A HISTORY OF THE PERFORMING ARTS IN THE BAHAMAS

In the performing arts, Bahamian music developed a distinctive identity called Goombay music.  The derivation of the word is West African, from an African drum called “goom-ba”.  This early style of music was typical for both song and dance.  This music was preeminent before pop or electronic music.  Two exponents of this type of music were Blake Alfonzo Higgs (1915) or “Blind” Blake and George Symonette.  

During this particular era of Goombay, “Blind” Blake’s music on the six stringed guitar told of significant events in Bahamian history.  His more than 30 years at the Royal Victoria Hotel gave him a reputation of being a Bahamian troubadour.

Another contemporary of his was pianist George Symonette who was the father of Calypso.   He worked at the Imperial Hotel and his fame increased as he did promotional tours for the Ministry of Tourism.  

Well-known folk guitarist Jospeh Spence was alive at this time. His music was seventy-five percent religious and his ballads dealt with the topics of his day. He was known in North America and Europe as one of the greatest folk guitarist in the world.

Highlighting the performing arts in the Bahamas, was the cultural icon and political activist Freddie Munnings Sr.  (1921).   In 1950’s  he established his Cat and Fiddle which attracted tourists and celebrities like Nat King Cole, Paul Ankan, Dinah Washington,  Harry Belafonte, Count Basie and Roy Hamilton.  He had a highly trained and polished orchestra which could read music readily. Also joining him was the popular dance choreographer Shirley Hall-Bass.

Another cultural icon that dominated the nightclub era was John Berkley “Peanuts” Taylor (1935).  His Drumbeat Club was perhaps one of the longest lasting cultural shows in the Caribbean.  He travelled the world and hosted people like Frank Sinatra, Harry Belafonte and Sidney Pointier at the Drumbeat.  He also attracted the likes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy.

In the 1970’s, the popular musicians were Ronnie Butler, Eddie Minnis,
King Eric, and George Moxey.  Ronnie Butler became established with King Eric’s group before he launched out on his own to other venues as a performer and a recording artist.  Coming later was Leroy Cleveland McKenzie known as “Smokey 007”.  His music gained international recognition selling over 1 million records.

In 1982, Fred Ferguson joined High Voltage, which later became Baha-men.  He became music director and composer for this group and produced soundtracks that went as far as Hollywood. Isaiah Taylor was also a leader of this group.  Their hit song received a Grammy award for the best dance recording of “Who let the Dogs Out.”

Another very popular artist of this period is Kirkland Bodie know as “KB.”
He is a prolific composer, lyricist and singer, whose songs are commentaries on the affairs of the day.   One such song that took the country by storm was “The Civil Servant.”