For the third time in as many weeks, we are again stunned and saddened by the silence of a legendary voice.
Thursday’s news of the death of Barbados’ Queen of Song Carlyn Leacock at the age of 73 is still sinking in for most of us who have been delighted, soothed and inspired time and time again as she serenaded us with the style of its unique.
During the Christmas holidays we felt the loss when singer Francine left us in silence with her joyful parang music. We mourned just a few weeks later when Caribbean front man Black Stalin departed, leaving behind his rich repertoire of music. Now we have to stop all watches for Carlyn.
Like many other legendary artists, both past and present, she was more than just a great singer or performer. She opened doors and paved a path for Barbadian women who ventured into a male-dominated arena in the 1970s.
Carlyn, the scion of one of this country’s leading musical families, the Leacocks, once said she never wanted to be a singer, but rather a nurse. She then discovered that the music industry was onto her. Barbados is better that music found it.
With her infectious smile, strong, versatile vocals and captivating performances, Leacock distinguished herself on the entertainment scene from the 1970s to the 1990s.
She emerged as a pioneer worker in the days of Cheryl Hackett, Wendy Alleyne and Margaret Boyce.
Whether she was maneuvering the stage in her popular cabaret shows or joining mainstream bands including Chocolate Affair, Charlie and the Cyclones and The Escorts, and others overseas in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Trinidad and Tobago and St. Kitts & Nevis, Carlyn was the consummate performer.
Her contribution to the development and popularity of spouge is unmistakable. Her songs, Take A Chance On Me, Hello There Baby, The Clock, Love And A Song and Musical Matrimony will live long with us. With her songs, time stopped and she looked ageless and green. Over the years, we witnessed the emergence of another extraordinary Leacock talent, her daughter, Jan Gibson.
Countless Barbadians have reflected on the extraordinary contribution of this Barbadian musical icon.
National Cultural Foundation Chief Executive Carol Roberts Reifer said: “Carlyn Leacock’s smooth tones defined the sound of a generation of Bajan vocalists, male or female, who had the total package: God-given skill in spades, grace and charm , fascinating. stage presence and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Carlyn’s track record of success is just one testament to her contribution to the creative industries in Barbados. She was the first coordinator of the Parish Ambassadors and Community Independence Celebrations; she judged many Crop Over calypso competitions; she mentored young performers and conducted voice training courses. Above all, she was beautiful inside and out; a wonderful soul who put her heart into everything she did. She was generous, compassionate, full of life, love and laughter.”
Prime Minister Mottley noted that for decades Carlyn blessed generations of Barbadians with her vocal and musical talent in a truly special way.
“Her talents knew no boundaries, becoming globally recognized as she performed throughout the Caribbean and the United States of America,” she said. “Even then, as our First Lady of Song, she embodied the essence of a global citizen with Bajan roots.”
Off stage, Carlyn was an influential supporter of young Barbadian talent, helping many to rise on the entertainment scene.
Jamal Slocombe, one of today’s top talents, remembers his mentor: “To many, she was the First Lady of Song, but to me, she was the confidant, the prayer warrior, the greatest inspiration, the musical mother and just Aunt Carlyn. I sat at her feet from childhood, eager to learn and to one day be half her age. I became her protector, her son, and I am forever indebted to her embracing compassion and kind patience. As I reflect on these past fifteen years of my life, I can’t imagine it without him around. I am who I am because of Carlyn Leacock.”
Barbados has truly lost a gem. Her passing again reminds us that we owe so much to our artists. Unfortunately, we wait until they are gone to set the ratings. It is time to honor these legends while they are still with us. Although the clock has run out to honor our great Barbadian singer, we can commemorate her by widening the doors of opportunity for future talent with the grace, generosity and sincerity of Carlyn Leacock.
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