Obituary: 'Pal' Joey Lewis - Calypso Icon

Legendary Calypso music icon Joey ‘Pal’ Lewis sadly passed away 8 February 2016 at 78, due to a deterioration in health caused by colon cancer which he was first diagnosed with back in 2011.

With a career spanning over six decades, Lewis was instrumental in the rising popularity of Calypso amongst Trinidad and later across North America where Joey Lewis and his band toured, meeting Dizzy Gillespie and Harry Belafonte.

Lewis formed his first band; Joey Lewis & The Teenagers at the age of 16, later changing their name to the Joey Lewis Orchestra in 1955.
His style of music was unique which melded traditional calypso sounds with modern upbeat Latin influences. 

A true testament to Lewis’ character were his band members and their loyalty towards him, in particular George ‘Birdie’ Boucaud who played alongside Lewis for 52 years.

Listen below to some of ‘Pal’ Joey Lewis’ greatest hits.