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Count Lasher was the stage-name of Terence Parkins (''c''.1921 – 1977〔 Michael Garnice states that Count Lasher died in 1977 at the age of 51, but in the ''Caribbean Popular Music: An Encyclopedia of Reggae, Mento, Ska, Rocksteady, And Dancehall'' his birthdate is given as ''c''. 1940〕), a Jamaican singer and songwriter. Born in the mountainous parish of Saint Thomas, Lasher predominately utilized first rural, and then urban mento styles in his music, although in later years he recorded some ska and reggae singles. Successful and prolific in output, Count Lasher remains an overlooked figure in the history of Jamaican music. ==Career== Count Lasher's career started soon after leaving school. An avid fan of mento music, he taught himself how to play the piano and the guitar before traveling to Kingston where he entertained the tourists on boats moored within Kingston Harbour.〔 A prolific performer, Lasher appeared at hotels, beach parties, charity events, and occasionally in cinemas before the start of the movies.〔 He recorded on several different labels (his debut being produced by Stanley Motta), and was accompanied by various backing bands over the course of his career; early singles are credited to Count Lasher's Seven, with names such as the Royal Calypsonians and Calypso Quartet used later. Though Lasher's music was technically mento in style, Jamaican acts of the era often recorded under calypso-related names as the term 'calypso' had greater recognition amongst tourists. Count Lasher entered some of the music competitions held regularly at Jamaica's Ward's Theatre. On 20 April 1957 the theatre's "Federated Calypso Clash" saw Trinidadian calypso artists Lord Pretender and Lord Melody battle mento locals Count Lasher and Lord Messam.〔 Count Lasher continued to perform until the mid-1970s, releasing more than fifty songs, yet he never recorded any albums or compilations.〔 Both his age and the spelling of his real name〔The writing credit for "Sam Fi Man" is given to ''Terence Perkins'', but the Lasher Disc single "Natta Bay Road" / "Female Boxer" gives the credit to ''Terrence Parkins''〕 are still open to question, and despite believing that he could be the greatest of all the mento performers, musicologist Michael Garnice has also stated that: "Count Lasher may be the single most neglected artist in the history of Jamaican recorded music."〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Count Lasher」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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