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Eddy DeMello was a popular Bermudian entrepreneur, businessman, music promoter, record label owner and record producer. He has also made a notable contribution to the garage rock genre.

Background

He was born Manuel Edward DeMello on November 10, 1937, in São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal. He came to Bermuda in September 1949. As well as a prominent businessman, he has been described as an entertainment impresario, and longtime champion of Bermuda's Portuguese community. His involvement in the music business included being a record store owner and record production. He was one Bermuda's most successful concert promoters. His store was the Music Box on Reid Street.

For seventeen years he was president of the Vasco da Gama Club. For his work and contribution to Bermuda's music and art he was awarded the Bermuda Arts Council's Lifetime Achievement in 2004.

Record labels and production

Starting in the 1960s, he produced many recordings that appeared his Duane and Edmar record labels. One album was Live 'n Wild by The Savages which is now considered a garage rock collectors piece. Other artists he produced were The Gents with their garage punk classic, "If You Don’t Come Back". Other groups include The Weads, The Bermuda Strollers and The Klan. He also designed and provided the liner notes for the Beautiful Bermuda album by The Merrymen. Duane is the name of DeMello's son.

Duane Records

Artists to have releases on his Duane label include Bishop Kane, The Savages, Silvertones, and The Weads.

Promotion

DeMello brought The Merrymen to Bermuda where they spent six weeks. This resulted in a friendship between him and the group which lasted for years. Among the artists that DeMello was instrumental in bringing to Bermuda were Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and Amalia Rodrigues.

Death

Following a long illness, DeMello died on March 6, 2013, at the age of 75.

References

1. Bermuda Sun, Friday, March 8, 2013 - Music man takes final bow
   Tribute / Manuel Edward 'Eddy' DeMello
   (November 10, 1937 - March 6, 2013)
2. Business Wire, May 10, 2010 - Bermuda Signs Tax Information Exchange Agreement with the Portuguese Republic
3. Bermuda Biographies - Biographies, Manuel Edward “Eddy” DeMello
   November 10, 1937- March 6, 2013
   Impresario, entrepreneur, advocate for the Portuguese community
4. ^ Bermuda Sun, Friday, March 8, 2013 - Music man takes final bow
   Tribute / Manuel Edward 'Eddy' DeMello
   (November 10, 1937 - March 6, 2013)
5. Bermuda Online - Bermuda's Actors, Actresses, Musicians, Singers and Performing Artists
   Bermudian actresses, artists, musicians, filmmakers and or groups by name, past and present Archived 2012-06-23 at the Wayback Machine
6. ^ Bermuda Attractions - Bermuda Music and Dance
7. Bernews, March 7, 2013 - Beloved Impresario Eddy DeMello Dies At 75
8. Concert Archives - The Gents's Concert History
9. 45Cat - Duane Label Discography
10. 45Cat - Edmar - Label Discography
11. Discogs - The Merrymen – Beautiful Bermuda, Edmar – ELPS 1053
12. Discogs - Duane-Records-2 Duane Records (2)
13. 45Cat - Duane - Label Discography
14. Garage Hangover - Duane Records discography
15. Popsike - Rare Islands Funk 45 THE INVADERS Lost Time / Bossa Blue on Duane
16. 45Cat - Duane - Label Discography
17. Garage Hangover - Duane Records discography
18. Forced Exposure - ARTIST SAVAGES, THE, TITLE Live'n Wild, FORMAT LP
19. Garage Hangover - Duane Records discography
20. Music Meter - The Invaders - Spacing Out (1970)
21. Garage Hangover - Duane Records discography
22. WOMEX - THE MERRYMEN
23. The Royal Gazette, March 7, 2013 - Promoter DeMello dies at 75 By Gareth Finighan

External links

• Bernews: Beloved Impresario Eddy DeMello Dies At 75
• Bermuda Bios: Manuel Edward “Eddy” DeMello
• Discogs Edmar label
• Discogs Edmar Records label
• Discogs: Eddy De Mello Productions

• 1937 births
• 2013 deaths
• Portuguese emigrants to Bermuda
• Bermudian businesspeople