The calypso fraternity said its final goodbyes to the "golden voice" of Fitzgerald Cornelius Henry, better known as The Mighty Terror, yesterday.
By Julien NeavesHis funeral was held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Port of Spain and was attended by many calypsonians, entertainers, dignitaries and Culture Minister Joan Yuille-Williams.
Canon Dean Knolly Clarke described him as a patriarch and icon who contributed to the calypso art form and cultural development of this country. He added that his many contributions on the steelpan enabled it to become the national instrument.
Copyright Music Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago (COTT) representative, Alvin Daniell, an organisation that Henry was a founding member of back in 1985, recalled that he was blessed with a rich baritone voice, creative composition skills and an imposing stage presence.
"He was born to sing calypso," he said.
Daniell also charted The Mighty Terror's career, from its genesis in 1941 with his composition "Negroes Know Thyself", to his winning calypso king title in 1950 with "Chinese Children", and his work with the late Grandmaster Lord Kitchener in England. He said he received the sobriquet "golden voice" because of numerous public comments about the high quality of his voice.
Daniel noted that his compositions were humorous, spicy and informative but he never compromised singing what he considered "authentic calypso". He recalled that one song, "Keep Calypso Clean", encouraged calypsonians to make songs cleaner, especially for the next generation, advice which Daniel noted is relevant to artistes today.
Terror died last week at the age of 87, following a long battle with throat cancer. He is survived by his wife Gloria and four daughters, all of whom reside in the USA.
