The Mighty Bomber - 1964 Calypso King of Trinidad and Tobago

 

Clifton Ryan (30 January 1928 – 1 January 2022), better known as the Mighty Bomber, was a Grenadian-born calypsonian from Trinidad and Tobago

Bomber was born to a Trinidadian father and a Grenadian mother. He began singing in Grenada and established his career as a professional calypsonian when he moved to Trinidad on June 15, 1956. He won his first calypso contest in 1957 at the Radio Trinidad 10th Anniversary competition. His first hit came in 1958 with "Gloria," which was later recorded by the famous American singer Harry Belafonte in 1962. In 1960, Bomber was invited by the Mighty Sparrow to sing at the Original Young Brigade Tent. He participated in the 1962 Independence Calypso Competition and placed 4th. He went on to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the Commonwealth Festival of Arts in England the following year. He also represented Trinidad and Tobago at Randals Island, USA, where he met Harry Belafonte. He became the stage manager at the Mighty Sparrow's Young Brigade Tent and held that position for 15 years. He won his only Calypso King title in 1964 with "Joan and James" and "Bomber's Dream." In 1976, Bomber was granted a plot of land at Picton Hill by the then Prime Minister Dr Eric Williams in recognition of his contribution to the calypso art form.-- From bestofTrinidad.com