Berkeley Glinton Morris (AKA Berkley VanByrd)

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BIO  Source: B.M.E.U.

Berkeley Glinton Morris was born in Nassau January 6,1953 (Capricorn). Former lead singer and drummer for the world famous T-Connection, Songwriter, lead and background singer, musician, producer, performer, recording artist, actor.

(See exclusive interview with the Nassau Guardian, 2 April, 2004)

(Watch Berkley's Video "Cupid" on Internet)

For over thirty years, Berkeley has been entertaining and performing for audiences all over the world. His consistent work ethic of professionalism and originality has uplifted him to the highest level of performance as compared to anyone. He has made The Bahamas proud in being a part of a band that has been one of the first Bahamian groups that has had international acclaim. The group, T-Connection, was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1978.

Berkeley's performances at the Drum Beat Club during 1989 to 1992 were considered the most spirited and riveting of all performances at any native show. He has performed and entertained at every hotel in New Providence and which ever group or band he has performed with, he has been the social heart of the group. His effervescent spirit has captured the hearts of many tourists who visited The Bahamas along with the hearts of many Bahamians alike. His versatility as a musician and entertainer and his high standard of performances have proven him one of the best entertainers The Bahamas has to offer.

As a recording artist, Berkeley has recorded an array of songs. His compilation of tourists favourites - "Day-O Medley", "Uncle Lou", "In the Bush", "Never Been So Cold Medley", "Where You Going To Go Next Year" and many more has had a profound impact on our music industry. Over the years, his vocal prowess has ripened. His unique voice and amazing talent epitomizes that of classic entertainment. Berkeley is the package of entertainment ‑ he is a flashy performer, adroit musician and a compelling and memorable singer. He is legendary.

After more than thirty years, Berkeley is still entertaining and performing.

More recently, he has been entertaining the guests of the Hilton Hotel on West Bay Street and welcoming tourists with his exceptional talent at the Welcome Centre at Prince George Wharf.

Over the years, Berkeley as an outstanding performer and entertainer has contributed to the growth of tourism and our music industry. He should be shown appreciation for his continued dedication and commitment to these industries.

Source: Cacique Awards 2005

Career Highlights:

q      Produced Conscious party, Blast from the Past I & II, Berkeley VanByrd and Friends in Concert. Producer of the singles Poinciana Queen (title cut) and Slow & Deliberate on his latest released album.

q      As the drummer for the T-Connection, recorded four albums, toured the U. S. A. and Canada, sang lead and background vocals on several of the cuts, of which the song "At Midnight", the biggest song for T-Connection.

q      The first single Berkeley recorded after leaving the T-Connection was "I Like What I See" written by Mr. Ishmael Ledisma for Vision Records. The contract was for Five (5) years. The single was released in May 1988.

q      Upon his return to Nassau in March 1989, Frank Penn contracted Berkeley to sing on a few cuts of an album that he was producing featuring songs, "In The Bush", "Never Been So Cold Medley", "Where You're Going to Go Next Year" and an original cut written by Berkeley VanByrd called "Dream Again".

Gladstone McEwan and the Force Band contracted by Mr. Frank Penn recorded the first Bahamian album after returning to Nassau featuring Kevin Fox, Ricky Jolly, Berkeley Vanbyrd, Gladstone McEwan. They played at Xanadu Hotel for two years. "Uncle Lou" was the featured song at that time on the Force album.

q      Berkeley's latest released Album "Poinciana Queen" features the hit songs "Dreams of America" and R & B Reggae "We are the Children".

q      Berkeley has performed as a solo artist at the Playboy Casino, Nassau, Bahamas, the Drum Beat Show Club, Nassau, Bahamas as a musician and a performer. Also to his credit are musical videos and commercials. One of Berkeley's accomplishments is the jingle for Bums House Limited, "KALIK, The Great Bahamian Beer".

Berkeley's supreme versatility has led to his appearance with Andrew Jones in his musical video "You Can't Hurry Love", appearances as a Judge on numerous occasions on the popular Saturday night television show broadcast live from the Palace Nite Club, Nassau, Bahamas, "Talent Search ", and also to his frequent appearances on Television and Radio Talk Shows. Berkeley has also been featured on many Bahamian recording artists releases.

Contact Information

Press/Picture Gallery

At the BMEU Opening (Feb 2003):

T-Connection Reunion (Mar 2003)

At Junkanoo with Colors

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