Eddy Grant

Executive Producer, Calypso Dreams

Since “Black Skin, Blue Eyed Boys” through “Living on the Frontline,” Eddy Grant has been recognised as a vociferous promoter, through socio-political commentary, of the culture and achievements of contemporary black people. Eddy’s meticulous method of recording is to a great degree responsible for his reputation — he has played every single instrument, sung every vocal part and produced every track on all of his solo albums— a time consuming and little known fact, which only a man of his committed vision could so painstakingly ensue.

Born in the Caribbean nation of Guyana in 1948, Eddy was exposed during his childhood to the distinctive sounds of African and Indian music which is indigenous to Guyana along with the music of the surrounding countries such as Surinam and in particular Trinidad and Tobago.

As a pre-teen, his musician father moved the family to Kentish Town, North London. In the stark, post-war period (from 1960 onwards) suburban environment, he was exposed to the rock and roll of Chuck Berry and the nascent pop music scene. This early combination of ethnic and commercial pop influences culminated in Eddy founding the Equals, probably the finest and certainly the first multi-racial pop/rock outfit to achieve international acclaim. The Equals topped the chart with their classic “Baby Come Back” and with Eddy as songwriter, lead guitarist and producer, they went on to achieve three more major top 10 hits in the following 18 months.

After Grant suffered a severe heart attack which forced him to undertake a major evaluation of his future, he recorded what is generally recognized by the cognoscenti as the very first Soca record “Hello Africa” and this remains a classic golden oldie in many parts of the world inhabited by Soca aficionados. He has successfully fostered leading Soca artists such as Gabby, Superblue, Black Stalin, David Rudder, and Grynner, and thanks in no small part to Eddy Grant’s patronage, soca music now enjoys an expanding popularity in all corners of the world.

Grant’s enthusiasm and devotion to his musical heritage continues. He recently acquired the record and song catalogues of Calypso legends: “Mighty Sparrow”, the “Roaring Lion” “Atilla The Hun” and “Lord Kitchener” among a multitude of other great Classic Calypsonians from the Golden Age of Calypso, in order to personally preserve, and to introduce to a wider audience, this historic and important musical heritage. His seminal role in the release of Calypso Dreams reflects his commitment to that heritage.

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