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Calypsoes from Trinidad Sung by Melody Prince, Vol. 2

by Nap Hepburn

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Marie 03:13
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Remember Me 02:45
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about

NAP HEPBURN (1925–2005)

Another largely overlooked calypsonian from the 1950s/60s (although he made a comeback and recorded into the soca era, issuing his final releases in 1991). Hepburn's identity has always been subject to confusion: although born Rudolf Nathaniel Hepburn, he recorded and performed first under the name Melody Prince, and then as Nap Hepburn. For the purposes of resolving any confusion, the artist is identified with both names on this release (one of two Hepburn collections).

Hepburn was a member of The March of Dimes Quartet, who backed many 1950s calypsonians on their recordings. The ensemble included Peter Pitts, Marjorie Johnson, and Laddie Prescott. Hepburn debuted as a solo calypsonian in 1955 and was a popular and influential calypso figure of that era. He had a smooth voice, a charming delivery, and a broad appeal. Nap's subject matter was typical of the genre, with songs about local and international politics, marriage and infidelity, misbehavior, saucy women and scheming men, romance, and Trinidadian pride.

Unlike many early calypsonians who freely appropriated and took credit for the songs of others, Hepburn's recordings invariably credited such writers as Lord Melody (Fitzroy Alexander), Vital Angel, Rocky Mc Collin, Reginald Joseph, and Nelson Caton.

This is the second of two collections of Hepburn recordings. The tracks originated from two LPs and a number of singles issued between 1957 and 1976.

credits

released January 17, 2022

Transfers and digital restoration from best available sources by Irwin Chusid

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Cosmic Spy Music Hoboken, New Jersey

Finding things on the scrapheap of history that we know don't belong there, and salvaging them.

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