Henry Caldera

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Henry Caldera (August 19, 1937–October 11, 2006(2006-10-11) (aged 69)) was a Sri Lankan Singer/Songwriter/Musician.


Caldera was born on August 19, 1937. He went completely blind at age 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. Most of 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 1993, he was felicitated with a Kala Bhushana award (the second highest award granted by the state for performing artists). During his lifetime he was felicitated by several universities (student bodies)and non governmental organisations in appreciation of his service to folk music.

Caldera studied music under maestro Sunil Shantha when he was at Blind School Seeduwa, where Sunil Shantha conducted few classes for blind students and after leaving Blind School Caldera continued to get further lessons from Sunil Shantha at Sunil's residence in Dehiyagatha, Ja-Ela.

Here are some of the songs which placed top place in Sri Lankan music.

1. Thara Patiya - (Song for Children) 2. Penuna Suwa Dasun - (Song about love and being not told by his partner that 'I LOVE YOU') 3. Midule Sudu Weli Thalaye 4. Eeye Udaye 5. Lanka Mage Lanka 6. Mokada Nago (Duet) 7. Pemin Bandennai 8. Oba Pewa Hasarella 9. Sisila Sendaewe 10. Kana Widina Wele 11. Mal Natu Weni 12. Andannepa Amme 13. Samanala Siripa 14. Melowa Thibena 15. Suhadiniye 16. Kanda Udin (Duet) 17. Mage somi sanda 18. Deva Meniyane 19. Nahawa rasa kiri powa 20. Hinaweyan sudu saman male 21. Gayakayanani 22. Mawage malagama 23. Malli (Duet) 24. Sanahase sihil nille (Duet) 25. Budu Piye 26. Etha Hime Ran Samanala Kanda Naginna 27. Anna Duwe Handa Mama 28. Hitha Ridunado Priye 29. Sanda Aran Evilla 30. Ninda Soya 31. Sahayata Bhawa Saharawe 32. Sihina Sandalle 33. Mudu Sumudu Kumuda 34. Dinindu Negi

[1]

Caldera firmly believed that art is art and nothing could buy an artist and held on to that until he died.[2]

Caldera had four children with his wife who was also blind. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2004 and died on October 11, 2006. Chaminda Caldera is one of his child and who also a famous musician in Sri Lanka who holds the very similar voice to his father.

References

  1. ↑ "Listen to Henry Caldera's Music". SLHits. 2009. Retrieved 2009-05-12. 
  2. ↑ "Henry Caldera passes away". Daily Mirror. 2007. Retrieved 2007-09-25. 


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