Granville Straker, Caribbean music pioneer, dies at 86

Granville Leonard Straker, a pioneering Vincentian-born music producer, entrepreneur, and founder of Brooklyn-based Straker’s Records, has died at the age of 86. His family announced his passing on August 27.

Straker was a central figure in the international production, preservation, and distribution of calypso and soca music. His influence began in Brooklyn during the 1960s, where he established record stores that served the expanding West Indian community. His business expanded to include retail presences in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago.

In 1971, he founded the Straker’s Records label, which became a vital platform for Caribbean artists. Over approximately three decades, the label released between 600 and 700 albums, over 1,000 12-inch records, and several thousand singles. The label's roster featured prominent artists including Calypso Rose, The Mighty Shadow, Black Stalin, Chalkdust, Lord Nelson, Lord Melody, Mighty Duke, Explainer, Winston Soso, Singing Francine, and Machel Montano.