and "short of a length" tight pants, even before I knew he was a calypsonian.( Or maybe he was waiting for a Gasparillo taxi)
Who knew the heights he would reach?
You're right, Steve.
The accusation was about Sparrow's "Melda" which is ironic, since the Beverly Griffith arrangement of that tune by Despers won the Panorama in '66, and it is today considered a classic panorama tune.
All right , you pan people, let's see if you know your stuff.
Which calypsonian is he singing about?
And which (big name) steelband?
I may even add what well known calypso?
Ian Franklin, you like riddles, let's see you get this one:)