If You Wanna Be Happy (Ugly Woman)

One of the first exponents of calypso to record in the U.S. Roaring Lion (Rafael de Leon) recorded "Ugly Woman" (The Lion) 1934. As a goodwill ambassador for Trinidad Roaring Lion performed for Winston Churchill, the Pope and the WW2 troops. Hip hop was earlier than many may think.

Jimmy Soul's (McCleese) "If You Wanna Be Happy" (Joseph Royster - Carmella Guida - Frank Guida) peaked at number one pop and R&B in 1963. Record label owner Frank Guida was also responsible for Gary U.S. Bond hits "Quarter To Three" and "New Orleans" which had much the same feel. Frank was stationed in Trinidad during the war.