| CALYPSO: A WORLD MUSIC |
The BahamasPart 1 | Part 2
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International
Calypso
Caribbean & Latin America:  The Eastern Caribbean Jamaica The Bahamas The Virgin Islands Bermuda Latin America |
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The island chain of the Bahamas, in close proximity to the coast of Florida, became a major destination for North American and European tourists in the years after World War II. Many local musicians found work performing for tourists in nightclubs, hotels and outdoor settings. In addition, musicians migrated to the Bahamas from other islands. Band repertoires included a mix of traditional Bahamian songs, Trinidadian calypsos and other songs from the English-speaking Caribbean. Locals typically referred to this assortment of music as "goombay," while tourists called it "calypso." Tourists also enjoyed the masquerades and music of Junkanoo processions on Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year's Day. |
 Blind Blake songbook |
The best-known performer of goombay/calypso in the Bahamas from the 1930s
to the 1960s was Blake Alphonso Higgs, better known as "Blind Blake."
For much of his career, Blind Blake was based at the Royal Victoria Hotel
in Nassau. Included in his wide repertoire was "Love, Love Alone,"
a song (by Trinidadian calypsonian Caresser) about the abdication of Edward
VIII. Blind Blake's version of this calypso is said to have been enjoyed
by the former king himself, who, as the Duke of Windsor, served as Governor
of the Bahamas during World War II. |
 Blind Blake |
 Blind Blake album |
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Next: The Bahamas, part 2 |
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