Lord Radio – Oliver St. Claire Broome – called the Godfather of Barbadian music, who along with his Bimshire Boys band pioneered the development of the entertainment industry since the 1950s, was remembered Monday as a stalwart of Barbadian music and culture and a devoted husband.
Family, friends, and members of the entertainment community paid moving tributes during Monday’s funeral service at the St. Peter Parish Church, to the man who was the iconic entertainment and cultural attraction to several of the island’s most exclusive hotels and entertainment venues.
Broome, 83, died early on the morning of October 9 at his home at Washington Avenue, Black Rock, St. Michael, after a long battle with diabetes.
Cultural Ambassador and celebrated calypsonian, the Most Honourable Dr Anthony Gabby Carter, and fellow calypsonian Colin Spencer paid musical tributes and remembered the catalyst in both of their musical careers, with Carter describing Lord Radio as a genius and close friend, with a heart of “gold”.
Veteran entertainer-turned-minister for culture John King, spoke of Broome’s important role and influence on many of the island’s entertainers for most of his lifetime, not only in his skills behind the microphone but in his personality away from it.
He said: “Seeing him over the years in the hotel circuit, having the opportunity to watch him doing his picong and different things at different shows, it really not only inspired not only myself, I know it inspired a younger generation of entertainers, and like I said before, it’s not just about the art itself, it’s about how he carried himself. Very dignified and always very straight forward, and if there is one thing you can say about Oliver Broome, is that he lived his life his way.”
Cousin Jeff Broome, the retired principal and educator, told mourners that although he was better known for his influence in shaping early Barbadian calypso music, it was his love for his wife that kept him glowing throughout the years.
“To hear him talk about her, one was not limited to seeing her as a wife or a mother, he beamed with pride when he talked of Shirley the chef,” he said. “He would never let you forget that she was once voted Barbados’s Top Chef, who travelled through Europe and United States fine tuning and displaying her craft.
“Oliver also pinpointed Shirley as the brains in their union, who charted the path of success.”
He continued: “From 1937 to 2021, Barbados has been blessed to have a veritable colossus as one of our own, because of him, there is a place that thousands want to know – ‘Beautiful Barbados’ – if I may say so. Have a smooth journey, and eternal and peaceful rest in the arms of the Lord, knowing that you have done your part as you were fashioned to do. Sleep well, and we say to yours sincerely, from your family, your parish, your town, your country and your many friends with nothing but love for you. Godspeed cuz.” (SB)
