The Roaring Lion

Trinidadian calypsonian (calypso singer and composer). Known as one of the pioneers who helped to internationalize Calypso in the 1930's.
Born: February 22, 1908 in Aroquita, British Trinidad and Tobago
Died: July 11, 1999 in Mt. Lambert, Trinidad and Tobago (Aged 91)

His 65-year career began in the early 1930s and he is best known for his compositions "Ugly Woman" (1933), "Mary Ann" and "Netty, Netty", which are still performed today. The song "If You Wanna Be Happy", which hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on 18 May 1963, as well as the R&B singles chart, is based on Roaring Lion's "Ugly Woman". By Trinidad & Tobago media he was dubbed a "walking encyclopedia" due to his extensive knowledge on the history of Calypso and Carnival.