The Mighty Duke

Background

He was born in Point Fortin.

Career

Pope left a career working at Shell Oil to perform calypso music In the 1950s, he played locally in his hometown, then began playing in San Fernando at the Southern Brigade Calypso Tent. In 1964 he relocated to Portuguese of Spain and performed at the Original Young Brigade.

Furthermore he was noted for exploring ideas such as black consciousness and global politics in his lyrics.

Lord Nelson was one of many for whom he composed music Pope died on January 14, 2009 at 1:05 pm in Saint Clair (Portuguese-of-Spain), Trinidad and Tobago of myelofibrosis, which he had been battling for five years.

Achievements

• He won the National Calypso King title for four years straight (1968-1971): In 1968 with "What Is Calypso" and "Social Bacchanal", in 1969 with "Black Is Beautiful" and "One Foot Visina", then in 1970 singing "Brotherhood of Manitoba" and "See Through" and finally, in 1971 he won the competition performing "Mathematical Formula" and "Melvine & Yvonne". In 1987, his "Thunder" was awarded the Road March prize.