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Creator
Weekes, Daphne, 1913-2004
Call number
Sc MG 741
Physical description
0.83 linear feet (2 boxes)
Language
English
Preferred Citation
[Item], Daphne Weekes collection, Sc MG 741, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division, The New York Public Library
Repository
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division
Access to materials
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Trinidadian born Daphne Weekes was the first female calypso bandleader in the U.S. The Daphne Weekes collection consists primarily of printed material.

Biographical/historical information

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.

Scope and arrangement

The Daphne Weekes collection consists primarily of printed material. Included are certificates of appreciation, annotated sheet music, programs, flyers, and clippings for events where she and the band performed. There is also a transcript of an interview Weekes did for the West Indian Carnival Documentation project of the Brooklyn Historical Society, which captures her recollections of her life and work as a bandleader, and her work with the West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn.

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

Gift of Eileen Millett, June 2006.

Processing information

Accessioned by Nurah-Rosalie Jeter, December 2006.

Separated material

Transferred to the Photographs and Prints Division: photographs

Using the collection

Location

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division
515 Malcolm X Boulevard, New York, NY 10037-1801
Second Floor