Obituary of Mr. Elsworth James
Elsworth James was born in Arnos Vale, St. Vincent and the Grenadines to Egbert Israel and Violet James. He grew up in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, surrounded by a host of family members who helped raise him, including his aunts and uncles, Eugenia Charles, Thaddeus James, and Pearl Louise James. As a boy, Elsworth enjoyed the company of his cousins, particularly Gerald "Jerry'' James, who shared his love for music.
Elsworth met the love of his life Margaret in Trinidad and Tobago, and they would later immigrate to Canada. Elsworth experienced the blessing of seven children, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Above all, Elsworth enjoyed family, but music may have been a close second.
He first exploded into the entertainment scene as co-founder and vocalist with the winning musical acts Succession and Double Feature. He became known for his jubilant personality, melodic voice, and slick dancing. Later, he entered the calypso and budding Soca industry with hits like “I Like Calypso Music” and “Pan from Heaven." In 1984, he released his smash hit Afeisha, an ode to fatherhood, inspired when he witnessed his daughter’s birth. Elsworth was nominated for both the Canadian Music Award and the Juno Award, a great feat considering the industry’s ambivalence for calypso and soca music.
Elsworth launched a production company to promote calypso internationally, a towering goal in an era when calypso was not accepted as mainstream entertainment. For many globally renowned artists in the genre, an “Elsworth James production” was the first opportunity to perform in North America. Elsworth worked alongside Margaret to produce entertainment in many auspicious venues, including Molson Amphitheater, Lamport Stadium, and Metro Convention Center. He believed that the music of his beloved Caribbean deserved the best and at great personal risk strived to make that happen. His goal was always to elevate his people and their talents to an international audience.
Elsworth undoubtedly left his mark on the world of Caribbean and Canadian entertainment. Most poignant is the indelible mark his passing has left on his family. Left to mourn are his beloved wife Margaret, children Kwame Brent Warner, Anika James, Sherry Ann Elliott, Afeisha James, Kareem James, Adrian James, and Asia James; grand-children Aleiya Blake, Alajiah Elliott, Kayla Andrews, Alyssa Hull, Ajani Byfield, Naeem James, Ariston Jones, Zane Kipps, and Naima Kipps and great-grandchild Lennox Andrews; his cousins, Cynthia James, Shirley James, Ann James, Hamil James, Carl James, Cecil James, Robert James, and Dean James; his relatives.
Also left to mourn are countless friends, calypso and soca artists, and fans who benefitted from his electric personality, vivid imagination, and ability to conceive the impossible for everyone.
