Burgie first played as "Irving Burgess" to M/C Chicago dance legend Jimmy Payne's Calypso Carnival premier 1953 season at the Blue Angel. It was his first real paycheck gig.

The "Lord" was bestowed in 1954 by Max Gordon, owner of the Village Vanguard, New York.

Calypso trivia: One of Irving Burgie's longest running Carnival co-stars, and Jimmy Payne 'calypso dance' student, was one Grace Nichols. And if your filkie ears just pricked up… yes indeedydoo... it's true. Lt. Uhura used to shake it down at the Blue Angel six nights/week.