The Talbot Brothers

Bermudian Calypso and Folk Music Group

The Talbot Brothers were a musical group based in Bermuda and among the most popular calypso performers of the 1950s. They started part-time in 1941, and by 1947 were playing the hotel circuit regularly. The Talbot Brothers toured the U.S. in 1953, and by 1957 were appearing on television with Ed Sullivan. Almost more famous even than the band was Roy's "dog house," the group's string bass. Made from a meat-packing crate with a single fishing-line string, it bore the signatures of Babe Ruth, Bing Crosby, Tommy Dorsey, William Holden, and many other celebrities. Their last album together was recorded in 1961. The Talbot Brothers were: Archie Talbot (lead singer, guitar, harmonica) Austin Talbot (2) (guitar, harmonica) Roy Talbot (bass) Bryan Dick Talbot (tipple {a large, 10-stringed ukulele}) Ross Talbot aka "Blackie" (electric guitar), Cromwell Mandres aka "Mandy" (accordion) who was their cousin Bassist Ross Talbot, who died on May 15, 2009, was the last surviving brother.