It was about this time, a year ago, when I first laid eyes on him. He walked on to the stage like he owned the place. His confidence was out of this world! His diction, spot on! Enunciation – it was flawless! Who was this guy?… yes, the Master of Proceedings had introduced him by name, so I knew that much about him, but, WHO was he? Where had he been hiding? How did he gain such stage mastery? He was commanding the attention of an oftentimes brutal Saint Lucian Calypso Tent audience and he did it with ease! I definitely wanted to know more about him as I sang under my breath with him, “…now that I’m six – tee – fiiiive!!!…” This was my kinda guy – easy on the eyes and ears.
I was almost sure then that in due course, I would sit with Dennis James and I’d indulge in one of those conversations that would leave me completely satiated. That day came for me earlier this month when we chatted at length. And what a wonderful experience it was! Now, I can declare without fear or shame that after having met him for the first time, I love the man. He carries a beautiful spirit, which is one of the first things that drew me to him. There are many that stood out for me that first day when I saw him on stage and some qualities I discovered when we met resonated with me and if I must be honest, I’ll admit that I’m smitten by his character. He’s a charmer! His unassuming disposition and humility are comforting. His love for the craft is amazing!
Dennis was fascinated by music and singing from as far back as he could remember but only made his first attempt performing before a live audience at age fifteen (15). When he learned that there was going to be a calypso show at the Town Hall he felt inspired to put his writing and singing skills to the test. Armed with his composition and youthful exuberance, young James took to the stage but didn’t make it through his song. Staying in key proved difficult for Dennis that day and embarrassment got the better of him forcing him to run off stage all the way to his house. “I didn’t get out of the house for an entire week!” he told me bellowing a laugh that rocked his entire body and had me chuckling as I imagined him being coaxed to do otherwise.
After a week in hibernation, Dennis eventually returned to the town hall stage, this time with high commendation from the appreciative audience but would not sing calypso music again for another thirty six (36) years. Instead, as a teenager, James was a regular on the weekly Sunday afternoon show “Saint Lucia Talent on Parade”, originally hosted by Roddie De Cotto and broadcast live on Radio Caribbean International (RCI). It was after performing from his soul music repertoire at one of those shows that a discerning Peace Corps volunteer encouraged Dennis to participate in the Amateur Variety Show, which was a monthly showcase organised by the Catholic Youth Organisation (CYO). From this “scouting” exercise the talents of Patsy Cadet, Sandra “Little Miss Blue” Lorde, David Samuel and many others emerged. It was without doubt a breeding ground for many a young entertainer.
In 1959, Saint Lucian born musician and singer Emile Ford, along with his band mates “The Checkmates” had charted a number one British single, opening up a recording career that lasted four years. Riding on the success of his band, Emile returned home in search of Saint Lucians who would be part of his recording team. So birthed an opportunity for Dennis James (male vocalist), David Edwards (lead guitarist), Gregory Rene (keyboardist), Patsy Cadet (female vocalist), and Winston Maynard (bass player) to pursue music careers. The opening led them to Barbados, where they recorded versions of the popular music of the day. The six (6) month stint was followed by tours around Barbados and throughout the Caribbean, further extending their growing networks and affording the young band more opportunities for growth and development.
Young James sang in the years that would follow alongside reputable groups such as The N.D.’s, Quavers and Trutones. Performing at the hotels was particularly enjoyable for Dennis and turned out to be another rung in the ladder that was his music career. While he was on contract at the Saint Lucia Beach Hotel, a guest with connections in the world of entertainment was very impressed with his stage persona and proposed taking him to the United States. He left Saint Lucia for the US in 1971. Things didn’t quite work out the way James had anticipated as there were no vacancies at the time of his arrival. However, he joined a small band, playing a few minor gigs here and there and kept himself productively busy. He lived and worked in New York for the next four (4) years until one of life’s most momentous events happened – Dennis James fell in love and got married.
He almost immediately followed where his heart led and moved to Montreal, Canada in 1975. Once there, he found work in the entertainment business, performing with several groups at Golf and Yacht Clubs. Audiences were requesting more and more Caribbean music and gradually within the next twenty three (23) years, Dennis found that his repertoire was moving from contemporary to calypso and from soul to soca.
In 1998, Dennis considered something new in his music career – he would attempt the competitive element. It was then that he signed up to participate in the Montreal Calypso Competition. Skippy, from Trinidad was at the time, the reigning monarch. Would Dennis be able to achieve the feat that so many had attempted for years before and failed? One of his contributions on competition night was a song “Saint Lucia”, a song celebrating his homeland. His efforts were rewarded with second place.
The following year, James moved to Toronto which allowed him then to be part of the Caribana festivities. That same year, he participated in the Toronto Calypso Competition for the very first time and placed 6th. The turn of the century brought with it a change of ‘luck’ for Dennis. After his performances of “West Indians Unite” and “TV Madness”, in the annual Calypso Competition, the possibility of winning the title was within grasp of the go-getter – a single point difference placed him second.
If ever there was a time to perform to win, the result in 2000 surely would give Dennis such impetus. And so it was that in 2001 James entered the competition with supreme verve. His outstanding performances of “Caribbean Man” and “Thank you Toronto” were enough for the judges. By the end of the night, Dennis James was crowned Toronto Calypso Monarch 2001, much to his delight. He had done it! Certainly not bad for someone who had run off the stage as a teenager who could not stay in key, right? A determined Dennis put up a remarkable defence and in 2002 James again walked away with the top prize with presentations of “Thunder” and “Black History”.
Dennis continued competing in the years which followed, somehow evading the crown until 2006 when he once again captured the coveted title. In 2007, he pulled out of competition during which time he recorded two (2) full CDs, “I’m a different man” and “Thank You Jesus”.
Upon turning sixty-five, Dennis decided to write about this milestone in his life, something he deemed a privilege, denied to many. That year, he returned to the Calypso stage in Toronto, placing second in that competition. He’d always dreamt of participating in Saint Lucia carnival, and always saw himself performing to a Saint Lucian audience. Dennis recalls having been warned about the critical crowds and audaciously bold patrons but the man who never easily gave up decided that the time was right. In 2014, Dennis made the journey to Saint Lucia, determined to face the demons of fear that had tormented him for so many years. He confesses that although it took him a few Tent appearances to become comfortable, anxiety eventually gave way to serenity.
It was then that I understood what I saw in Dennis James on stage that first night, a year ago. I was looking at a man who was facing his past. I was a passive participant in a remarkable transformation – before my very eyes, Dennis was coming full circle, becoming comfortable in his own skin in an ideal environment. All of the conditions were right. And like a butterfly emerging out of its cocoon, James’ wings were slowly but steadily flapping and expanding preparing for his eventual flight.
On stage this year, Dennis has been impressing calypso lovers with “It’s a shame”, a song which falls in the social/political commentary category and speaks to the inevitable transformation which comes as a result of persistence, determination and patience.
Search for and follow Dennis James on Facebook: St.Lucian Born Dennis James Music Page