Veteran calypsonian Solomon Kelly Findley, known as Height, is best known for his work on the 1987 track Now Is The Time which was intended to answer the call to assist people in drought-stricken Ethiopia.Proceeds went to Ethiopia through the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef). Later on, Findley produced a repertoire including Rock Me Baby, Jam It On The Street, The Highway, Time For We, Soca Jump Up and She Rocking In The Party in his heyday. He worked at tents like Slinger Francisco's (Sparrow) Young Brigade and Kingdom of the Wizards. indley is hoping to return to the calypso/soca arena. He has been living in the United States for the past 30 years. He temporarily shelved his career since he had to take care of his family.
Interviewed at his home in Matura last month, Findley said, "I want to thank my fans for their support over the years. I know they have been inquiring about me. I want to get back into the music arena as I have some material I am working on. I am looking forward to making an impact again."I worked on Now Is The Time. It was intended to reach out to people in Africa. It brought out all that was good in Trinis. I was proud to have worked on it."Now Is The Time was written by San Fernando's Gill Figaro and included 72 calypsonians spanning four generations like Denyse Plummer, Mighty Trini, Machel Montano, Designer and the late Roaring Lion, Lord Pretender and Lord Kitchener.
Height started at Scouting
Growing up in picturesque Matura, adolescent Findley, veteran calypsonian Versatile and his hometown friend Mera Toy Loi belonged to the group called The Orchids."We started on Scouting for Talent with Holly Betaudier. We did not win but we placed high. I liked showmanship, I felt I wanted to be on stage."Matura remains dear to his heart. "My first job was as a bookkeeper here. There has been a lot of development since. It always had fruit trees and a nice beach. We are close to the Matura Turtle Nesting site."
Findley's milestones
1968–Background vocals with the late greats like Arrow, Shorty and Merchant
1970–Sang at Victory Tent with the late Lord Blakie.
Performed in New York Young Brigade with Shadow and Kingdom of the Wizards
1985 to '86–Sang at Blue Boy's (now SuperBlue) Culture House
1999–He slipped into a coma for 13 days.
Findley said, "They almost lost me. The doctors were calling me the miracle man. Prayers brought me back. I was about 126 lbs."