Lord Blakie


Carlton Joseph was a Trinidadian Calypsonian and musician, regarded as one of the greatest Calypsonians of his era, along with Mighty Sparrow, Lord Kitchener and Lord Melody. He was born in Trinidad on November 3, 1932, and died on January 6, 2005.

Biography

Blakie was born in Trinidad in 1932, and grew up in San Juan Trinidad which was a rough area known for “Badjohns”, this upbringing is what gave Blakie some of his song ideas about violence and Badjohn culture. His first song called “The Steelband Clash” came out in 1953 he started out his career as “Warlord” He then changed his Calypso name to Lord Blakie. He won the Carnival Road March competition with “The Steelband Clash” in 1954, and he won it again with “Maria” in 1962. He was best remembered for his iconic laugh and humour which features in a lot of his songs, he also was known to have large bursts of energy and joy despite coming from a “Badjohn” environment. Lord Blakie is said to have loved the steel pan and the instrument featured in many of his songs. Blakie also participated in friendly banter with all the other Calypsonians, one such example is his song “Sparrow Lost” which was a comedic commentary on Mighty Sparrow losing the “Calypso King” title in the 1964 Calypso king of the world competition,, 1964 being regarded as one of the most competitive years with Lord Kitchener, Mighty Sparrow, Mighty Bomber, Lord Blakie, Nap Hepburn, Mighty Composer and Young Killer all competing, with Mighty Bomber inevitably winning. Lord Blakie was also the mentor and teacher of another Calypsonian/Soca musician called Black Stalin.
Blakie stayed as an icon well after his hay day, being a common name and performer in Trinidad into the 21st Century, and in 2024 his life was made into a play created by Dawad Philip. He is regarded by many as one of the greatest Calypsonians.

Discography

Steelband Clash Send them back Maria De Doctor Eh Dey The Riddle Soucouyant