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Lord Kitchener

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Aldwyn Roberts, better known as Lord Kitchener or Kitch, was born in Arima, Trinidad, in 1922 and died in 2000. His father taught him to sing and play guitar. In 1943 he moved to Port of Spain, where the calypsonian Growling Tiger gave him the name Lord Kitchener. He was known as an innovator who changed both music and lyrics.

Music and breakthrough

In 1948 he travelled to England with Lord Beginner and Lord Woodbine. On his arrival at Tilbury he sang the specially written London Is the Place for Me, live in a Pathé News report. Within two years he was a regular guest at the BBC. For the first five thousand West Indian migrants he became an important figure, because his songs were about the home they longed for. He also wrote Victory Calypso about the West Indies cricket team's first victory over England. In 1962 he returned to Trinidad, where he dominated the calypso competitions with the Mighty Sparrow. Between 1963 and 1976 he won the Road March ten times, more often than anyone else.

Influence

In 1977 he recorded Sugar Bum Bum, one of the first big soca hits. For thirty years he ran his own calypso tent, where Calypso Rose and David Rudder developed. There is a statue of him in Port of Spain. He was regarded as the grand master of calypso.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to London Is the Place for Me and notice what the lyrics say about arriving in London. Which instruments accompany him?

Discography

Studio albums

Mentioned in other articles

Categories: ArtistsCalypso