Biography
Neville Marcano, known professionally as Growling Tiger, was born in Siparia, Trinidad, in either 1915 or 1916 (sources differ slightly)[2][4][6]. Before his musical career, Marcano was a successful boxer, earning the nickname 'Siparia Tiger' after winning the Trinidad boxing championship in 1929[2][6]. Transitioning from sports to music, he became deeply involved in Trinidad's calypso scene, drawing on his early experiences with outlawed stick fighting (kalinda) and bongo, a drum dance performed at wakes[3].
Growling Tiger quickly established himself as a leading calypsonian, known for his powerful voice and socially conscious lyrics. He was crowned the first Calypso King of Trinidad and Tobago, a testament to his influence and popularity[5]. His songs often addressed political and social issues, setting him apart from many of his contemporaries. In 1962, Alan Lomax recorded Growling Tiger in Trinidad, helping to preserve his music for future generations[1].
Tiger's legacy is profound: he is credited with shaping the direction of calypso, inspiring both his peers and subsequent generations of musicians. His contributions to Trinidadian culture and music have been documented in biographies and recordings, ensuring his place as one of the genre's foundational figures[5][7].
Fun Facts
- Growling Tiger was originally a champion boxer before turning to music, winning the Trinidad boxing championship in 1929.
- He was an exponent of kalinda (stick fighting) and bongo (drum dance), both important cultural traditions in Trinidad.
- Tiger was crowned the first Calypso King of Trinidad and Tobago.
- Alan Lomax, the renowned ethnomusicologist, recorded Growling Tiger in Trinidad in 1962, preserving his legacy.
Associated Acts
- Keskidee Trio
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Attila the Hun - Contemporary and influential peer in the early calypso scene; both were pioneers of socially conscious calypso. (Shared performances and calypso competitions) [1930s-1940s]
Key Collaborators
- Lord Beginner - Frequent collaborator in calypso performances and recordings; both contributed to the genre's development. (Joint performances and recordings in Trinidad and London) [1930s-1950s]
- Alan Lomax - Ethnomusicologist who recorded Growling Tiger, helping to archive his work for posterity. (1962 Trinidad field recordings) [1962]
Artists Influenced
- Mighty Sparrow - Inspired by Tiger's lyrical style and social commentary; Sparrow became a leading figure in calypso. (Socially conscious calypso songs) [1950s-present]
- Calypso Rose - Influenced by Tiger's pioneering role and approach to topical songwriting. (Political and social calypso works) [1970s-present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| High Priest Of Mi Minor: Knockdown Calypsos | 1979-01-01 | Album |
| High Priest Of Mi Minor: Knockdown Calypsos | 1979-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Money Is King (The Magic of Trinidad Sounds 1930-39)
- Money Is King (High Priest Of Mi Minor: Knockdown Calypsos)
- When I Dead Bury Me Clothes / Five Five Five In the Morning / Going Home To Africa Tonight - Medley (High Priest Of Mi Minor: Knockdown Calypsos)
- Yoruba Shango (High Priest Of Mi Minor: Knockdown Calypsos)
- Motor Car Horn (High Priest Of Mi Minor: Knockdown Calypsos)
- War (High Priest Of Mi Minor: Knockdown Calypsos)
- Gold in Africa (The Magic of Trinidad Sounds 1930-39)
- War (Trinidad Carnival, Vol. 1)
- War (Classic Songs Of Trinidad, Vol. 2)
- War (The Sunny Sounds of Trinidad, Vol. 2)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
growling tiger has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 20, 2025 | 21:00 | money is king | R&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri |