Mighty Gabby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mighty Gabby
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Mighty Gabby performing live, February 2012
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Anthony Carter |
| Born | 30 March 1948 Emmerton, Barbados |
| Genres | Folk, ringbang, calypso |
| Years active | 1968–present |
| Labels | Ice |
Anthony Carter (born March 30, 1948), known as Mighty Gabby or just Gabby, is a famous Barbadian calypso and folk singer. He is also a Cultural Ambassador for the island of Barbados, which means he represents his country's culture to the world.
Contents
Gabby's Musical Journey
Early Success in Calypso
Gabby was born in Emmerton, Barbados. He got his nickname "Gabby" when he was a child. His music career took off in 1968 when his song "Heart Transplant" helped him win the Barbados Calypso Monarch title. He won this important award again in 1969 with his song "Family Planning".
After these early wins, Gabby decided to try acting for a few years. He joined the Barbados Theater Workshop and wrote a lot of music for their play Under the Duppy Parasol. This play was very popular and was even performed in New York.
Returning to Music and Crop Over
Gabby came back to music in 1976 and found more success at the Crop Over festival. His song "Licks Like Fire" was the first of many wins there. He was named 'Folk Singer of the Year' for three years in a row, from 1977 to 1979. This was for his songs "Riots in the Land", "Bridgetown", and "Bajan Fisherman". In 1979, he also won the Crop Over Road March title with "Burn Mr Harding". After this, he even went on a music tour in Cuba.
Songs About Important Issues
Gabby is known for writing songs that talk about important social and political topics. In 1985, he released "Cadavers", which discussed a government decision. He also wrote "The List" and "Boots", which shared his opinions on different issues. Another famous song, "Jack", criticized how some foreign visitors were treated better than locals in the tourist industry.
He won the Calypso Monarch title for a third time in 1985 with his song "West Indian Politician".
Working with Eddy Grant and More Wins
In the late 1980s, Gabby started working with the singer and producer Eddy Grant. Eddy Grant owned a music studio called Blue Wave. This partnership helped Gabby reach a bigger audience with his music.
Gabby continued to win the Calypso Monarch title many more times. He won in 1997, 1999, 2000, and again in 2010.
Cultural Ambassador and Other Honors
In 2004, Gabby was officially named a Cultural Ambassador of Barbados. This role means he helps promote Barbadian culture around the world.
In November 2011, Gabby was featured on the "Where in the World is Matt Lauer?" segment on the NBC television show.
In 2012, he received an honorary Doctor of Letter degree from the University of the West Indies. This is a special award that recognizes his important contributions.
In 2007, Gabby was given the title of a Nigerian chief. This happened at a special service in Christ Church, Barbados. He was given the name Omowale, which means "our son has returned". This event also celebrated Black Civilisation Day.
Gabby's song "Jack" has become an anthem for protests across the Caribbean. It speaks out against making public beaches private, especially when it limits access for local people.
Many people consider Gabby to be the most important folk singer in Barbados.
Achievements and Titles
- Calypso Monarch: 1968, 1969, 1985, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2010
- Crop Over: 1976, 1977, 1985
- Folk Singer of the Year: 1977, 1978, 1979
- Crop Over Road March: 1979, 1982
Music Albums
- Across the Board (1989), Ice
- Large And In Charge (1991), Ice – with Grynner and Square One
- 500 Blue (1992), Ice – with Grynner
- Soca Trinity (1993), Ice – with Grynner and Bert "Panta" Brown
Compilation Albums
- 'Til Now (1996), Ice
