338 - Irving Burgie

Irving Burge was one of the greatest songwriters of our time and his songs will live forever. This interview was recorded and broadcast on the radio in 2008. Born July 28, 1924 in Brooklyn, New York, Burgie passed away on November 29, 2019 in Queens, New York.

Irving Burgie, or as he was sometimes known Lord Burgess, wrote many classic songs of the Caribbean such as Day-O, Jamaica Farewell. Burgie composed some 34 songs for the Legendary Harry Belafonte including 8 of the 11 songs on Belafonte's classic Calypso album. From 1956 to 1957, "Calypso" was the first album of any kind to sell one Million copies. He also wrote songs for the Kingston Trio during the group's heyday as well as lyrics of the National Anthem of Barbados. His songs have sold over 100 million copies worldwide. Everyone has heard Irving Burgie's music...at concerts and sporting events all over the world, on the radio and in movies. His songs have been recorded by too many artists to even name.