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 also by his Calypso sobriquets 'Lord Shorty' and later 'Ras Shorty I.'
The historical records demonstrate that Lord Shorty's creative efforts, as Reggae music dominated the Trinidadian music scene and Calypso music was on the decline, sparked the beginning of Soca music. He came up with something new that incorporated Trinidad's East Indian rhythms and Calypso music. Although it marked the beginning of something new, it faced swift rejection from both societal elements. 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 a 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"), 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. The music seems to flow effortlessly from the sky. Let it 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 am confident that he drew inspiration from others, but it's important to acknowledge that he was the creator of the Soca beat.
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 my goodness, may your critics finally realize the truth!
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, which is represented by a small triangle inside a circle, to listen.
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 channel if you desire to hear more of his music.
Indrani
Sweet Music
Endless Vibrations
Soca Fever
Trinidad Is A Woman
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 channel if you desire to hear more of his music.
Indrani
Sweet Music
Endless Vibrations
Soca Fever
Trinidad Is A Woman
