On December 23, 1985, Marius Cultier passed away at the age of 43. A musician who influenced many artists from Martinique, he had a deep affection for biguine, jazz, mazurka, as well as Latin music. Born in the working-class neighborhood of Terres Sainville in Fort-de-France, this self-taught pianist with exceptional talent—author, performer, and composer—left an indelible mark on the world of Caribbean music.
Biography of Marius Cultier / 1942–1985 / Pianist and Artist from Martinique
The world of music was undeniably made for him. Marius Cultier was a prodigy born in 1942 in Fort-de-France, Martinique. At just nine years old, he became an orchestra conductor for ORTF.
The young Marius Cultier hosted a radio program titled “Punch en musique”, which enjoyed great success with audiences. Alongside Jack Gil and Jo Amable, Marius Cultier helped reshape the cultural landscape of an entire era. At the age of 14, he was orphaned, having lost both his father and mother. His older sisters then took responsibility for his upbringing.
Very early on, the artist discovered jazz. He created a perfect fusion between jazz and Caribbean music.
A talented and widely recognized musician, he first performed in 1956 at the Hôtel l’Impératrice. He traveled throughout Martinique to take part in concerts and was in high demand among orchestra leaders. But he did not limit himself to Martinique and chose to perform throughout the Caribbean. He received the International Piano Conquest award in Puerto Rico for his interpretation of “’Round Midnight.”
At the age of 20, Marius had already recorded around ten albums. He settled in Canada for eight years, where he was immediately embraced by the public. In addition, he was hired by Canadian radio as a host for several programs. Between 1970 and 1971, Marius Cultier became known to European audiences. In 1975, he performed at the Olympia. He played in Paris at the Palais des Congrès at the invitation of the President of the French Republic at the time, Valéry Giscard d’Estaing. In 1976, Marius Cultier drew attention during the awards ceremony of the Paris Jazz Academy. One of Marius Cultier’s priorities was to compile an inventory of musical works from South America, which included several of his own compositions, among them “Concerto pour l’oiseau et la fleur”, performed by Jocelyne Béroard. This song received the Overseas Song Award in Paris in 1982.
After ten years away, he returned to his homeland with the desire to contribute to cultural development. He created the Antilles–French Guiana Jazz Institute. In 1983, he left again for the United States and returned home with the idea of opening a business selling musical instruments. He sold, repaired, and tuned many instruments throughout Martinique.
Marius Cultier—“the musician with golden fingers”—faced many difficulties in his life. He died on December 23, 1985. Martinique accompanied him to his final resting place while singing “L’ode à Gisèle”, a song written for his wife.
What remains today of Marius Cultier?
A street bearing his name in Terres Sainville in Fort-de-France, and another in Rivière-Salée. But more importantly, Marius Cultier left behind a monumental musical body of work for his country—one that must be passed on and made known to the new generation.
Source:
Le grand livre des musiciens créoles by Sully Cally
