PATRICK  STANISLAUS  CASTAGNE

DATE OF BIRTH: October 3, 1916
PLACE OF BIRTH: ..., British Guiana (Guyana)
EDUCATION: St. Mary's College
CAREER:                                 Castagne grew up in Trinidad after being born in Guyana to Trinidadian parents. He played the piano and had his own band, but gained wide recognition in the 1950s for his hosting of the pre-Carnival "Dimanche Gras" shows. In 1962, he composed the national anthem of Trinidad & Tobago. He also served as a diplomat assigned to the Trinidad & Tobago Embassy in England. While in England, he worked with the BBC in airing West Indian talent on a weekly radio show. Castagne composed several songs and calypsoes during his career including the following:
  • 1960 - The Iceman (sung by calypsonian Lord Melody)
  • 1962 - The National Anthem of Trinidad & Tobago
  • Also - Kiss Me for Christmas (sung by Kelwyn Hutcheon); Nimble Like Kimble; Hyarima: A Caribbean Rhapsody; An Orchid for You; Happy Birthday Mom; My Easter Bunny
AWARDS:
  • 1979 - Trinidad & Tobago Chaconia Medal Gold (for Public Service and Music)
  • Member of the British Empire (MBE)
DIED: May 5, 2000, in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, of a heart attack.
Compiled by Ronald C. Emrit