WILLIAM "RULER" MURRAIN

Ruler was among the five pioneers to compete in Montserrat's first calypso monarch competition in 1962, along with Warrior, Hero, Tangler and Red Pole. Though he has never captured the crown, Ruler was an ardent crowd favorite because of his gravely-voiced delivery, jumpy melodies and his mannerisms. Those who know Ruler know he's a character, and that demeanor often made its way to the stage. In 1974, Ruler released the roaringly popular "Fine Twine", about the exploits of Montserrat's most notorious miscreant. But he finished second runner-up as Arrow won the crown. Ruler burned his bridges with the judges forever when, after one competition, he was given a shirt as a consolation prize, and he responded by ripping it to shreds. In later years, the Cork Hill native kept belting out hits such as "Sinking Sand", "Demons Pon Me" and "Strain". A tragic accident in the late '90s placed him in critical condition, and though he recovered, some of his faculties were impaired, including his speech, and thus, his ability to sing coherently.

LISTEN TO SINKING SAND

LISTEN TO STRAIN