Born in San Diego Martin, Trinidad and Tobago, John ‘Jayson’ Perez would grow to be an instrumental player in Calypso-Canadian culture, and a patient teacher to young minds. He was an energetic boy who began playing music at the age of 14. His first instrument was a steelpan back in his hometown; he was even a member of the National Steelband of Trinidad and Tobago where he was captain of the Coast Guard Steelband from 1963-1969.

Perez made the move to Canada in 1969 and formed The Legends music band based out of Hamilton, Ontario. He shared his talents as a teacher at L.S Beattie Secondary School in Toronto, where he would teach the steelpan as a credit course from 1984-1991. He began singing Calypso, participating in the Calypso Monarch of Canada and winning the title four times from 1984-1988. He would often write the lyrics and work with other winners of the prize. He won a Juno for his song “Soldiers We Are All” in 1991.

He was an accomplished musician, leader, and composer, writing award winning songs for artists including Macomere Fifi. In 2004 he alongside Dick Lochan, created Canada’s first Calypso music program for children and youth called “Pass the Torch”. The goal of the program is to teach aspects of Caribbean culture with an emphasis on calypso performing, while promoting confidence and self-esteem building. He received a Cultural Icon of Canada award at the Trinidad and Tobago Consul-General’s for his work on the program.

Perez is best known for his calypso “Drunken Sailor” and getting audiences to dance along with him to show their best ‘drunken sailor’ dance. A jovial soul, even during the pandemic he found a way to share the sounds of the islands. He created the Torchbearer’s Calypso tent which would virtually perform during lockdown.

On March 29th 2022, John ‘Jayson’ Perez passed away following a heart attack. His impression on Canadian Calypso culture, and those around him is much like the music he played—powerful and transcends generations.

John “Jayson” Perez: An icon has left us

Awards

• 1991 Juno Award for Best Reggae/Calypso Recording
• Calypso Monarch of Canada 1984-1988