Eddy DeMello was a popular Bermudian entrepreneur, businessman, music promoter, record label owner and record producer. He has also made a notable contribution to the garage rock genre.

Eddy DeMello
Born
Manuel Edward DeMello
DiedMarch 6, 2013(2013-03-06) (aged 75)
Known forContribution to music and art of Bermuda

Background

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He was born Manuel Edward DeMello on November 10, 1937, in São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal. He came to Bermuda in September 1949.[1] As well as a prominent businessman, he has been described as an entertainment impresario, and longtime champion of Bermuda's Portuguese community.[2][3] His involvement in the music business included being a record store owner and record production. He was one Bermuda's most successful concert promoters.[4] His store was the Music Box on Reid Street.

For seventeen years he was president of the Vasco da Gama Club.[5] For his work and contribution to Bermuda's music and art he was awarded the Bermuda Arts Council's Lifetime Achievement in 2004.[6]

Record labels and production

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Starting in the 1960s, he produced many recordings that appeared his Duane and Edmar record labels. One album was Live 'n Wild by The Savages which is now considered a garage rock collectors piece.[7] Other artists he produced were The Gents with their garage punk classic, "If You Don’t Come Back".[8] Other groups include The Weads, The Bermuda Strollers and The Klan.[9][10] He also designed and provided the liner notes for the Beautiful Bermuda album by The Merrymen.[11] Duane is the name of DeMello's son.[4]

Duane Records

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Artists to have releases on his Duane label include Bishop Kane, The Savages, Silvertones, and The Weads.[12]

Promotion

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DeMello brought The Merrymen to Bermuda where they spent six weeks. This resulted in a friendship between him and the group which lasted for years.[22] Among the artists that DeMello was instrumental in bringing to Bermuda were Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and Amalia Rodrigues.[6]

Death

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Following a long illness, DeMello died on March 6, 2013, at the age of 75.[23]

References

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  1. ^ Bermuda Sun, Friday, March 8, 2013 - Music man takes final bow
    Tribute / Manuel Edward 'Eddy' DeMello
    (November 10, 1937 - March 6, 2013)
  2. ^ Business Wire, May 10, 2010 - Bermuda Signs Tax Information Exchange Agreement with the Portuguese Republic
  3. ^ Bermuda Biographies - Biographies, Manuel Edward “Eddy” DeMello
    November 10, 1937- March 6, 2013
    Impresario, entrepreneur, advocate for the Portuguese community
  4. ^ a b Bermuda Sun, Friday, March 8, 2013 - Music man takes final bow
    Tribute / Manuel Edward 'Eddy' DeMello
    (November 10, 1937 - March 6, 2013)
  5. ^ Bermuda Online - Bermuda's Actors, Actresses, Musicians, Singers and Performing Artists
    Bermudian actresses, artists, musicians, filmmakers and or groups by name, past and present
    Archived 2012-06-23 at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ a b Bermuda Attractions - Bermuda Music and Dance
  7. ^ Bernews, March 7, 2013 - Beloved Impresario Eddy DeMello Dies At 75
  8. ^ Concert Archives - The Gents's Concert History
  9. ^ 45Cat - Duane Label Discography
  10. ^ 45Cat - Edmar - Label Discography
  11. ^ Discogs - The Merrymen – Beautiful Bermuda, Edmar – ELPS 1053
  12. ^ Discogs - Duane-Records-2 Duane Records (2)
  13. ^ 45Cat - Duane - Label Discography
  14. ^ Garage Hangover - Duane Records discography
  15. ^ Popsike - Rare Islands Funk 45 THE INVADERS Lost Time / Bossa Blue on Duane
  16. ^ 45Cat - Duane - Label Discography
  17. ^ Garage Hangover - Duane Records discography
  18. ^ Forced Exposure - ARTIST SAVAGES, THE, TITLE Live'n Wild, FORMAT LP
  19. ^ Garage Hangover - Duane Records discography
  20. ^ Music Meter - The Invaders - Spacing Out (1970)
  21. ^ Garage Hangover - Duane Records discography
  22. ^ WOMEX - THE MERRYMEN
  23. ^ The Royal Gazette, March 7, 2013 - Promoter DeMello dies at 75 By Gareth Finighan
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