From the early 1940s until his death in 2000, the "grand master" of calypso not only enjoyed a prolific career but also served as a beloved cultural reference point for the Caribbean diaspora in England, which became his home for several years. At the height of his fame in the '50s, he was regularly playing dancehalls, nightclubs, and variety shows in Europe, as well as recording. He is also famous for mentoring younger calypsonians and writing several classic kettle-drum melodies. Kitchener moved back to his native Trinidad after the nation claimed independence in the 1960s, but remained busy as a recording artist and performer for the rest of his life, long after calypso faded from worldwide popularity.