Lord Burgess [Singer]

Subject: RE: Lord Burgess [Singer]
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 09 Sep 24 - 07:34 PM

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.

Subject: RE: Lord Burgess [Singer]
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 29 Nov 21 - 10:29 AM

Coincidentally, his mother's home nation of Barbados, will become a republic on Tuesday (tomorrow). He would have liked that, I'm sure.

Subject: Origins: Lord Burgess
From: Allan C.
Date: 29 Nov 21 - 09:04 AM

His pseudonym is mentioned in one of the Kingston Trio's "live performance" albums, but his given name is Irving Burgie. Among the songs he is best known for is "Day-O" which is otherwise known as "The Banana Boat Song" which is discussed elsewhere on Mudcat. He is also known for creating "Jamaica Farewell". You can read more about him here: Lord Burgess