"FDR in Trinidad" (also known as "Roosevelt in Trinidad") is a calypso song written by Fritz McLean [1] and popularized by Atilla the Hun (Raymond Quevedo) to commemorate U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's 1936 trip to Trinidad. [2] As part of Atilla and his band's repertoire in New York City during the 1930s and 1940s, it brought increased popularity to the genre. [3] Roosevelt had become a calypso fan in 1934 following the band's performances in New York City during 1934. [4]
The song was covered by Ry Cooder in his 1971 album Into the Purple Valley, by Van Dyke Parks in his 1972 album Discover America, [5] [6] and performed in local skits. [3]
"FDR in Trinidad" (also known as "Roosevelt in Trinidad") is a calypso song written by Fritz McLean [1] and popularized by Atilla the Hun (Raymond Quevedo) to commemorate U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's 1936 trip to Trinidad. [2] As part of Atilla and his band's repertoire in New York City during the 1930s and 1940s, it brought increased popularity to the genre. [3] Roosevelt had become a calypso fan in 1934 following the band's performances in New York City during 1934. [4]
The song was covered by Ry Cooder in his 1971 album Into the Purple Valley, by Van Dyke Parks in his 1972 album Discover America, [5] [6] and performed in local skits. [3]