Artist description

Similar Artists Smokey Robinson

Artist History Calyspo Al hails from the Caribbean. His musical career began while at Combermere Boys - a secondary school in the island of Barbados. The violin was his first instrument. However, much to the chagrin of his father, Allan learned to sing and play the guitar, and helped to launch a band called Zodiac Combo. The teenage band played primarily at island birthday parties and such. During this time, he also sang a song on a local radio program. The show exposed “Bajan” teen talent to the public. Having had a taste of success on a small scale, Allan’s goal was to become a world famous singer. Some years later he migrated to England. Within a few months of his arrival in London, he was approached by a local band and was hired to sing and play the bass guitar. For the couple of years, he drifted from band to band. Allan’s unforgettable moments are built around a band called Erasmus Chorum. Between ‘68 and ‘74 the college and nightclub circuits in Europe and the Middle East vibrated to the sounds of “Black Rock” music. Subsequently, there was a record deal. Two singles were released in London, England. During this time, economic conditions in London were noticeably becoming unfavorable for Allan to support his young family. The entertainment facilities in and around the cockney town were drastically cutting back on their live-music programs, and Allan went back to regular work. In the late seventies, the family migrated to the United States. They presently reside in metro Atlanta, Georgia. Allan’s son Robert (aka Rob Russ) encouraged him to return to the music business. Robert is currently the President of New Frontier Productions LLC and has produced a number of Gospel Rap artists. Allan and his guitar did the one-man band thing in Mexican restaurants in metro Atlanta. An offer to perform in a notable entertainment complex caused Allan to adopt the name “Calypso Al.” Meanwhile, with the “Carilanta Players” – an Atlanta/Caribbean acting group - Allan sang and played in City Hall in the presence of ex-Mayor Bill Campbell, DJ Frank Ski of V103.3 FM, the ex-Mayor of Stone Mountain, and other dignitaries. Allan has set the record for being the first Barbadian in Atlanta to write, sing, and record his own music. On September 21, 2002 his debut maxi-single - “Teach Me Thy Way” - was released. All songs were written and performed by Allan. His music is of the gospel genre presented in with the unmistakable rhythms of the Caribbean and can be termed ‘Gospelypso’ – a fusion of gospel and calypso music. Allan is a member of ASCAP. Allan has sung tenor in the choir at Glen Haven United Methodist Church, GA for many years: “God has blessed me so I can be a blessing to someone else. So I sing. The word of God stands strong. It will never fade away.”

Location Stone Mountain, Georgia - USA

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