CALYPSO: A WORLD MUSIC
HISTORICAL MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN FLORIDA
Introduction
Calypso in Trinidad
International Calypso
Artists
Songs
Calypso Today

Calypso in America

album cover
Houdini album

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

 

Around 1900 Trinidadians and other peoples from the English-speaking Caribbean began migrating to the United States, in search of economic and educational opportunities. Most settled in northeastern cities, particularly New York, where a vibrant Caribbean community developed.

Among the Trinidadian musicians who moved to New York and promoted calypso were pianist / bandleader Lionel Belasco, singer Sam Manning, guitarist / bandleader Gerald Clark and the calypsonian Houdini. These and other artists provided music for Caribbean community events in Harlem, but also performed for non-Caribbean audiences.

Calypso began to gain a wider American audience during the 1930s, when top calypsonians from Trinidad, such as Atilla the Hun and the Roaring Lion, traveled to New York to record. During the 1930s and 1940s, calypsonians also performed in nightclubs and made appearances on radio shows.

International Calypso
The United States:

Calypso in America
The Calypso Craze
Publishing Calypso
Calypso Shows
Calypso in the Movies

 

photo of Manning
Sam Manning

record label
Sam Manning record

photo
The Roaring Lion
 

record label - click to enlarge
"Guests of Rudy Vallee"

album cover
Calypso album