BILLY OCEAN, from singing in school in Trinidad to the Grammys and Platinum Albums

By Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer

#Trinidad, February 15, 2023 – As one of the most popular singer-songwriters of the 80s and Britain’s most commercially successful Black artist in the county’s history, Trinidadian-British singer Billy Ocean has sold over 30 million records in his lifetime and claims several top ten hits including, Caribbean Queen.  Ocean is recognized internationally as a true master of his craft and a Black trailblazer.

Leslie Charles, as he was named at birth, was born in Fyzabad Trinidad on 21 January 1950 to Hainsley Charles, a Grenadian musician, and his wife Violet.  He moved to England quite young; the singer’s website explains how the journey influenced his love for music.

“Born in Trinidad, Billy settled in London’s East End when just seven years old.  The calypso crazy kid soon got turned on to soul singers like Otis Redding and Sam Cooke, as well as pop groups like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, leading him to spend much of his study time in the music room,” it explains.

He told Big Issue magazine about his homeland and how it prepared him for stardom in a 2020 interview.

“Even as a little kid in Trinidad, I was singing in school.  The headmaster used to take me around schools all over the country to compete in senior competitions.  I’ll never forget Mr. Frederick.  Now that I stop to think about it, he really was… it’s like he was sent by God almighty.  He was a very strict teacher, he would be the first to pull out the strap and beat the hell out of you.  But in that situation, he was something totally different.”

Undoubtedly a star, he hit No. 2 on the UK charts with his single ‘Love Really Hurts Without You’ and his success continued.  ‘Caribbean Queen’ won the singer a Grammy for Best R&B Vocals and his album ‘Suddenly’ which contained hits like ‘Suddenly’ and ‘Loverboy’ went double platinum in the US all in 1985.

Ocean proved he was no one-hit wonder and his powerful voice propelled him to No. 1 with ‘There’ll be Sad Songs’ on his following album ‘Love Zone.’  His song ‘Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car’ was another smash hit sending him straight to No. 1 on the US charts.

After a break to spend time with family, the 73-year-old crooner has once again entered the world scene and is currently on tour with his new album ‘One World.’