Crossover & Blue-Eyed Calypso

The initial calypso craze, tourism, and periodic revivals of calypso (for steel pan, limbo, etc.) kept the sound of the islands in the public ear for decades. It was believed to threaten rock and roll, and vice versa. Eventually Hollywood updated the lurid voodoo flick of the pre-War era with lush, full-color pictures featuring stories of interracial romance and labor struggle. And where there were movies being made and the wealthy on vacation, there were actors and singers falling in love with island culture.

Some of the "golden throats" who recorded include Robert Mitchum, Marty Robbins, and Mamie Van Doren. West Indian folk crooners, such as Harry Belafonte and Andre Toussaint, interpreted calypso music. Even the man known today as Louis Farrakhan, who counts among the more or less authentic calypsonians recording in New York, got into the act. As the "Calypso Charmer," he would alternate stand-up comedy with calypso in the same performance. His "Is She Is or Is She Ain't" is a hilarious, truly excellent song about a case of transvestism.

In rock, Cadets leader Aaron Collins recorded Calypso, USA on Hollywood's notorious, budget Crown label, which also paired bongo-rocker "Lord" Preston Epps with Louis Polliemon. Gary U.S. Bonds did Calypso Twist, Chubby Checker made two "limbo" albums, and the Ventures recorded "Sloop John B." Some Latin and exotica stars wrote or covered calypso songs. Elvis' "Ipo Eats" is a calypso from one of his Hawaiian-movie soundtracks, but as the Fabulous McClevertys say on one of the best calypso albums, "Don't Blame it on Elvis."