The Lion
Roaring Lion (born Rafael de Leon, Aroquita, Trinidad, British Trinidad and… Read Full Bio ↴Roaring Lion (born Rafael de Leon, Aroquita, Trinidad, British Trinidad and Tobago, February 22, 1908; died July 11, 1999) was one of the greatest calypsonians (calypso singer/composers) of the 20th century. 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.
From a young age, Roaring Lion (de Leon’s adopted stage name) became known for his skill in creating calypsos (particularly in his ability to extemporize lyrics on any subject). Contrary to his humble origins, he cultivated a refined stage persona and always appeared sharply dressed. His career officially began in 1924. He recorded extensively between the 1930s and 1950s, and was one of the calypsonians who deserves the most credit for the increasing international popularity of the genre during this period. In March 1934 the Trinidadian phonograph merchant Eduardo Sa Gomes sent Roaring Lion and Attila The Hun to New York to record; they became the first calypsonians to record abroad.
Roaring Lion achieved fame for his linguistic prowess as much as for his catchy tunes. His lyrics, delivered in rapid-fire style, show an impeccable command of the English language (as well as Trinidadian slang), and are replete with witty turns of phrase, humorous metaphors, and clever alliterations and internal rhymes.
From a young age, Roaring Lion (de Leon’s adopted stage name) became known for his skill in creating calypsos (particularly in his ability to extemporize lyrics on any subject). Contrary to his humble origins, he cultivated a refined stage persona and always appeared sharply dressed. His career officially began in 1924. He recorded extensively between the 1930s and 1950s, and was one of the calypsonians who deserves the most credit for the increasing international popularity of the genre during this period. In March 1934 the Trinidadian phonograph merchant Eduardo Sa Gomes sent Roaring Lion and Attila The Hun to New York to record; they became the first calypsonians to record abroad.
Roaring Lion achieved fame for his linguistic prowess as much as for his catchy tunes. His lyrics, delivered in rapid-fire style, show an impeccable command of the English language (as well as Trinidadian slang), and are replete with witty turns of phrase, humorous metaphors, and clever alliterations and internal rhymes.
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The Lion Lyrics
Ba Boo la La Je suis partie de zéro Etre humain…
Death Kneel before your master... (He-Man refuses)... fool You are…
I Was There Nosebleed, not me I got one on the swing set I was…
Kitch In The Jungle JaH bless, Oh yes Big Up Mr. Mello Red and the…
Let Go My Hand Looking back at those years that passed All the weeps and…
Man Man Man Peter The Man's corpse without head was delivered to the Man's…
New York Subway Post movies first I've met you Drinking in malls, suspenders…
Peggy Daniels Alrighty Lion Suma Luma Duma Looma You Assuming Im A Human W…
Rum and Coca Cola Mami dame el lighter que lo prendo Ese bobo a ti…
Some Girl Something Search the skies. There's darkness only Moments after light.…
Tick Tick It's how I think about how you think about how…
Tick! Tick! It's how I think about how you think about how…
Wash Your Hands Sometimes the light grows dim It's hard to see 2 feet…