Gypsy is one of the outstanding calypsonians of T&T who annually since 1988 has won the National Extempo Calypso crown, a competition in which contestants must compose lyrics on the spot. He has had a roller-coaster career that has reached the extremes of peaks and valleys. His "Sinking Ship: SS Trinidad" from his classic 1986 release was considered by most to be the crowning blow that brought on the downfall of the PNM government, which had been in power for nearly 30 years. Despite his triumph, he lost out that year to David Rudder's "Bahia Gyal/The Hammer." Somewhat bitter (a 1987 calypso, "Sing Ram Bam," sarcastically refers to the "inane" lyrics of Rudder's "Bahia Gyal"), and further embattled by other career setbacks, he has nonetheless gone on to compose outstanding calypsos each year. Any album by Gypsy is recommended. ~ Gene Scaramuzzo, Rovi
