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Roaring Lion
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Roaring Lion (born Rafael de Leon, Aroquita, Trinidad, British Trinidad and Tobago, February 22, 1908; died July 11, 1999) was one of the greatest calypsonians (calypso singer/composers) of the 20th century. His 65-year career began in the early 1930s and he is best known for his compositions “Ugly Woman” (1933), “Mary Ann” and “Netty, Netty,” which are still performed today.
From a young age, Roaring Lion (de Leon’s adopted stage name) became known for his skill in creating calypsos (particularly in his ability to extemporize lyrics on any subject). Contrary to his humble origins, he cultivated a refined stage persona and always appeared sharply dressed. His career officially began in 1924. He recorded extensively between the 1930s and 1950s, and was one of the calypsonians who deserves the most credit for the increasing international popularity of the genre during this period. In March 1934 the Trinidadian phonograph merchant Eduardo Sa Gomes sent Roaring Lion and Attila The Hun to New York to record; they became the first calypsonians to record abroad.[5][6]
Roaring Lion achieved fame for his linguistic prowess as much as for his catchy tunes. His lyrics, delivered in rapid-fire style, show an impeccable command of the English language (as well as Trinidadian slang), and are replete with witty turns of phrase, humorous metaphors, and clever alliterations and internal rhymes.
From a young age, Roaring Lion (de Leon’s adopted stage name) became known for his skill in creating calypsos (particularly in his ability to extemporize lyrics on any subject). Contrary to his humble origins, he cultivated a refined stage persona and always appeared sharply dressed. His career officially began in 1924. He recorded extensively between the 1930s and 1950s, and was one of the calypsonians who deserves the most credit for the increasing international popularity of the genre during this period. In March 1934 the Trinidadian phonograph merchant Eduardo Sa Gomes sent Roaring Lion and Attila The Hun to New York to record; they became the first calypsonians to record abroad.[5][6]
Roaring Lion achieved fame for his linguistic prowess as much as for his catchy tunes. His lyrics, delivered in rapid-fire style, show an impeccable command of the English language (as well as Trinidadian slang), and are replete with witty turns of phrase, humorous metaphors, and clever alliterations and internal rhymes.
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Sacred 78's
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Vive Le King
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Roaring Loud - Standing Proud an anthology
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Roaring Loud: Standing Proud
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Shoutbox
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BobBoscoden wrote:
I am so itching to record 'Ugly Woman' but, it seems to be such a land mine of copyright litigation. Even though it's considered Roaring Lion's most popular song, it's not even listed here. The Jimmy soul version takes practically all the lyrics verbatim and the chords are the same too. The melody follows the the same general outline but, with a lot less syncopation.
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aakira009 wrote:
Roaring Lion is a true music legend. Calypso is great music and I wish more people were into it.
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zpangman, olimak_Vo, tillwesen and 2 other people added Roaring Lion to their libraries. last week
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Boooobies connected Roaring Lion to the group Caribbean People. September 2009
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godzillaMambo tagged Roaring Lion with ‘calypsonian’. August 2009
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SignGuy tagged Roaring Lion with ‘calypso’. July 2009
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pickle_goddess7, Ulysses23, rbaiz and 5 other people added Roaring Lion to their libraries. July 2009
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aakira009 created the wiki page for Roaring Lion. February 2009
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