Only a Fool Breaks His Own Heart: How Sparrow Turned Heartbreak into a Global Classic
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
July 04, 2025
The content was first published on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vybe Radio rocks it live on the air!
Here at Sokah2Soca, our goal is to feature our Caribbean culture past and present, and because we exude cultural pride, musical legacy, and the Caribbean’s global imprint, we jumped at the opportunity for this feature post. On Thursday, June 26, I was listening to WACK Visual Radio 90.1 FM and the host/presenter, Richard C, played Sparrow's classic version of “Only a Fool Breaks His Own Heart.” I decided immediately that I should post about the song because it has one of those fascinating journeys that starts in Brooklyn and ends up echoing through calypso halls and European charts.
Songs traveled by heart, spanning oceans and generations, long before streaming playlists and viral hits became the norm. “Only a Fool Breaks His Own Heart” is one of those rare gems. Born in Brooklyn in 1964 and reimagined in the Caribbean by the legendary Mighty Sparrow, this ballad of heartbreak found an unlikely second life as a soulful calypso anthem. But how did a tender tune become a European chart-topper and a Caribbean classic? Sparrow’s version didn’t just cover the original—it transformed it. This song is the story of how one man’s voice turned sorrow into legacy.
Norman Bergen and Shelly Coburn wrote the song in 1964 in response to a request for British-sounding material. Initially envisioned as an uptempo tune, Norman Bergen and Shelly Coburn transformed it into a soulful ballad during a last-minute studio session. Jazz singer Arthur Prysock released the song initially, but it didn't garner much attention in the U.S.
Enter The Mighty Sparrow, the Calypso King of the World. In the late 1960s, Sparrow recorded the song with Byron Lee & the Dragonaires, giving it a smooth, Caribbean soul twist that resonated deeply with audiences. His version charted in the UK and the Netherlands, where it became a massive hit—spending 27 weeks on the Dutch charts and peaking at #2 in 1978. That’s no small feat for a calypso ballad originally penned in Brooklyn!
Sparrow’s emotive delivery and the lush arrangement helped the song transcend genres. His interpretation gave it new life, especially in the Caribbean and Europe, where it became a beloved classic. The Dutch mistakenly credited Sparrow (Slinger Francisco) with the song's release. Those responsible for the production notes later corrected the incorrect credit.
It's intriguing how a song may not be accepted or appreciated where it was originally released, yet later finds fame in a distant land, performed by a singer who might not be well-known at the song's source. Now, here's something to bring a smile to your face: A friend was arguing with her husband when her girlfriend teased her, saying, "Isn't love grand? That's why I'm single!" That doesn't matter for this post, but love is love, and only a fool breaks his own heart!'
Let us spread awareness of the Caribbean diaspora's culture.
Our goal is to promote Caribbean culture, musicians, and music producers. We are able to honor and promote the rich sounds and tales of the Caribbean thanks to your support. Together, we can ensure that this rich cultural legacy continues to reach a wider audience and foster creativity and connections. While you should always buy music for sale, you should avoid sharing promotional music because it denies songwriters, producers, and artists important revenue. Please be aware that all of our posts are available online via social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend exploring your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Only a Fool Breaks His Own Heart
Artist/Performed by: Slinger Francisco, aka The Mighty Sparrow, with Byron Lee & the Dragonaires
Composed by Norman Bergen and Shelly Coburn (1964)
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Calypso ?
Sokah2Soca—Where Rhythm Lives and Calypso, Steelband music and Soca Thrive!
? Listen. Share. Amplify. Our artists embody culture not only during Carnival but on a daily basis.
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Sokah2Soca/Soca Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-SA/4.0/.
♫ Please click the small triangle button in the music player below to listen now.
From Yard to Fete: DJ Ramon876 Drops Pure Power Soca Energy 2025
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
July 04, 2025
The content was first published on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vybe Radio rocks it live on the air!
Here is a little something extra as we gear up for another weekend. No matter where you are in the diaspora, the music takes us all to the same place and mindset. This is the epitome of Soca music! While Jamaica may not be a soca-producing island, its DJs clearly understand the genre, as DJ Ramon876 recently demonstrated. We bring you Soca Workout Mixtape 2025—100% Power Soca by DJ Ramon876 to usher in the weekend.
This mixtape is perfect for your workout, hanging out, or any occasion, and it features 100% Power Soca... so get ready to sweat! This mix is the perfect companion for your workout, whether you're hitting the gym, preparing for an evening or weekend party, or simply need a boost of energy. This mix provides pure adrenaline from the beginning to the end.
The mixtape brings the heat with some of your favorite artists mixed to perfection. The mixtape features Machel Montano and "Carry It" by Bunji Garlin, as well as incredible tracks from Kes, Patrice Roberts, Trilla-G, Kerwin Du Bois, Nailah Blackman, Mical Teja, Voice, Quan, and more! Now press play and start to vibe.
YouTube Mixtape Notes:
Get ready to turn up the energy with this 100% Power Soca Workout Mixtape 2025! ? High-energy soca anthems fill this mix, keeping you moving, sweating, and vibrating throughout. This mixtape features mega hits such as "Pardy" by Machel Montano and "Carry It" by Bunji Garlin, along with incredible tracks from Kes, Patrice Roberts, Trilla-G, Kerwin Du Bois, Nailah Blackman, Mical Teja, Voice, Quan, and more!
Let us spread awareness of the Caribbean diaspora's culture.
Our goal is to promote Caribbean culture, musicians, and music producers. We are able to honor and promote the rich sounds and tales of the Caribbean thanks to your support. Together, we can ensure that this rich cultural legacy continues to reach a wider audience and foster creativity and connections. While you should always buy music for sale, you should avoid sharing promotional music because it denies songwriters, producers, and artists important revenue. Please be aware that all of our posts are available online via social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend exploring your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Mixtape Title: Soca Workout Mixtape 2025 - 100% Power Soca
Mixmaster: DJ Ramon876
Curated and mixed by DJ Ramon876
Origin: Jamaica
Genre: Soca ?
Sokah2Soca—Where Rhythm Lives and Calypso, Steelband music and Soca Thrive!
? Listen. Share. Amplify. Our artists embody culture not only during Carnival but on a daily basis.
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Sokah2Soca/Soca Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-SA/4.0/.
♫ Please click the small triangle button in the music player below to listen now.
The content was first published on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vybe Radio rocks it live on the air!
We found something intriguing. While checking our Google Analytics, we saw a fascinating trend for Sokah2Soca engagement coming out of Brazil. This statistic from Google astounded us—Brazil leads searches for Sokah2Soca, surpassing both the Caribbean and North America!
Muito obrigado, Brazil! To put it simply, the translation encapsulates the essence: "Thank you very much, Brazil!"
We do understand that soca is definitely not mainstream in Brazil, but it’s certainly finding pockets of appreciation—especially among Carnival lovers and music explorers drawn to high-energy, rhythmic sounds.
To the vibrant people of this South American giant: thank you for recognizing, celebrating, and vibing with the heartbeat of Caribbean music. Your passion bridges oceans and cultures, and we’re honored to be part of your musical journey.
Whether you’re whining to a Soca riddim or exploring the roots of Calypso, Sokah2Soca sees you, celebrates you, and sends big love your way. Therefore, let's reciprocate by enjoying a variety of Brazil's captivating musical styles today. Caribbean people, listen and enjoy!
Let us spread awareness of the Caribbean diaspora's culture.
Our goal is to promote Caribbean culture, musicians, and music producers. We are able to honor and promote the rich sounds and tales of the Caribbean thanks to your support. Together, we can ensure that this rich cultural legacy continues to reach a wider audience and foster creativity and connections. While you should always buy music for sale, you should avoid sharing promotional music because it denies songwriters, producers, and artists important revenue. Please be aware that all of our posts are available online via social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend exploring your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Brazil—Popular Brazilian Songs
Artist/Performed by: Various
Origin: Brazil
Genre: Brazilian Music, Bossa Nova, Latin Dance Music, Latin Chill, Bossa Beach, Caribe, Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Kizomba
Sokah2Soca—Where Rhythm Lives and Calypso, Steelband music and Soca Thrive!
? Listen. Share. Amplify. Our artists embody culture not only during Carnival but on a daily basis.
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Sokah2Soca/Soca Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-SA/4.0/.
♫ Please click the small triangle button in the music player below to listen now.
Feel the Vibes of Vincy Mas 2025: DJ Jel Drops His Latest Soca Mixtape
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
July 04, 2025
The content was first published on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vybe Radio rocks it live on the air!
We are transitioning from the Lucian Soca mix to the Vincy Soca mix. Yes, it’s that time again! It's Friday and time for more 'small island soca, brimming with big, big vibes. We turn to a Sokah2Soca family favorite, DJ Jel for this Friday's mixtape. Jel recently released "2025 VINCY SOCA TAKE OVER," a curated collection of music that exudes pure Vincy Mas energy from beginning to end.
Jel has a way of delivering energy and vibes with his mixes. This mix is your gateway to the songs heating up Saint Vincent as Carnival approaches—packed with sweet jab, power soca, and everything in between that’s keeping the vibes high and the waistlines busy.
We’ve got the full thing up now on Sokah2Soca, where fans of Caribbean culture come to soak it all in. Whether you’re on the road traveling to work or heading home, already at home, or daydreaming about fetes, this mix will transport you straight to the heart of Vincy celebrations. Hit play and let the rhythms carry you there.
Tracklist:
The tracklist is too lengthy to post here, but you can view the songs on the mixtape by following this link: 2025 Vincy Soca Take Over/Tracklist.
Let us spread awareness of the Caribbean diaspora's culture.
Our goal is to promote Caribbean culture, musicians, and music producers. We are able to honor and promote the rich sounds and tales of the Caribbean thanks to your support. Together, we can ensure that this rich cultural legacy continues to reach a wider audience and foster creativity and connections. While you should always buy music for sale, you should avoid sharing promotional music because it denies songwriters, producers, and artists important revenue. Please be aware that all of our posts are available online via social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend exploring your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: 2025 Vincy Soca Takeover
Curated/Mixed by: DJ Jel
Origin: Somewhere in the US
Genre: Soca ?
Sokah2Soca is a place where the rhythm lives and where Calypso, Steelband music, and Soca thrive!
? Listen. Share. Amplify. Our artists embody culture not only during Carnival but on a daily basis.
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Sokah2Soca/Soca Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-SA/4.0/.
♫ Please click the small triangle button in the music player below to listen now.
