Trinidadian born Daphne Weekes migrated to the United States in 1939. A well-known pianist in Trinidad and Tobago, she was the first female calypso bandleader in the U.S. Her 12-piece band known as "Daphne Weekes and her Versatile Caribbean Orchestra," was sought after and well traveled, playing in major cities and around the world. In her heyday, she performed three to five engagements or more per week. Weekes was also a featured judge of the steel band competition for the West Indian Day Parade on Eastern Parkway. In her later years Weekes continued to play for several senior citizen centers in Brooklyn and was featured at the Annual Senior Citizen Day at Lincoln Center.
From the description of Daphne Weekes collection, 1939-1994. (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 85449352
