Discover the story of "The Godfather of Soca", Robert Nelson aka Lord Nelson. From his roots as a calypsoian in Trinidad to his rise to fame in America, this video delves into the life and career of the legendary musician. Learn about his impact on the soca genre and how he paved the way for future artists. Don't miss out on this tribute to Lord Nelson's legacy.
Robert Nelson aka Lord Nelson had to seek his fame and fortune in America. And he found it -- although not in the U.S., but back home, where he remains one of the acknowledged Stars of Soca.
caribbeaninsighttv.com Virtual Museum is a collection of cultural documentaries demonstrating the history of West Indians.
Lord Nelson (born Robert Nelson) had to seek his fame and fortune in America. And he found it -- although not in the U.S., but back home, where he remains one of the acknowledged stars of soca, the mix of soul and calypso that has been the island's musical mainstay since the mid-'70s.
Born and raised in Tobago, Nelson left his homeland after graduating high school, hoping for a better life in Brooklyn. However, he'd hardly had a chance to unpack before he was drafted and sent off with the U.S. forces to Korea, which was where he first showed his talents as a singer and comedian, performing in Army shows.
Later, back on American shores, he began singing with West Indian steel bands in Brooklyn, mostly covering calypso hits in his unique fashion, which went over strongly with the Caribbean community. Still, he never considered writing his own material until he became friendly with another calypsonian, Mighty Duke, who mentored him.
Nelson's own style took from calypso, but also from the American music he heard every day, adding more than an ounce of funk to the proceedings on songs like "La La" and "King Liar," which became Caribbean hits.
While not the first to make soca 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 artists at Trinidad's annual Carnival. In 1990 he signed with Shanachie, which ensured good distribution for his music -- certainly more than his brethren in the West Indies -- and he was able to go global with his sound, even if he had become part of the digital sound rather than relying on 'real' instruments; his label debut.
When the World Turns Around, offered a digital remake of his earlier album Love You Forever, which had originally appeared on the tiny Joker label. The uncle of another young soca/rapso artist, Mojah, Nelson continues to record and perform.
Song: King Liar
Artist: Lord Nelson
Song: Garrot Bounce
Artist: Lord Nelson
Song: La La
Artist: Lord Nelson
Song: Meh lover
Artist: Lord Nelson
Song: We Like It
Artist: Lord Nelson
Song: Foreigner
Artist: Lord Nelson
Song: Ah Goin" and Party Tonight
Artist: Lord Nelson
Song: Disco Daddy
Artist: Lord Nelson
Song: Wha Ya Know
Artist: Lord Nelson
Song: Love You Forever
Artist: Lord Nelson
Song: Bald Head Rasta
Artist: Lord Nelson
ARCHIVAL MATERIALS
Courtesy of CITV library
Courtesy of TRINIDAD & TOBAGO TELEVISION
Courtesy of Gentle Ben TV
Courtesy of Maljo Production
ARCHIVE & RIGHTS MANAGER
Jeffery Selvon
ARCHIVE & RIGHTS CONSULTANT
Carla Parris
CONTACT: decarlo1995@gmail.com
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Special Thanks to the Video footage from CITV, WACK TV AND TTT Special thanks for Footage rom CITV, GBTV, WACK TV, TTT, TV6, BARRACK YARD, KAISO HOUSE, SPEKTAKULA FORUM, VOFF TV; Maljo Production