Sokah2Soca

Today the Blackman family and the general populace of Trinidad and Tobago celebrate what would have been the 72nd birthday of the late and surely great Garfield Blackman (October 6, 1941 – July 12, 2000). He was better known as the 'Father of Soca Music' and was better known by his Calypso sobriquet of 'Lord Shorty' and later on 'Ras Shorty I'. 

The history records will show that the story of Soca music began with the creative juices of Lord Shorty when he sought to create something new as Reggae music dominated the music scene of Trinidad and Calypso music was on the decline. He came up with something new that incorporated Trinidad's East Indian rhythms and Calypso music. It was the start of something new but it was quickly rejected by both elements of the society. Both the African and East Indian communities had disparaging remarks about the music. However, the impact of this 'new music' quickly brought about the change he sought. He quickly transitioned the elements of the East Indian instruments to the modern drum set and the raw elements of the Soca beat took hold. 

From Sokah to Soca (incorrectly quoted in the Trinidad news media as "Soca") and the rest is history. Today the music is in constant flux with various islands and music producers adding (their interpretations) to the music. However, the beat of Soca lives on. There is a movement 'out there' that is attempting to foster the belief that Lord Shorty never created the Soca beat. It is as if the music simply dropped like manna from heaven. Let is be known that Lord Shorty is the man who did it all! Maybe you did not hear me correctly, Lord Shorty is 'The Creator of the Soca Beat'! He later went on, with his extended family, to create another music style he named Jamoo Music (Jah Music).

This short article is to remind people that we must always remember our heroes. He was a confessed sinner but a fantastic musical genius. Did he get help with his creative endeavors? I have no doubt that he did; I have no doubt that he found inspiration in others but always remember that the genesis of the Soca beat was his creation... give credit where credit is due!

Happy birthday Lord Shorty and may you continue to play your Soca music wherever your spirit takes you in the great beyond. Soca Music, created by the Great Garfield Blackman aka Lord Shorty aka Ras Shorty I. May your soul rest in peace and may your detractors remain dumbfounded by your creative genius! Oh gosh... OK then, may they eventually see the light!

Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). No copyright infringement is intended! .  We encourage you to promote the artists and their music; please don't share the music and rob the artists of needed income! Please press the play button (below) to listen (small triangle in circle).

From International Soundclash, compiled by Sofrito (Hugo Mendez & Frankie Francis:
Another burner is the opening soca instructional cut "Vibrations Groove," by Trinidad's Lord Shorty & Vibrations International from 1977. 
From the album's liner notes:
Legendary Calypsonian Lord Shorty (aka Ras Shorty I) was instrumental in the development of soca music in Trinidad in the late ‘70s. Here he lays down the anatomy of a soca track, introducing the musicians and singers in the band one by one in the style of King Curtis’ classic track ‘Memphis Soul Stew’. Drums, percussion, bass and horns build to a joyous and unrelenting soca groove.
Vibrations Groove (Here Shorty explains how it is done) with the Vibrations International


Listed below are some of Lord Shorty's music. He started out as a calypso singer in 1962 and many of his songs can be sourced via Google's YouTube if you desire to hear more of his music.
Indrani

Sweet Music

Endless Vibrations 

Soca Fever

Trinidad Is A Woman