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If you noticed blunt omissions, mis-interpretations or even out-and-out errors,
please let me know:
Arnold Rypens
Rozenlaan 65
B-2840 Reet (Rumst)
Artist: Atilla The Hun
Author: Raymond Quevedo
Label: Decca
Year: 1937
Calypsonian from Venezuela (Real name: Raymond Quevedo). This song commemorates President Roosevelt's visit to Trinidad in December 1936.
Covers:
Lord Executor [in The Lajobless]
Duke Of Iron [reissued on the Alan Lomax Collection]
Ry Cooder [as FDR In Trinidad, crediting Fitz MacLean]
Van Dyke Parks [crediting himself]
Nieuwe Snaar [inspired by Cooder & Parks for their Bwana Kitoko]
FDR visited Trinidad shortly after the island became independent from England. A very symbolic visit indeed. The ever positive local population almost felt like becoming the 51st State of the union. That same day (December 11, 1936), future British king Edward VIII denounced the throne for his affair with American widow Simpson. And so calypsonians had no reason to complain for lack of lyrical inspiration for the upcoming carnival season: Roosevelt In Trinidad and Edward VIII became major hits on local Mardi Gras parades in '37.
If you noticed blunt omissions, mis-interpretations or even out-and-out errors,
please let me know:
Arnold Rypens
Rozenlaan 65
B-2840 Reet (Rumst)