The Mighty Duke

Kelvin Pope, better known as The Mighty Duke (1930 – January 14, 2009)[1] was a Trinidadian calypsonian. He was born in Point Fortin.

Pope left a career working at Shell Oil to perform calypso music. In the 1950s, he played locally in his hometown, then began playing in San Fernando at the Southern Brigade Calypso Tent. In 1964 he relocated to Port of Spain and performed at the Original Young Brigade.

He won the National Calypso King title for four years straight (1968–71): In 1968 with "What Is Calypso" and "Social Bacchanal", in 1969 with "Black Is Beautiful" and "One Foot Visina", then in 1970 singing "Brotherhood of Man" and "See Through" and finally, in 1971 he won the competition performing "Mathematical Formula" and "Melvine & Yvonne". Furthermore he was noted for exploring ideas such as black consciousness and global politics in his lyrics.[1] Lord Nelson was one of many for whom he composed music. In 1987, his "Thunder" was awarded the Road March prize.[2]

Pope died on January 14, 2009 at 1:05 pm in St. Clair (Port-of-Spain), Trinidad and Tobago of myelofibrosis, which he had been battling for five years.

Discography

Singles

Albums

References

  1. 1 2 A Long Life in Calypso. Trinidad Express, January 15, 2009.
  2. ↑ Mighty Duke at Allmusic
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