Sparrow, Nelson go Under The Trees

The duo will come together again, tomorrow, Under The Trees at The Normandie Hotel in St Ann’s.

They will be joined by immensely talented three-time junior calypso monarch Aaron Duncan, and upcoming chutney/ soca artiste chef Jason Peru. Making a special appearance will be former national calypso monarch Gypsy (Winston Peters), all backed by The A Team Band.

Born in Tobago in 1930, Lord Nelson was a panman and calypsonian before carving out a place for himself as an innovative force in soca. He moved to the United States as a teenager. He served in the Korean War, and during his tour of duty he sang calypso, ballads and other popular material for his fellow troops. In the late 1950s Nelson began playing with a Stateside steelband, but singing eventually became his main focus.

Meeting fellow calypsonian, Mighty Duke in 1963 and later on the Mighty Sparrow, influenced Nelson to carve out a niche for himself within the calypso fraternity of the United States. Nelson’s early calypsoes exhibited a unique sound, which was strongly influenced by the American funk he was hearing.

He scored hits with songs such as Garrot Bounce, Stella, King Liar, Bald Head Rasta and Disco Daddy which were hailed by critics as innovative with Nelson being heralded as one of the best-loved calypsonians of the day. He is also credited as being the first calypsonian to introduce computerised instruments in his music.

He found a great deal of popularity, to the extent that in 1989 he won the title of Uncrowned King in a competition for off-island artistes at Trinidad’s annual Carnival.

In 1990 he signed with Shanachie, which ensured good distribution for his music, and he was able to go global with his sound.

Lord Nelson is also the uncle of another young soca/rapso artist, Mojah. Nelson, now 84-years-old, continues to perform.

At 81 years, Sparrow continues to demonstrate a knack to be able to please the rhythmic palate of an audience with ease with selections from his extensive lists of hits and favourites.

His fans have been describing him as still being a vibrant entertainer with incredible talent and unlimited skills.