OLDIES SUNDAY: Hubert Porter & The Jamaican Calypsonians – Rum & Coconut Water (1953)

Jamaica has a rich music history that sometimes slip our minds. While Reggae and Dancehall are on the frontline, we tend to not mention other genres like Calypso and Mento that made strides long before our Independence. That’s why there’s “Oldies Sunday” to highlight the content. Today’s selection comes from Hubert Porter and The Jamaican Calypsonians with the track, “Rum & Coconut Water“.

Released through Times Record in 1953, when one is missing a certain energy, Hubert Porter & The Jamaican Calypsonians suggest you get some “Rum & Coconut Water” in your system. Inspired by living overseas, the song speaks of a Man who is homesick and is relaying the information to his Woman as he is lacking the drive to do a lot of things. To him, there’s nothing like being home and being fed the right things. Rum and Coconut was a drink of choice to keep one on his toes, and remains a drink for many today, especially those who are coming home from Overseas. “Rum & Coconut Water” was a popular track, and was a part of the setlist when Hubert Porter & The Jamaican Calypsonians perform at various Hotels and events. The Instrumentation throughout had the people dancing, and kept the vibe going all night. Times Record was one of the platforms that helped the Artists with their releases, and was a subsidiary of the Times Store, one of Jamaica’s then largest Department stores. “Rum & Coconut Water” would later be covered by Mento Band, The Jolly Boys, and Cayman Islands-based performer, The Barefoot Man.

Since the release of “Rum & Coconut Water”, Hubert Porter and The Jamaican Calypsonians would go on to release more music together. The Jamaican Calypsonians would collaborate with The Mighty Panther, Lord Flea, Lord Tickler, and others over the years. “Rum & Coconut Water” would be remembered, and covered by many over the years.

Check out the track below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter, TikTok, Threads, and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.