Calypso and Other Music of Trinidad, 1912–1962

Calypso, with its diverse cultural heritage, was the most significant Caribbean musical form from World War I to Trinidad and Tobago Independence in 1962. Though wildly popular in mid–1950s America, Calypso—along with other music from “the island of the hummingbird”—has been largely neglected or forgotten. This first-ever discography of the first 50 years of Trinidadian music includes all the major artists, as well as many obscure performers. Chronological entries for 78 rpm recordings give bibliographical references, periodicals, websites and the recording locations. Rare field recordings are cataloged for the first time, including East Indian and Muslim community performances and Shango and Voodoo rites. Appendices give 10-inch LP (78 rpm), 12-inch LP (33 1/3 rpm), extended play (ep) and 7-inch single (45) listings. Non-commercial field recordings, radio broadcasts and initially unissued sessions also are listed. The influence of Trinidadian music on film, and the “Calypso craze” are discussed. Audio sources are provided. Indexes list individual artists and groups, recording titles and labels.

Craig Martin Gibbs lives in Kyoto, Japan.

Compiled by Craig Martin Gibbs
Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 392
Bibliographic Info: appendices, bibliography, indexes
Copyright Date: 2015
pISBN: 978-0-7864-7851-4
eISBN: 978-1-4766-1931-6
Imprint: McFarland

Table of Contents


Acknowledgments vi

Preface 1

Introduction 2

Abbreviations 5

Location of Recordings 7

The Organization of the Discography 8

The Discography 11

Appendices

I. Earliest Known Recording of a Trinidadian Composer 145

II. Long Playing Records 146

III. Extended Play and Singles 207

IV. Noncommercial Field Recordings, Radio Broadcasts and Initially Unissued Sessions 268

V. Trinidadian Music on Film 322

VI. Calypso Craze: Three Sample Albums 325

VII. Audio Sources 327

Bibliography 335

Recording Titles Index 337

Commercial and Noncommercial Recordings Labels Index 373

Individual Artists and Group Names Index 376

“a carefully presented reference work of great importance to the subject…providing scholarly insights into a highly valuable and influential musical genre. Highly recommended”—Choice.