Songwriter Everard Leon turns 70

Leon, who played cricket for QPCC, was serenaded by Relator, and toasted by his friends and relatives, who all had a most enjoyable time, and like myself, appreciated having a first hand view of the total upgrade that has been going on behind the walls of the Oval.

Within recent years, Leon has had the privilege of his music being used by the Lydian Singers at their annual Christmas performances, and in 2003 wrote “My Gift On Your 25th,” for the group in celebration of its silver anniversary.

Pat Bishop, choir director, said at the time, “Mr Leon has been very generous in sharing his music with the choir. This is the third piece he has given us.” The previous year Leon, an incurable romantic, wrote “The Midnight Waltz” especially for the Lydians “in an attempt to bring the waltz back into Old Year’s night.”

The founding member of Dixieland Steel Orchestra who can neither read nor write music, started off writing poetry and would appear as guest singer on Radio Trinidad’s Hi Neighbour programme from time to time.

Realising that there was more to poetry and wanting to put music to words, Leon started to marry melody and lyrics without any formal training whatever, and now has many unpublished song in his files.

On the other hand, another composition “No one should be alone at Christmas” has not been recorded for sale, but has been sung by Wendy Sheppard at functions. Leon is married to Beverly, is father to six, and grandfather of seven.