April 5, 1918 - November 23, 2000

Mr. Ross "Blackie" Talbot was a member of the world famous Talbot Brothers musical group, which consisted of Ross, Archie, Austin, Roy, Bryan and cousin Mandy. They went professional in 1942 and during World War II they often performed at the Princess Hotels, the Bermudiana and The Reefs. Ross also continued to perform some solo engagements on and off Bermuda.

The Talbot Brothers became a major source of post-war entertainment and contributed greatly to Bermuda Tourism in the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s. Ross and his brothers performed for many show business legends and dignitaries including Bing Crosby, John Wayne, Mary Martin, Arlene Francis, Babe Ruth, Winston Churchill and Dwight Eisenhower. Some of their most popular songs included Bermuda Buggy Ride, Freckles, Yellow Bird, Razor Razor and Calypso Cha Cha.

Ross and the Talbot Brothers became true good will ambassadors for Bermuda. They made their first American tour in 1953. Each and every autumn, for years they toured overseas. Famous venues included New York’s 21 Club, Boston’s Parker House, Chicago’s Sheraton and Hilton, the London Palladium and the Yale, Harvard and Princeton college campuses. As their popularity grew, Ross and his brothers were featured in The Bermudian, Life, Look and Holiday magazines. They made several television appearances including NBC’s morning "Home Show," ABC’s "Good Morning America," and "The Ed Sullivan Show." The Boston Herald declared them, "The most celebrated calypso singers and players in the world."

In 1993, a golf outing birthday celebration evolved into the annual Ross "Blackie" Talbot Memorial Charity Golf Tournament. Ross, who exemplified the Bermudian spirit, endorsed the charitable golf event each year always stipulating the funds go to Bermudian charities. Including the success of the 2009 Tournament, The RBTCC has raised over 2,500,000 for over 75 Bermudian Charities.

Sadly, Bermuda lost this favourite son on November 23, 2000 and Bermuda lost one of its truly great gentlemen.  Beside Clement in Bermuda, "Blackie" left Melvyn and Bryan and five grandchildren who reside in Canada, and one daughter Sherry Talbot who resides in Bermuda, and most importantly, he left the mother of his children and a very dear partner Mrs. Marguerite Talbot.

Mr. Ross "Blackie" Talbot’s spirit and love of humanity lives on in the charitable tournament that he and his son, Clement, established. The Ross "Blackie" Talbot Memorial Charity Golf Tournament represents a legacy of caring and its evolution into a permanent foundation stands as a testament to the love Ross had for Bermuda. The Ross "Blackie" Talbot Committee and volunteers will continue the charitable work and the proud history of the Tournament.