Eddy DeMello

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

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

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

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

Promotion

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

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

References
  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. 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
  6. 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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