When Dexter Bodden was around six his mom would glow with pride as he sang along with records by Jim Reeves or Merle Haggard. She delighted in telling friends of Dexter’s ability to hear a song a few times and somehow, almost magically remembering every word. 

Dexter ‘The Calypso Cowboy’ recently moved back to Cayman following many years crooning in neon-lit honky-tonks from Texas to Minnesota and even gigs at Nashville’s world famous Tootsies Orchid Lounge where the likes of Charlie Pride, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson would hang out and perform.

He’s not all country; Dexter mixes his repertoire with a dash of reggae and a heavy dose of calypso creating (as he calls it) Coca Music. Those of us lucky enough to live in Cayman during the early to mid-80’s, the prosperous ‘good-old days’, can well remember Dexter’s self-penned local hit The Goldfield. A memorable Gordon Lightfoot-style ballad about the original Caymanian turtle schooner Goldfield, which now sadly rests on the bottom of the North Sound.

Like for many of us old timers who sing for our supper, Dexter is still at it. His crisp, smooth baritone voice can be heard echoing through the streets and avenues of Georgetown every Tuesday night where he performs at Donna Myrie’s Roof Top Lounge along with several other local musicians. The downtown roof-top location may seem an odd spot to some, but its popularity is growing. Those of us who love country, folk and calypso will no doubt have a wonderful experience listening to the Calypso Cowboy’s stories through song and ‘strum’ – meaning the strum of his Takamine acoustic guitar. As for myself, I now have an excuse to visit Donna for other reasons than buying shoes.   WH

G. Nowak, also known as the Barefoot Man, is a regular contributor to What’s Hot Magazine. You can hear his live performances every Tuesday and Thursday at the Reef
Resort in East End.

Visit: www.barefootman.com; email: barefoot@candw.ky