Rose McCartha Linda Sandy Lewis
Trinidad & Tobago
27th April 1940
Bethel, Tobago
In 1963, Rose took her first trip to perform outside of her home islands. She visited Grenada and St. Thomas. Rose performed in and won the ‘Calypso King’ and Roadmarch competitions, with her first recorded song ‘Cooperation.’ Rose became the first woman in history to win the ‘Calypso King’ competition.
In 1966, Rose wrote the iconic anthem, ‘Fire in Me Wire’. This went on to be the first ever Calypso song sung for 2 years at the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival. The song was also translated into 8 different languages.
Calypso Rose continued to perfect her craft and by the 70s she had already toured with Bob Marley and the Wailers three times. Bob Marley was also one of her mentors.
In 1970, Rose wrote her first Soca song, ‘Action is tight.’ From 1972-1978, Calypso Rose reigned as the ‘Calypso Queen’ for five years in a row. Rose’s success continued. In 1977 she became the first woman to win the prestigious ‘Roadmarch’ competition in Trinidad & Tobago, with her song ‘Gimme More Tempo.’ Due to Rose wining the ‘Calypso King’ competition so many times, it was renamed ‘Calypso Monarch’, when she won again in 1978. Calypso Rose’s career continued to flourish and she won numerous awards and titles along the way.
As Rose aged, she connected more and more with her African heritage. In 1986, she received the title of Ambassador at Large of Liberia for her efforts to support the improvement of life in the West African nation. She also won the most outstanding woman award by the National Action Committee for Women in Trinidad and Tobago. Rose won a series of lifetime achievement awards in the 90s, including the International award for Caribbean Music in 1999. As of 2011, Rose was the most decorated Calypsonian in Trinidad’s history. She received the Trinidad and Tobago Gold Humming Bird Medal, for her loyal and devoted service to the nation.
Even now in her 70s, Rose maintains her energy on stage. Off stage she may seem frail, she has survived cancer and a series of heart attacks. However as soon as she hits the stage it is a different story. It was not an easy journey for Rose. She came from a very traditional family who were opposed to her singing in Carnival tents. She also had to contend with being a female in what was a very much male dominated industry. However, through hard work and perseverance, her obvious talent could not be denied. Rose was able to gain the respect of many of her fellow Calypsonians and is now known as the Calypso Queen. She made it her mission to fight for everyone, regardless of sex. Her lyrical subtlety and humour within her songs, mixed with a Calypso beat makes them perfect for dancing but also storytelling.
Calypso Rose has had a career spanning more than 60 years and still manages to remain relevant now. A truly determined and iconic cultural figure. One of the greatest Calypso singers ever and the premier ambassador of Caribbean music, with an unstoppable stage persona. Calypso Rose, Caribbean1st absolutely salutes you.