The Merrymen
Biography
1) The Merrymen, sometimes written as The MerryMen, are a popular calypso band from Barbados.
The Merrymens career spans four decades, from the early 1960s to the 2000s. At their height they were popular not just throughout the Caribbean, but they had also managed to reach the number one spot on the charts of several European countries.[1]
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Their trademark sound is an upbeat form of calypso, reminiscent of what was popular in the Caribbean in the late 60s and early 70s, that samples liberally from latin, funk, tuk and spouge musical styles. Lead singer Emile Strakers whistling is one of the most distinctive components of their sound, and often serves as the primary focus of the musical interludes in their songs. They have produced several memorable covers in this style, including versions of "Island in the Sun" (originally by Harry Belafonte), "Jamaica Farewell", "Hot Hot Hot" and "Marys Boy Child".
In addition to their characteristic sound, they are also known for the distinctive costumes they wear while performing and on their album and promotional photographs. The costumes are inspired by troubadour costumes from the High Middle Ages, a nod to the one of the inspirations for their name (which may also refer to 14th century outlaws[2], or Robin Hoods band of "Merry Men").
For many years they played regular shows aboard the Jolly Roger cruise in Barbados, but now have a much more limited appearance schedule, performing at the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary in an after hours dinner show.
2) Formed Stockholm, Sweden
Disbanded1965 //
MembersLeif Sundberg (guitar), Birger "Biggen" Sivertsson (guitar), Perre B. Brickman (bass), Åke "Buddha" Berg (drums), Bill Öhrström (vocals, harmonica), Bo Hansson (guitar, organ), Hans Nitzler (organ)
Bo Hansson later in Hansson and Karlsson is most famous for his solo records, Magicians Hat, The Lord of the Rings, Attic Thoughts and Watership Down.
Appears on: Pebbles Vol. 20: The Continent Lashes Back! European Garage Rock Part 4: Sweden Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.
Biography text from Last.fm, available under CC BY-SA.