Clifton “Mighty Bomber” Ryan Grenadian Calypsonian

Clifton Ryan (c. 1928 – 2022), better known by his stage name Mighty Bomber, was a Grenadian-born Trinidad and Tobago calypsonian celebrated for his witty lyricism, moral storytelling, and contributions to traditional calypso. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he became recognized as one of the genre’s most respected and enduring voices.

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Early Life

Mighty Bomber was born in Grenada, where he began singing calypso at the age of eleven. His talent quickly drew attention, winning seven consecutive local competitions. During his first major performance, an audience member exclaimed that he had “dropped a bomb,” inspiring his stage name  “The Mighty Bomber.”

At age nineteen, Bomber migrated to Trinidad, where he lived first with fellow calypsonian Small Island Pride and later with family in Laventille. Though he came from humble beginnings, he was known for his elegance, faith, and determination to succeed in the art of calypso.

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Career

Bomber’s breakthrough came in 1964, when he won the Trinidad and Tobago Calypso Monarch with his masterfully written double-entendre song “James and Joan.” The composition was praised for its poetic storytelling, smooth delivery, and clever metaphors, earning him a place among calypso’s greats.

Throughout his career, Bomber composed over 300 calypsos, many of which explored humor, morality, and social commentary. His catalog includes “Grandmother’s Advice,” “Fountain of Youth,” “Sexual Harassment,” “The National Song,” “Peace in the World,” “Portrait of Trinidad,” and “Bomber’s Dream.”

While known for his own performances, Bomber also wrote for other calypsonians, contributing to the broader creative landscape of the genre. He was admired for his generosity and mentorship, often guiding younger artists in their lyrical development.

Death

Bomber died on 1 January 2022, at the age of 93. At the time of his death, Bomber was the oldest living calypsonian, according to Mark John (calypsonian Composer), North Zone chairman of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians' Organisation (TUCO), and one of only two survivors (along with Sparrow) of the Independence calypso competition.

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Selected Songs

• James and Joan (1964)
• Grandmother’s Advice(Proverbs)
• Portrait of Trinidad
• Bomber’s Dream
• Peace in the World
• Sexual Harassment