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The growth of the American record industry has depended, in part, on
an ongoing search for new musical styles to package for domestic and overseas
markets. In 1956-57 calypso became the industry's music of choice.
Dozens of calypso singles and albums were quickly
released by a wide variety of artists. Though there were records by Caribbean
performers, such as the Duke of Iron and Lord Flea, the great majority
featured American singers. Artists ranged from popular singers, such as
Nat "King" Cole and Ella Fitzgerald, to folk revival singers,
such as the Tarriers and Stan Wilson. By 1957 calypso represented one
fourth of popular record sales in the U.S.
The entertainment industry initially believed that
calypso would lead to the demise of another new music: rock and roll.
But the national calypso craze soon faded.
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Josephine Premice
Stan Wilson
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