The Enduring Influence of Alphonso “Blind Blake” Higgs
Alphonso “Blind Blake” Higgs (1915 – 1986) was a pioneering Bahamian musician, celebrated for his masterful guitar playing, witty lyrics, and vibrant storytelling (Ganghelhoff & LeGrand, 2019). Born in Matthew Town, Inagua, Higgs was blind from boyhood (Grand Bahama Museum, n.d.). He developed an early passion for music, drawing inspiration from traditional Bahamian folk tunes, African rhythms, and American jazz and blues. Though largely self-taught, he refined his skills by performing in local clubs and absorbing diverse musical influences.
Blind Blake became one of the most influential figures in Bahamian goombay and calypso music. His lively performances made him a favorite among both locals and tourists, and he was a regular performer at Nassau’s leading hotels and nightclubs, including the famed Royal Victoria Hotel (Grand Bahama Museum, n.d.). His recordings, which often featured a blend of humorous storytelling and rhythmic melodies, captured the essence of Bahamian culture and played a crucial role in introducing the sounds of the Bahamas to an international audience.
His influence extended beyond the Caribbean, inspiring artists across various genres. His music combined traditional Bahamian folk sounds with calypso and early jazz elements, creating a distinctive style that resonated with listeners worldwide. Below, we explore some of his most important songs and their impact on music history.
1. John B. Sail
Influenced The Beach Boys’ “Sloop John B”
A Bahamian folk classic, “John B. Sail” tells the story of a disastrous yet humorous voyage (Blind Blake & The Royal Victoria Hotel Calypsos – Topic, 2020). Blind Blake’s version helped popularize the song, ultimately catching the attention of folk revivalists. The Beach Boys transformed it into the globally famous “Sloop John B” in 1966, turning a traditional Bahamian melody into a pop masterpiece (TheBeachBoysVEVO, 2009). While The Beach Boys’ version is polished with rich harmonies, Blind Blake’s original retains the raw, rhythmic charm of Bahamian goombay music.
2. Gin and Coconut Water
Covered by Baha Men
A lighthearted, infectious song celebrating island life, “Gin and Coconut Water” perfectly encapsulates Blind Blake’s playful and carefree approach to music (sea fish sea fish, 2012). Decades later, the Baha Men, best known for “Who Let the Dogs Out,” paid tribute by covering this song, preserving its laid-back Caribbean groove while updating it for modern audiences (CHARLIE BAHAMA, 2024). This track remains a staple in Bahamian music, bridging the past and present.
3. Delia Gone
Covered by Harry Belafonte, Johnny Cash, and Stevie S.
A tragic ballad about a man who kills his unfaithful lover, “Delia Gone” has deep roots in folk and blues traditions. Blind Blake’s version in the 1950s became one of the most well-known renditions (Islandsounz, 2020). Blake influenced later artists like Harry Belafonte, who brought it to a wider audience in 1959 (Harry Belafonte – Topic, 2019). Johnny Cash’s 1962 version gave it a country twist (Johnny Cash – Topic, 2020). Wyclef Jean would also go on to cover this song in Johnny Cash’s style at a tribute concert for Cash, though it is uncertain if this Haitian-born musician knows the true origin of the song (MultiJokerchannel, 2012). Later, Bahamian artist Stevie S. reinterpreted it for a new generation of rake and scrape lovers (MJTV24, 2011). Each version carries a distinct style, but Blind Blake’s remains one of the most poignant and definitive.
4. Yes! Yes! Yes!
Influenced calypso and Bahamian music traditions
A cheeky and upbeat song, “Yes! Yes! Yes!” exemplifies Blind Blake’s signature wit and lively performance style (stalzoid, 2012). While no direct cover versions exist, the song’s flirtatious, call-and-response structure influenced many calypso and goombay musicians. Its energy can be felt in later Bahamian music, including songs by The Baha Men and other contemporary Caribbean artists.
Blind Blake’s use of the phrase “Yes! Yes! Yes” is a prime example of how Caribbean artists have used safe words to discuss taboo topics without being explicitly vulgar. This playful repetition allows him to explore themes of desire and pleasure while keeping the lyrics lighthearted and socially acceptable. Many Caribbean artists have since adopted similar techniques to address mature subjects while avoiding censorship. For example, in Trinidadian soca, artists like Machel Montano use euphemisms like “pump up the ting” to reference sensuality without outright saying anything explicit. Likewise, in dancehall, Beenie Man and Shabba Ranks have often substituted suggestive phrases like “wine up” or “bruk out” to imply sexual themes while keeping the lyrics radio-friendly. A classic example is Byron Lee & The Dragonaires’ Tiny Winey, where “winey” serves as a playful stand-in for more provocative dance moves. These techniques have allowed Caribbean musicians to push boundaries while ensuring their music remains widely accessible and culturally resonant.
One song I can think of from the Bahamian music scene that reminds of “Yes! Yes! Yes!” is “Do Right In” by the Soulful Groovers (Raphael Munnings, 2010). In the song there are many times when more provocative lyrics are replaced by safe words.
5. J.P. Morgan
Reflects socio-economic themes in calypso music
A song about wealth, power, and the struggles of the common man, “J.P. Morgan” aligns with calypso’s tradition of social commentary (Poofy Hair Productions, 2023). Blind Blake’s clever storytelling and rhythmic grooves made this song a standout, influencing later artists who used music as a platform for discussing class and social issues. This track connects Blind Blake with Trinidadian calypso legends like Mighty Sparrow, who carried on the tradition of witty, politically charged lyrics.
One of the most famous calypso songs of all time, “Jean and Dinah” by Mighty Sparrow, reflects on the economic downturn in Trinidad after American troops left at the end of World War II (hemp71, 2010). Like Blind Blake’s “J.P. Morgan,” it combines humor with sharp social commentary. Sparrow’s use of clever storytelling, rhythmic phrasing, and satirical lyrics aligns with Blind Blake’s approach to music, suggesting a potential influence in the way Caribbean artists used calypso as both entertainment and critique.
Blind Blake’s Lasting Legacy
Blind Blake Higgs may not have achieved the same global fame as some of the artists he influenced, but his contributions to Bahamian music remain invaluable. His songs live on through covers, reinterpretations, and the ongoing evolution of goombay and calypso music. From The Beach Boys to Johnny Cash, his melodies and storytelling continue to shape the sound of generations.
Whether you’re rediscovering his classics or hearing them for the first time, Blind Blake’s music is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of The Bahamas.
References
Blind Blake & The Royal Victoria Hotel Calypsos – Topic. (2020, April 19). John B Sail (The Wreck of the John B) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RCpQo4ky3E
CHARLIE BAHAMA. (2024, October 30). The Baha Men “Gin & Coconut Water” – official music video [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBQwDBRVFLs
Ganghelhoff, C. G., & LeGrand, C. L. (2019). Tour de Force: A musical Journey of the Caribbean. soundcaribbean. https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/ 9789769624900
Grand Bahama Museum. (n.d.). https://www.grandbahamamuseum.org/new-to-the-museum/blind-blake
Harry Belafonte – Topic. (2019, April 11). Delia’s gone [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hw0RH2tg9k
hemp71. (2010, April 27). Mighty Sparrow-Jean & Dinah-The Lizard-Melda-Drunk & Disorderly (Medley) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjcoM6wJR4I
Hot Jazz 78rpms. (2019, May 15). Lord, Got Tomatoes / Blind Blake and the Royal Victoria Hotel Calypsos [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3blLimSQGXk
Islandsounz. (2020, July 3). Blind Blake – Delia Gone [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aUKunx4vYI
Johnny Cash – Topic. (2020, April 29). Delias gone [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWfk-cH9wQo
MJTV24. (2011, October 22). Stevie S-Delia gone [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVZXDIeS4zc
MultiJokerchannel. (2012, February 28). WYCLEF JEAN – delia’s gone [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-qzUqG4YpQ
Poofy Hair Productions. (2023, February 12). J.P. Morgan, by Blind Bahama Bliake [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkAIB9b5EFA
Raphael Munnings. (2010, October 19). Do right in.avi [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9KHYIgmvbA
sea fish sea fish. (2012, July 10). Blind Blake – gin & coconut water [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMDy6zLnvUs
stalzoid. (2012, December 23). Blind Blake Yes yes yes [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuYtx9CP2FM
TheBeachBoysVEVO. (2009, March 3). The Beach Boys – Sloop John B [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSAoEf1Ib58