The Roaring Lion (Raphael de Leon)

Raphael de Leon, the Roaring Lion, was both the Grand old man of Calypso and a living embodiment and "walking encyclopedia" of the Trinidadian art form itself.

His career, which began in 1927 at the age of 18, spans the development of Calypso and he outlived all the early generation of calypsonians, many of whom died in obscurity and poverty: Chieftain Douglas, King Radio, Atilla the Hun, Lord Executor, Beginner, Invader, Casesser, Tiger, Destroyer, Growler and Gorilla. "All of them died except for me. I haven't decided to die yet," remarked the Lion of his fellow pioneers, with characteristic sardonic humour. The Lion's long reign ended in July 1999.

In Trinidad, he will remain a legend as much for his prodigious memory and bubbling energy as his sartorial elegance, sparkling wit, old world charm and impeccable manners. The dapper young dandy of the 20's, "The Beau Brummel of Calypso", a distinctive figure with his silver topped cane which he carried until his death, Lion won his way into many female hearts. Both his "I Can Make More Love Than Romeo" ("For I am a genius and a cinch in making love. And I swear, this gift was sent from above") and his plentiful progeny ("I was good enough to leave my imprint wherever I went!") attest he was also a master in the art of love!

His association with Eddy Grant and Ice Records preserved this legend in hours of recordings, world wide releases of his material, and allowed his to follow his passion into the last years of his life, as live performances in Miami and Trinidad demonstrate.

Regal by name and nature, the Lion was justifiably proud of his achievements. "This little fellow who didn't go to no college and grew up without a mother is responsible for all the landmarks in Calypso." His was no empty boast.

In the early 30's, with the realization of the commercial possibilities of Calypso, several calypso Tents were opened, the Lion performing at the leading Victory tent in Port of Spain. In 1933 along with Atilla the Hun, King Radio and Lord Beginner, Lion made his first pioneering move, introducing Calypso to the other Caribbean islands.

Edwardo Sa Gomes, Caribbean agent for Brunswick Records chose Lion and Atilla to make the first Calypso recordings in New York in 1934. While in the States, Lion entertained President Roosevelt in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria and along with Atilla appeared at Rudy Callee's Hollywood Café on Broadway.

Every year until 1942, except for 1935 when he was contracted to sing on the American cruise ship SS Scanpen, Lion made the trip to New York to record.

A pioneer in many ways, it was Lion who opened the doors of high society to his fellow calypsonians, after his performance at Trinidad's elite Country Club. He was subsequently hired as the official entertainer at Government House, where he entertained the governors, visiting members of the Royal Family and dignitaries from 1937 until he left for England in 1951.

Among Lion's many firsts was his appearance in "Happy Go Lucky," the first Hollywood produced movie shot in Trinidad which also featured his classic composition "Ugly Woman." "If you want to be happy and live a king's life, Never make a pretty woman your wife. All you have got to do is just as I say, Then you'll be happy, merry and gay. That's from a logical point of view, Always love a woman uglier than you."

"Caroline" which featured in the 1993 release "Captain Ron" is only the most recent example of his many compositions used in films. What many people fail to realize is that the supposed Harry Belafonte number "He Come From The Glorious Kingdom" was originally composed by Lion.

The present generation of calypsonians might have cause for envy if they knew of his success in the Road March competition (the most popular song played on the road during Carnival). Starting in 1953, Lion had five consecutive "Leggos" (as the Road March was then called): "Wanga," "Bamsi Lambay," "Woopsin," "Old Lady Run a Mile and a Half," and "Ask No Questions." Among his other Leggos, "Saga Boy," "Donkey," and the classics "Dorothy" and "Netty Netty."

Lion did much for the war effort during the Second World War, entertaining British and American Troops stationed in Trinidad, then being sent for to continue his good work at the Village Vanguard Club in New York. On his return, he opened Calypsoville, a popular night spot devoted to entertaining cruise ship visitors and frequented by the likes of George Raft and Orson Wells.

In 1951, he traveled to England along with the Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra, to represent Trinidad at the Festival of Britain. He was to remain until 1963, performing in the UK and on the continent. During his sojourn, he devoted some of his considerable energy to founding the Coloured People's Accommodation Bureau (which became famous for its unofficial welfare work, welcoming and settling West Indian and African immigrants) and his own cosmetics company, Rafael de Lion Beauty Products.

In his 90's, Lion retained his many talents and his regal pride in his achievements. "There's nobody. who has contributed more to Calypso, culture and the country than I have from 1927 up till now." He was the only calypsonian ever to have entertained a Pope (John Paul II on his 1985 visit to Trinidad). The l993 Lifetime Achievement Award he received from Everybody's Magazine can be only a partial recognition of this legend of Calypso, whose memory provided a whole databank for research into Calypso and the social history of 20th century Trinidad and whose humanity remained undimmed.

"I'm hoping and praying that hate and malice, Will soon disappear, And tolerance, love and peace will be practiced, And preached everywhere; For we are all one people, the children of Eve, The Bible did emphasize, So regardless of colour, you better believe, Six feet of earth makes us all one size."

- By Simon Lee. (Adapted. Simon Lee is a journalist with the Trinidad Guardian. He is currently collaborating with the Roaring Lion in researching and writing a book on the history of Calypso and the Roaring Lion.