Discover the shocking truth about The Merchant, one of the most gifted calypso composers! This video reveals his creations for top singers in the industry.
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Dennis Williams Franklyn , aka Merchant, was orphaned at eleven and grew up in an orphanage in Belmont, Trinidad. As an adult he led a troubled life , spending time in prison , becoming addicted to drugs , and dying of Hiv/Aids in 1999.
However he was one of our most gifted calypso composers, and created hits for many singers , including stars of the art-form like Bally , Baron , De Fosto , Crazy , Eddie Grant and many others.
He also wrote for bands like Atlantik and the internationally acclaimed Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. Merchant was also a fine performer and started his singing career in 1975 , but his breakout hits came in 1977 with “Umbayo” , and “Let No man judge”
In 1978 , Merchant made the first of two appearances at the Calypso Monarch Finals with his hit “Norman, is that you?” and “Think About the Children”. He was also one of the most brilliant , prolific calypso composers of all time, responsible for many classic calypso compositions for himself and many others. His compositions have withstood the test of time, and his impact on the calypso art-form should not be underestimated, nor forgotten. Dennis Williams Franklyn, aka Merchant died in 1999, five years after being diagnosed with HIV/Aids, another talented artist who left us way too soon. The Merchant had a tumultuous life. He was addicted to drugs and sexually promiscuous , which contributed to his illness and early death. Merchant lost his parents when he was very young and grew up in an orphanage where he learned to play the guitar. His calypso career began in 1975 when he appeared at Lord Kitchener's Revue. His calypsoes include:
• 1975 - Dreams of Unity
• 1976 - Carnival
• 1977 - Umbaya; Let No Man Judge
• 1978 - Norman Is That You?; Teach the Children
• 1985 - Pan in Danger; Caribbean Connection; Rock It
He wrote for Bally, Baron, Crazy, De Fosto, The Mighty Trini, Designer, Drupatee, Eddy Grant, Elsworth James, King Austin, Explainer, Errol Asche, and Leon Coldero, among others. He also wrote for bands that included Atlantik, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires and Leston Paul and the New York Connection. Merchant also produced four albums in his lifetime and recorded songs that have stood the test of time,
SONGS: written by Merchant
Who is Your Friend
Um-ba-yo 1977
Norman 1978
Pan in Danger 1985
Rock it 1985
Pain 1987
Build a Nation together
Caribbean Connection 1985
Ah Holding on
There must be a Way 1986
Give me a break
ARCHIVAL MATERIALS
Courtesy of CITV library
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