Jackie Opel

Jackie Opel, born Dalton Sinclair Bishop on 27 August 1937 in Bridgetown, Barbados, was a legendary Barbadian singer renowned for his powerful, high-octave voice and dynamic stage presence. Often called the "Jackie Wilson of Barbadian culture," he was also a skilled dancer and performer. Opel’s musical style spanned ska, R&B, soul, gospel, and calypso, and he is credited with creating spouge music, a fusion of ska, calypso, and R&B. Discovered in the early 1960s by Byron Lee of the Dragonaires, Opel was brought to Jamaica, where he collaborated with prominent artists, including duets with Doreen Shaffer and Hortense Ellis. In 1964, he was backed by Bob Marley and Peter Tosh of the Wailers on songs like “Mill Man,” “Hairy Mango,” and “A Time to Cry.” Known for his energetic performances and dance moves reminiscent of James Brown, Opel left a lasting impression on audiences across the Caribbean. Opel later lived in Trinidad before returning to Barbados. On 9 March 1970, he tragically died in a car accident in Bridgetown. Earlier that night, he had performed at the Islands Inn hotel, and while returning with recordings requested by US music executives, a speeding driver lost control, causing the fatal crash. At the time, he was performing with the Troubadours, who later honored him by playing music at his funeral, cementing his legacy as one of Barbados’ most influential musical talents.