Summary
Inappropriately named after one of the most dreaded figures in history, this highly regarded calypso singer came to prominence in America during the 30s, initially with his partner Roaring Lion (alias Hubert Raphael Charles). In the pre-war years, Atilla enjoyed a certain notoriety for his topical political commentaries, which included ‘Women Will Rule The World’, ‘Roosevelt In Trinidad’ and ‘Mrs Simpson’. The subversive nature of his material ensured that some of it was blacklisted, an action that prompted the witty riposte, ‘The Banning Of Records’. (AllMusic) Interesting, and certainly Significant. File under: Subjects for Further Investigation.
Discography:
In the music library: Calypso Craze - Calypso Comes To America: Roosevelt In Trinidad; Guests Of Rudy Vallee (with The Lion)
Calypsos from Trinidad: Politics, Intrigue & Violence in the 1930s:
Links: Wikipedia AllMusic Discogs
Discography of American Historical Recordings
The Caribbean Memory Project Best of Trinidad
Oxford African-American Studies Centre (Membership required)