The History of Caribbean Music in Toronto

Author Klive Walker presents "The History of Caribbean Music in Toronto," which considers the journey of musicians and singers from the English Caribbean arriving in Toronto beginning in the late 1940s. This overview also highlights the work of recording artists with Caribbean heritage who were born in Canada or who came here when they were children. The scope of this presentation is over 60 years, from the 1950s to the first decade of this century. This brief history features four genres in which these artists are engaged: calypso, reggae, rhythm and blues and hip hop. This is a story told not just by imparting information but by playing generous examples of music by such impressive talents as Louise Bennett, the Mighty Sparrow, Jay Douglas, Jully Black, Bob Marley, Lillian Allen, Kardinal Offishal and Michie Mee.

Host or Publisher Toronto Public Library- Maria A. Shchuka Branch