Sir Lancelot (singer)

Sir Lancelot Pinard (1902 – 1995), known professionally as Sir Lancelot, was a Trinidadian-American calypsonian, film actor, and songwriter. He is best known for his distinctive baritone voice, his often humorous and topical calypsos, and his association with the film noir classic To Have and Have Not (1944), in which he played a singer.

Born in Cumuto Village, Trinidad, Sir Lancelot began his career as a calypso singer in local tents. He emigrated to the United States in the late 1930s and quickly gained popularity in New York City's music scene. His calypsos often addressed social and political issues, including racial discrimination, World War II, and the rise of communism. Some of his most famous songs include "Shame and Scandal in the Family," "Rum and Coca-Cola" (though authorship remains debated, he popularized it), and "Zombie Jamboree."

Beyond his musical career, Sir Lancelot also appeared in several films, including I Walked with a Zombie (1943), To Have and Have Not, and Brute Force (1947). His role as the singer in To Have and Have Not is particularly memorable, and his performances contributed significantly to the film's atmosphere.

Sir Lancelot was a pioneer in bringing calypso music to a wider audience in the United States. His recordings and performances helped to popularize the genre and paved the way for other Caribbean musicians. He continued to perform and record throughout his life, and he remains a significant figure in the history of calypso music.