In this look back at the life of a massive talent, Guardian Entertainment editor Peter Ray Blood says Merchant died a poor and heartbroken man on Saturday night, another victim in the artistic community to succumb to AIDS. HIV positive since 1994, he would have celebrated his 56^th birthday on Wednesday, May 19^th.

When first diagnosed as HIV positive in 1994, during his period of convalescence at hospital, Merchant wrote with the volume and the obsession of a man possessed. Not knowing how much time he had left, he penned more than 40 calypsoes from his sick bed, with many of them being purchased and recorded for the Carnival of the following year.

Internationally renowned as one of calypso's most successful songwriters, Merchant composed hits for some of the biggest names in the business. Among his most memorable songs for others have been "Still de Best" (de Mighty Trini); "Love Conquers All" (Baron); "Don't Judge a Man" (Explainer); and "One Super Power" (Tony Barclay).

In addition, the gems of '95 included Bally's "No Behaviour"; "Back Back" (Leon Coldero); and "Jam It With You" (Designer); "It Could Happen to You" (Machel Montano).

Merchant confessed that extensive substance abuse and indiscriminate sex were the main factors that led to his demise. He admitted that he turned to drugs, "to drown my sorrows."

Merchant's life was a hard one, from his childhood in the orphanage, to his stint in prison where former national calypso monarch Sniper taught him to play guitar and the basics in song construction. Fate dealt him a cruel hand when he found out that he was HIV positive after he voluntarily enrolled at Rebirth House in an attempt to kick his drug habit.

In an interview two years ago, declaring that he had finally turned his back on drugs, Merchant stated: "It's because I was involved in drugs, cocaine took my money by leaps and bounds. I pack up the drugs. I don't want to hear about cocaine or marijuana.

"To tell you how much I am turned off by that stuff, if anybody standing outside by the window and smoking, I close the window, because I can't stand the smoke."

But, unfortunately, the damage had already been done. Merchant's resolve to close the window wasn't strong enough and, behind cupped palms and in hushed tones, some of his colleagues disclosed that friends of the artiste actually continued to take drugs to the hospital for him.

"Jam It With You," arranged by Len "Boogsie" Sharpe and performed at panorama by Phase II Pan Groove in 1995, underscores the close affinity Merchant had with pan and steelband arrangers.

Ten years earlier, he wrote and performed one of pan's most profound testimonies in song, "Pan in Danger." Merchant also worked closely with Ray Holman, a combination that served Carib Tokyo.

Although Merchant first captured public attention in 1977 when he sang "Let No Man Judge" and "Umbayayo," it was the following year that his appeal and skills were really recognized and applauded. That year, singing "Norman Is That You," the title of a popular comedy movie on homosexuality, Merchant made it to is first national calypso monarch final, one which was eventually won by Calypso Rose.

The combination of "Pan in Danger" and "Caribbean Connection" earned Merchant his second trip to the monarch final in 1985. "Melosian Rhapsody" was another of Merchant's unforgettable and beloved calypsoes on pan.

Even when the judges were not selecting Merchant for the monarch finals, his compositions were getting others there. In 1994, both The Original de Fosto Himself and de Mighty Trini made the grade singing his songs.

After being diagnosed as HIV Positive, several individuals and organizations honoured Merchant, including Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organization (TUCO), COTT, The Mas Camp Pub, The Mystic Inn and Trinidad Broadcasting Company. In fact, the 10^th edition of COTT's National Song Festival, in 1995, was dedicated to Merchant.

On Mother's Day in 1996, Caribbean Tempo did a four-hour dedication to Merchant, which was researched and anchored by Dave Elcock. It was one of very few occasions that Merchant spoke freely about his first big hit, "Norman," a song he had consistently resisted from including in his repertoire.

Perhaps hastened by news of the gravity of his illness, Merchant sought to document some of his numerous classics by recording 11 songs on The Early Years CD in 1996. Produced by JW Productions, the sweetness of the tracks was enhanced by the arranging genius of Leston Paul and Martin "Mice" Raymond. Among its tracks were "Private Conversation," "Symphony of Love," "Be Careful," "Soca Powerplay," "Simmer Down" and "Hot Line Baby."

On one of my visits to Merchant at San Fernando General Hospital, in his weakened state he lamented that he would die without documenting most of his work. In fact, Merchant produced a copybook filled with handwritten songs, many of them just one-verse ideas.

Two years ago, Merchant predicted that he would be around to write calypsoes for his colleagues in 2007. Then he said: "I am not stupid. I know what I have. Since I was diagnosed, I have started to pray and, with the Master on you side, nothing can go wrong."

Up to his final moments, Merchant was grateful to those colleagues who stood by him through thick and thin. He said in an interview last December: "God has been good to me; putting people who care around me; people who will look out for me."

"No one should have to experience what I have. I will tell anybody: 'Stay away from drugs. If you see it coming for you, run! Run fast and far'."

"Sex is not a joke thing. It is serious business, and you don't play around with serious business, because it will get you in serious trouble."
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