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Trinidad Calypso Devil

by King Fighter

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1.
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4.
Envy 04:16
5.
Dollar Bill 03:13
6.
Quarkie 02:37
7.
Peace 03:16
8.
Beat He 03:26
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10.
They Want Me 03:32
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15.
Drink Again 02:58
16.
Scrive Me 03:10
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Surinam 03:05
21.
Pom-Pom 03:24
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24.
Silly Meal 02:59
25.

about

Born in Victoria Village, on the east coast of Guyana, Shirland (sometimes spelled Shurland) Wilson (March 10, 1928 - December 12, 1999) was named King Fighter because he started out as a boxer known for fancy footwork.

Initially influenced by Guyanese vaudeville singer Bill Rogers, he learned the calypso craft by studying the recordings of Lord Kitchener and Lord Melody. After finding he could not earn a living as a boxer or a singer, he left Guyana and relocated to Trinidad in the 1950s. In 1957 he was a finalist for the title of calypso monarch with his songs "Smart Woman" and "Dhalpourie (Indian Wedding)." He was a perennial favorite in the calypso kingdom for decades.

Over the years King Fighter recorded singles for many record labels, and one full-length album, TRINIDAD CALYPSO DEVIL, for the Mighty Sparrow's National label in 1967. Most of his work is out of print, and the singles are hard to find. This collection includes the complete album, along with singles and compilation album tracks.

Fighter remained an active performer until the 1980s, after which he lived in retirement in Grenada, with stage appearances only on special occasions.

credits

released March 26, 2021

All songs composed by Shirland Wilson (King Fighter) @ Railroad Town Music (BMI)

All recordings digitally restored from best available sources.

license

all rights reserved

tags

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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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