Billy Ocean is the biggest black recording star Britain has ever produced, having sold over 40 million records in his lifetime. Born in Trinidad but raised in the East End of London, the legend is gracing Surrey on 12th July – heading to Apps Court in Walton for their annual Boogietown Festival.
Billie has had a string of hits including ‘When the Going Get’s Tough,’ ‘Get Outta My Dreams… Get into my Car’ and ‘Caribbean Queen.’ He has collected a pile of Gold and Platinum records across the world and hit the number one spot worldwide on pop charts including the US, Australia, Germany, Holland and the UK scooping Grammy’s, Brit’s and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the MOBO’s.
Surrey Rocks had the pleasure of catching up with the Calypso Kid To ask him about his upcoming tour and ground-breaking career.
YOU’RE PERFORMING IN THE UK & EUROPE YOU DO GET ABOUT?
I love playing to my fans everywhere, i am so lucky at having had hits all over the world, that I can visit so many different places.
WHERE WOULD BE YOUR DREAM CONCERT?
The Jazz And Blues Festival In Jamaica would be amazing!
YOU’RE PERFORMING AT BOOGIETOWN WHICH IS BILLED AS “1 DAY, 4 STAGES AND 1 HUGE BOOGIE” CAN YOU TELL OUR READERS WHAT YOU HAVE IN STORE FOR THEM?
Lots of my hits, it is going to be a huge party!
AND DO YOU LIKE TO BOOGIE?
Yes for sure!!
DO YOU HAVE ANY CRAZY TOUR STORIES YOU CAN SHARE?
Not that I can tell you in public!!!
YOU’RE POSSIBLY THE BIGGEST BLACK RECORDING ARTIST THAT BRITAIN HAS EVER PRODUCED, DID YOU FIND THAT YOU HAD TO WORK HARDER BECAUSE OF THE COLOUR OF YOUR SKIN?
It’s not about the colour of your skin, it’s more the dedication to getting the songs right.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO SINGING/SONGWRITING?
I started when I was very young, my father was a musician so it just came naturally.
YOU’VE WON A NUMBER OF AWARDS IN YOUR TIME – WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
It must be the Grammy For Best Male R&B Vocal Performance In 1987 For ‘Caribbean Queen’. That was an amazing accolade at the start of my career.
CAN YOU GIVE US THE INSIDE SCOOP OF WHAT GOES DOWN AT THE AWARDS AFTER-PARTIES?
Just lots of drinking and lots of fun!!
HAVE YOU EVER STRUGGLED WITH YOUR FAME?
Not really although I decided to take a break to be around my children as they were growing up – it was supposed to be a few years but suddenly turned into 18.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN IN YOUR CAREER?
I have had lots of advice in the past but the best is that you just have to follow your instinct.
