With wry lyrics and supple melodies, the songwriter, who was born Slinger Francisco, made the carnival music of Trinidad and Tobago a political force and a pop phenomenon, with a string of competition-winning hits that stretches back to the mid-1950's, and songs about everything from the Shah to the first black Miss Universe.
"Take On Me" may have the only big hit a-ha ever had Stateside, but around the globe, it was just the amuse-bouche for a smorgasbord of hits that stretches to this very day.
It may be the way he runs down every ball, stretches for every volley, hits that demoralizing extra shot.
When they hit the stretch, however, and all that stood between Win Willy and the finish line was Old Fashioned, Berry had an even better feeling.
Before "Welcome to the Future," Mr. Paisley had had 10 straight No. 1 country hits, a record that stretched back four years.
He let out a yowl of pain and relief when he hit the stretching forehand volley that clinched the next game.
When Moreno hit the stretch, Will Take Charge was in third behind Orb.
When Bejarano hit the stretch, however, a filly named Evening Jewel was four lengths ahead.
Shackleford and Castanon hit the stretch first, just as they had at the Derby.
Ahead of them, Shackleford hit the stretch first, but Garcia and Coil were roaring like a jet ski.
