For the third time in as many weeks, we are again stunned and saddened by the silencing of a legendary voice.
Thursday’s news of the death of Barbados’ Queen of Song Carlyn Leacock at age 73 is still sinking in for most of us who have been delighted, soothed, and inspired time and time again as she serenaded us in her unique style.
During the Christmas holidays we felt the loss when Singing Francine quietly left us with her joyful parang music. We mourned mere weeks later when the quintessential Caribbean man, Black Stalin, made his exit leaving behind his rich repertoire of music. Now we must stop all the clocks for Carlyn.
Like many other legendary entertainers, both past and present, she was more than just a great singer or performer. She opened doors and blazed a trail for Barbadian women who dared to enter an arena dominated by men in the 1970s.
Carlyn, a 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 revealed then that the music industry was thrusted upon her. Barbados is better off that music found her.
With her infectious smile, strong, versatile vocals and riveting performances, Leacock set herself apart on the entertainment scene from the 1970’s well into the 1990s.
She emerged as a hard-working trailblazer in the days of Cheryl Hackett, Wendy Alleyne and Margaret Boyce.
Whether she was manoeuvring on the stage at her popular cabaret shows or teaming up with top 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 long live on with us. With her songs, time stood still and she seemed ageless and evergreen. As the years went by, we witnessed the emergence of another incredible Leacock talent, her own daughter, Jan Gibson.
Countless Barbadians have been reflecting on the outstanding contribution of this Barbadian musical icon.
Chief Executive Officer of the National Cultural Foundation Carol Roberts Reifer said: “Carlyn Leacock’s dulcet tones defined the sound of a generation of Bajan vocalists-male or female, who had the total package: God-given ability in spades, grace and charm, mesmerizing stage presence and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Carlyn’s hit records are but one testimony to her contribution to the creative industries in Barbados. She was the first coordinator of the Parish Ambassadors and Community Independence Celebrations; she judged at many a Crop Over calypso competition; she mentored young performers and conducted voice training classes. Most of all, she was beautiful inside and out; a lovely soul who put her heart into everything that 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 recognised 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 the stage, Carlyn was an influential supporter of young Barbadian talent helping many to get their footing 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 my confidant, prayer warrior, greatest inspiration, musical mother and simply Aunty Carlyn. I sat at her feet from a child, eager to learn and be one day merely half as great as she was. I became her protégé, her son and I am forever indebted for her embracing compassion and kind patience. As I reflect on these past fifteen years of life, I cannot imagine it without her by my side. I am, who I am, because of Carlyn Leacock.”
Barbados indeed has lost a gem. Her departure again reminds us that we owe so much to our artistes. Unfortunately, we wait until they have gone to lay on the accolades. It’s high time we honour these legends while they are with us. Though the clock has run out on the opportunity to reward our great Barbadian songstress, we can memorialize her by widening doors of opportunity to future talent with the grace, generosity and sincerity of Carlyn Leacock.
