The Chi Chi Merengue Girl who took Goombay
Music around the world.
Born in Jacksonville, Florida in 1935, Eloise showed interest in music from a very early age.
Her brother, Freddie, who played the guitar and wrote songs, played a hand in passing his
musical skills on to his sister. Eloise, without a doubt, rose to become the most respected
female entertainer in her time. Only time will tell whether she will be the greatest in the
annals of Bahamian times. There are many reasons for the many accolades bestowed upon
her. She was a pioneer when it wasn’t popular for women to be performing on stage in
nightclubs. In a male dominated industry, she made her presence felt with her powerful
voice and unique delivery of Goombay songs .
Not only did she sing her way into the hearts of those that listened to her, she was very
competent on the lead and bass guitar. Starting her singing career at the age of twelve,
Eloise distinguished herself by winning many amateur talent shows, some of which
were held at the Cinema Theatre in Nassau during the 40’s and early 50’s. She further
developed her musical talent playing with renowned Goombay drummer Berkley “
Peanuts” Taylor.
After her first “Chi Chi Merengue” in the 50’s she left to tour the United States . The 60’s
would bring her back to the Bahamas to perform for local audiences in various
clubs including Blackbeard’s Tavern on Bay Street, Montague Beach Hotel at the
eastern foreshore of Nassau, she joined The Emerald Beach Hotel on West Bay
Street. After a three year absence from the stage, she joined “Peanuts” in 1967
as a star attraction at the Drumbeat Club just off downtown Nassau. At a time
when the Bahamas Tourist Board used local musicians to drum up visitors to our
shores, Eloise along with many other musicians made invaluable contributions
to the building up of the tourism industry. Her travels would take her to many far
away destinations including the United States, Mexico, Europe and Japan, where
she captivated audiences with her brand of Goombay music. Her move to Freeport
would mark the last of her travels. There she remained until her death in 1984.
Maureen Duvalier, a prominent entertainer herself, and a friend of Eloise, described Eloise as a very
private person who kept few friends. They first met when Eloise was working the Hillside Hotel
just steps away from where Maureen appeared at the Silver Slipper. According to Maureen, Eloise
would talk music all day, and encouraged everyone she met to learn to play an instrument. An avid
reader, Eloise enjoyed time alone unlike the bubbly Maureen who was always on the go. Maureen
recalls the one occasion both of them happened to walk into Blackbeard’s tavern. George Symonette
celebrated at the insistence of the club owner, with people on the outside clamoring to gain entrance
to witness what was described as once in a lifetime performance. During her years on the Bahamian
stage, Eloise was often accompanied by George Wilson (bass), “Peanuts” Taylor (drums) and
“Barbalou” (maracas).
