Henry Caldera

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Henry Caldera (August 19, 1937–October 11, 2006 (aged 69)) was a Sri Lankan singer/songwriter.

Caldera was born on August 19, 1937. He went completely blind at 14 and attended Seeduwa Deaf and Blind school. Caldera became a radio artist in 1968 and had his first hit song with Thara Petia in 1972. He released a four song album in 1977.During his lifetime he released three audio cassettes and two CD's. Almost all the songs that he sang were Solos. Most of his songs are children's songs and many are based on true experiences. Caldera sang for his own children and as well as for his grand children.

In 1979 the then Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Ranasinghe Premadasa, donated a house for Caldera to live in. In the year 1993 he was felicitated with a Kala Bhushan award (the second highest award granted by the state for performing artistes). During his lifetime he was felicitated by several universities (student bodies)and non governmental organisations in appreciation of his service to folk music.

Caldera firmly believed that art is art and nothing could buy an artiste and held on to that till he breathed his last breath. ^[1]

Caldera had four children with his wife who was also blind. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2004 and died on October 11, 2006.

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