Professor Sam Taitt

Educator, Broadcaster, Musician

Professor Sam Taitt has made indelible marks both in Barbados and in New York, one of a very few to straddle both communities in such a manner.

He first excelled in the media, starting in Barbados, gaining fame as a radio and television producer, announcer and journalist at the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation, (CBC) from 1969 – 1978, becoming CEO in 1987.

The former Board director of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union, (CBU), was also a media specialist, Commonwealth Fund for Technology Corporation, London, 1978 - 1980 and a Consultant, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, (UNESCO), 1988-1990. He completed media assignments in Latin America, Europe, China, Africa, and several Caribbean countries under the sponsorship of UNESCO, the Commonwealth Broadcasting Organization and various governments.

A gifted organist, skilled with the pipe and electronic organs, and chorale director, one of his exceptional accomplishments, one that contributed massively to the culture of Barbados, was his work with Sing Out Barbados.

As Musical Director and Business Manager beginning in the late 1970s, Sam Taitt engineered a dramatic shift in direction, remaking Sing Out Barbados, which in short time became the country’s most popular folk group.

He is credited with composing the group’s signature song, Barbados Ah Come From, as well as Some

Thing Is Going Wrong This Morning,

among others, and was instrumental in producing the Sing Out Barbados musicals, Pappy and Lick and Lock Up Dun Wid. The album, Barbados Ah Come From, was also produced during his tenure.

The group performed at all the major hotels and clubs for years and it was the cradle of some of Barbados’ best known voices – “First Lady of Song” Carlyn Leacock, calypsonian Keith Christian (Mighty Destroyer), and Ann Riley-Fox.

Taitt, a former Foundation student, immigrated to the USA and graduated with BA and BFA degrees from CUNY, Boston College, specializing in Television Production and Management He joined the faculty at CUNY-Kingsborough, and became a full Professor, Department of Communications and Performing Arts. He lectured in Mass Media Studies, Television Production, Writing for the Electronic Media and Public Speaking.

He also became very active in the Brooklyn community and was President of STRIVE – The Coalition for a Better Flatbush Inc., Brooklyn Rising Stars Lions Club, 67th Precinct Community Council and the New Era Democratic Club. He ran unsuccessfully for the 45th City Council District.

He established Brooklyn45 in 2000, a community access public affairs TV program that provides relevant and timely information that impacts residents and businesses in the borough of Brooklyn.

The show is broadcast twice weekly on Thursdays at 9 AM and 8 PM on Optimum, channel 67; RCN channel 82; Spectrum, channel 1995; and Verizon, channel 42. Taitt remains the Executive Producer and host.

Now retired, Sam Taitt has more than earned his reputation for exemplifying excellence as an educator, television producer and mentor, commitment to community service and greatly enhancing the cultural landscape of Barbados and its image in New York.