The Man behind the Music

About this book

'The Man behind the Music' examines the career of one of the most gifted and popular exponents of the Calypso art form, People's Calypsonian, Bro. Valentino. The book explores, from behind the scenes, the creation of some of his masterpieces, like the immortal 'Life is a Stage', the revolutionary 'Stay up Zimbabwe' and the controversy surrounding the historical 'Where Kaiso Went'. Utilizing a myriad of photographs, newspaper clippings, song lyrics and a revealing index, we are taken on an exciting journey showcasing some of the important off stage episodes—his calypso debut and name change, his brief sojourn at the Lord Kitchener's home, his introduction to the Black Power Revolution, and his family life. Here is an insightful view of some of his most enjoyable moments and his deepest disappointments—from his broken relationship with his 'Blood Brother' Black Stalin to his quite friendship with legendary Jamaican superstar Bob Marley, and from his Grenadian roots to his Trinidad and Tobago homecoming as one of the finest lyricists, poets, performers and tunesmiths of modern day Kaiso.