Stan ‘Lord Necktie’ Seymour As a young boy attending the Central School and later the Berkeley Institute, Stanley Seymour enjoyed a rich, well-rounded childhood. He played lively cricket matches with his friends on Ewing Street, as well as fun-filled games of marbles, spinning tops, and go-cart racing. But as he grew, he developed a love for music. He was inspired to pursue music as a career by his friend and neighbour, Duke Joell. At the time, Mr. Joell was one of Bermuda’s best vocalists and guitar players, and he stirred Mr. Seymour to develop his own talents. One evening as he was singing ballads at the Colonial Opera House, Mr. Seymour was heard by Hubert Smith, and offered a place with the Coral Islanders.
That was an exciting opportunity for Mr. Seymour, and against the advice of some friends and family, he gave up his ‘secure’ job as a Postman to follow his heart. It was the beginning of a long and successful career. He was taught to play the guitar by Hubert Smith, Norman Astwood, and Charles Berry.
After eight and a half years with the Coral Islanders, Mr. Seymour decided that it was time to develop his solo career. He became “Lord Necktie” and enjoyed a boost in popularity. Mr. Seymour was crowned Bermuda’s Calypso King, which provided him the opportunity to sing in Trinidad, at Blake’s Tent and the Queen’s Hall. He remembers the occasion as a highlight of his career because he performed in grand style with the backing of a big band. He was advised at that time, that if he really wanted his musical career to take off, he should leave Bermuda. Mr. Seymour was sceptical about doing that because the work was very uncertain. The time didn’t seem right to him, so he followed his intuition and returned to Bermuda. In retrospect, he says that Bermuda spoiled musicians (in a good way) because there was always plenty of work—unlike in other places.
Unfortunately, the work wasn’t always so abundant. When Mr. Seymour got back home, he decided to form his own band—”Lord Necktie and the Kings.” But the hotels had their own bands, so work for newcomers was scarce. After some time of persistence, Mr. Seymour dismembered his band, and went back to being a solo performer. He entertained at the Clay House Inn and in the Forty Thieves Night Club, where he was able to perform with famed artists like Dionne Warwick and Brook Benton.
In addition to his work in local hotels, Mr. Seymour entertained daily on the Holiday Island Cruise boat. Visitors were transported to the Hawkins Island for afternoons of fun in the sun, and Mr. Seymour has many joyful memories of his twenty years as their on-board entertainment.
Along the way, Mr. Seymour has also performed with Bryan Butterfield’s Limbo Show, Philip Dublin’s Band, and finally as his own one-man band. This is a form of entertainment that requires great coordination and skill, but Mr. Seymour does it with ease. He plays the guitar, the harmonica, the tambourine, and adds vocals. His grandfather before him was also a one-man band, and although Mr. Seymour has never heard him, people have noted the similarity of their styles.
Mr. Seymour has been a full-time musician for over fifty years and has witnessed many changes in the local industry. He has given many briefing tours for the Bermuda Government, with Hubert Smith, the Bermuda Strollers, and on his own as Lord Necktie. These tours have taken place locally, in the United States, Canada, and England.
In addition to his vocals, Mr. Seymour is a talented song-writer. His list of originals is lengthy, and most were recorded with Eddie DeMello on the Edmar Label. ‘Diddlybops and the Gooseneck Handlebars’ is considered one of his biggest hits. Later this song was recorded by Emil Straker and the Merrymen, who made the song a hit in Barbados and throughout the Caribbean. The song is now on record at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. Recently, when the Merrymen performed in Bermuda, Mr. Seymour was invited to perform his song with them, before a packed house. This was another highlight of his already remarkable career. Two more of Mr. Seymour’s most popular recordings are: ‘The One Man Band’ and ‘Tribute to the Talbot Brothers.’
Mr. Seymour has also contributed to Bermuda’s visual arts. He is a member of the Arts Society, and his paintings hang in several fortunate homes on the Island. He painted a portrait of legendary boxer, Muhammad Ali, and was able to perform for him and then present him with the painting. The gift was humbly accepted by Mr. Ali. On another special occasion, Mr. Seymour entertained Princess Margaret at the Government House.
It is Mr. Seymour’s desire to see local entertainment “kept alive” for future generations, and to this end, he is currently helping to develop the skills of a young musician. His life has been featured in the popular, local television program—’Treasures’ and he has served as the Grand Marshall of the May Day Parade. Mr. Seymour has enjoyed a gratifying career that has brought pleasure to many.
