MUSIC FROM TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
Virtual Walk Through Time
Timeline
FIRST CALYPSO RECORDINGS
This is the year where the first calypsoes were recorded (in the US).
THE GOLDEN ERA OF CALYPSO
The form became a means of communicating and interpreting political events, and a primary news source for many islanders.
THE FIRST CALYPSO TENTS
The first commercial calypso tent in Port of Spain.
FIRST RECORDINGS IN TRINIDAD
The first calypsoes have been recorded in Trinidad, arranged by American record companies.
THE FIRST FEMALE CALYPSONIAN
The first female to sing in a calypso tent was Lady Trinidad, at the “Crystal Palace Tent”, Port of Spain.
CREATION OF THE STEEL PAN
The innovation of steel pan music, initially consisting of frying pans, dustbin lids, and oil drums emerged in 1937.
THE FIRST „CALYPSO KING“
The Growling Tiger became the first official Calypso King. The competition name changed to „Calypso Monarch“ in the 70s.
THE RISE OF STEEL BANDS
Steel bands kept rising in the communities and often taking their names from movies like Casablanca, Tokyo, and Desperadoes.
WORLD WAR II
Although Carnival was suspended from 1942 to 1945 during World War II, the calypso tents were kept open.
THE „YANKEES“ IN TOWN
There were US bases in T&T with 135 000 Americans stationed on the island, being regularly entertained by Calypsonians with bands.
BOLLYWOOD MEETS TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
Records from Indian movies are getting introduced and will inspire a lot of musicians for Chutney and later Chutney Soca.
STEEL PAN LEAVES TRINIDAD
For the very first time, the steel pan was played in a foreign country at the Festival of Britain.
CALPYSO GOES HOLLYWOOD
The US American Movie „Affair in Trinidad“ features calypsonians and steel pan interestingly.
THE ROAD MARCH ONLY FOR NATIONALS
The title is given to the most performed song on Carnival since the 1880s.
THE SUCCESS OF HARRY BELAFONTE
The US-Singer earns world fame with music from Trinidad & Tobago.
CHARLIES RECORDS IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
Trini-born Rawlston Charles opens doors to internationals with his record shop and label.
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO TELEVISION
TTT has been the state-owned television broadcaster and the only television operator for over thirty years from 1962 to 1991.
THE PANORAMA
Beginning of the Panorama Steel Band Competition annually held until today.
SUNDAR POPO ON THE RISE
The Chutney Singer is making waves and fascinates especially East Indian crowds.
MASTANA BAHAR ON AIR
The local talent show for musicians, singers, and dancers is showcasing the Indian heritage on local TV.
POETRY & RHYTHM
Lancelot Layne recorded the first rapso hit. He opened doors for other musicians
THE TROPICAL FUNK EXPERIENCE
Musicians started to fuse soca and calypso with jazz, funk and soul.
LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR
Calypsonian Roaring Lion contributes his song as the title song for the British TV Series „Love thy Neighbour“
„CALYPSOUL“
Bands like Wild Fire and Embryo arise and artists like Mavis John and Carol Addison brought the groove.
CALYPSO ROSE WINS ROADMARCH
Calypso Rose becomes the first woman to win Calypso Monarch.
HOT SOCA
The music genre evolves to a vibrant rhythm of the nation.
TOO YOUNG TO SOCA?
Machel Montano had his first performance at Dimanche Gras with only 7 years of age.
NATIONAL RAPSO DAY
With international encouragement, Brother Resistance and others established National Rapso Day.
NATIONAL INSTRUMENT
Steel Pan was officially declared as national instrument.
THE SOCA MONARCH TITLE
The annual Soca Monarch celebration started and the first winner.
CHUTNEY BACCHANAL
Chris Garcia describes cultural differences in Trinidad & Tobago and releases a music video to it.
BESTSELLER
Soca music becomes the most important source of income during Carnival.
CALYPSO ROSE WINS GRAMMY
For her album „Far From Home“ the Tobago-born Calypso Rose is receiving the French Grammy.
LAUNCH OF THE E-PAN
The first electric steel pan was invented by Salmon Cupid, a Trinidadian based in Canada.
A STATUTE FOR SUNDAR POPO
The Chutney Soca singer is getting honored with a statue in Penal, South Trinidad.
MACHEL MONTANOS MUSIC MOVIE
The fictional story of ‚Bazodee‘ is launched in cinemas in Trinidad and Tobago, the United States and Canada.
THE X FACTOR
Soca artist Olatunji made it to X-Factor the popular British TV talent show.
THEATRICAL: SING DE COROUS
The calypso drama „Sing de Corous“ by Rawle Gibbons celebrates success after the first show in 1991.
SOCA ON THE SEA
The ‚Uber Soca Cruise‘ is now officially the largest Music Festival on the sea.
100 YEARS OF CALYPSO TENT
Memorable Virtual Concert with numerous icons to honor Calypso.
TT MUSIC LIBRARY – LAUNCH
Launch of TT Music Library
This timeline is a „work in progress„. With every visit to this page, more dates of media & music history of Trinidad and Tobago will become visible.
TT MUSIC LIBRARY - VIRTUAL MUSIC ARCHIVE | JUKEBOX TT
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