Byron Lee and the Dragonaires

Byron Lee and the Dragonaires was a Jamaican band formed around 1950 by Byron Lee and Carl Brady. Initially playing mento, they became pioneers in ska, reggae, calypso, and soca genres. Their debut single, "Dumplin's," was released in 1959. The band appeared in the 1962 film "Dr. No" and performed at the 1964 New York World's Fair. In the 1970s, they focused on calypso and soca, with their 1984 hit "Tiny Winey" gaining popularity. Byron Lee passed away on November 4, 2008.