Akivulhasan876 at 21:04, 14 March 2026

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{{short description|Indian singer and lyricist (1943–2016)}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Lawrence de Tiracol
| image = Lawrence de Tiracol Goa State Cultural Award function (cropped).jpg
| caption = Fernandes at [[Institute Menezes Braganza]], 2015
| birth_name = Lourenco Alexinho Fernandes
| birth_place = [[Bombay]], [[British India]]
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1943|7|17|df=y}}
| other_names = Larry
| education = [[St. Sebastian Goan High School]]
| employer = [[Otis Worldwide]]
| occupation = {{hlist|Singer|director|playwright|engineer}}
| years_active = 1950s–2012
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2016|4|26|1943|7|17|df=y}}
| death_place = [[Tiracol]], Goa, India
| burial_place = St. Anthony's Church cemetery, Tiracol, Goa, India
| spouse = Conception Fernandes
| children = 1
}}

'''Lourenco Alexinho Fernandes''' (17 July 1943 – 26 April 2016), popularly known as '''Lawrence de Tiracol''' or '''Larry''', was an Indian singer, lyricist, theatre director, playwright, and engineer who worked on the [[Tiatr|Konkani stage]].

==Early life==
Lourenco Alexinho Fernandes was born on 17 July 1943, in [[Bombay]], [[British India]]. Raised in the [[Goan]] settlement of [[Dabul]], Fernandes received his education at [[St. Sebastian Goan High School]]. Like many Goans, he was introduced to ''[[tiatrs]]'' at an early age and developed a deep passion for the art form. After completing his engineering studies, Fernandes embarked on a successful career with [[Otis Worldwide]], a [[multinational corporation]] specializing in the manufacturing of elevators and escalators. His professional responsibilities eventually led him to the [[Middle East]], where he was entrusted with overseeing Otis's business interests in various countries, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, [[Dubai]], and others. For a period of 18 years, Fernandes dedicated himself to his work in the Middle East, gradually distancing himself from the [[Konkani language|Konkani]] stage and focusing on his corporate endeavors.<ref name=":1" />

==Career==
Fernandes made his debut in the [[Tiatr|Konkani stage]] at a young age of 12–14.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=2016-04-28 |title=Tiatr artiste, lyricist Lawrence de Tiracol no more |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/tiatr-artiste-lyricist-lawrence-de-tiracol-no-more/articleshow/52016744.cms |access-date=2024-01-17 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> He was introduced to the stage by Francis de Parra in the ''[[tiatr]]'' production titled ''Sotchem Bhirad''. Throughout his career, Fernandes had the privilege of sharing the stage with ''tiatr'' personalities such as [[Kid Boxer]], [[C. Alvares]], Francis de Parra, Rico Rod, [[Star of Arossim]], Seby Coutinho, Souza Ferrao, Remmie Colaco, and Anthony Mendes, among others. Notably, his collaboration with [[Jessie Dias]] in [[Bombay]] led to numerous memorable [[duet]]s performed live on stage.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Just call him 'Larry'! |url=https://www.thegoan.net/goa-news/just-call-him-%E2%80%98larry%E2%80%99/2584.html |access-date=2024-01-17 |website=The Goan EveryDay |language=en}}</ref>

During his time in Bombay, Fernandes actively participated in the [[Goan music|Konkani music]] scene. He engaged in acting and singing in various ''tiatrs'', contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape. However, it was his work behind the scenes that truly made an impact. From 1994 to 2012, Fernandes produced a total of 44 high-profile [[Konkani language|Konkani]] music albums, showcasing his talent to the art form.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Recognition so befitting, Awards so deserving |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Voice-Of-Tiatr/Recognition-so-befitting-Awards-so-deserving/84197 |access-date=2024-01-17 |website=oHeraldo}}</ref> While away from his hometown of Bombay and [[Goa]], Fernandes continued his creative pursuits by writing song lyrics and compiling them. Upon his return to Bombay in 1994, after completing an assignment in the [[Gulf countries|Gulf]], he took the opportunity to produce his first audio cassette ''O Daina'' under the label of [[Tips Industries]]. This initial success was followed by another album titled ''Bhangarache Tandul'' released by [[Saregama|His Master's Voice]] later that same year.<ref name=":1" />

Fernandes played a pivotal role in the revival of [[Lorna Cordeiro|Lorna]], a singer in the Konkani music industry, after a lengthy hiatus of 27 years. During his time in Bombay, Fernandes collaborated closely with Ronnie Monserrate. Through their efforts, they successfully convinced Lorna to make a comeback, leading to the release of the acclaimed album ''Hello Lorna'' in 1994. Fernandes contributed significantly to this album by writing the majority of its songs, except for the special song "Aikat Mhozo Tavo", which was composed by Gabru Gomes of Mumbai specifically for Lorna's return. Interestingly, Fernandes and Gomes did not have a personal meeting during the assignment.<ref name=":1" />

Fernandes's contributions to the Konkani music industry extended far beyond his collaborations with Lorna. He is known as a versatile artist, having recorded over 48 albums on cassettes and CDs, with 22 albums featuring Lorna. His extensive [[repertoire]] includes more than 500 original songs, and he has worked with several music companies throughout his career. Additionally, Fernandes showcased his talent as a scriptwriter, having written scripts for three ''tiatrs'' titled ''Sonstin Sanddlolo'', ''Dukhacho Daag'' (The scar of pain), and ''Konnak Mhunnom Maim'' (Whom do I call Mother?).<ref name=":0" />

==Death==
On 26 April 2016, Fernandes died following a battle with [[renal failure]]. His demise was met with condolences from the [[Tiatr Academy of Goa]], which expressed sincere sympathy to his bereaved family. Four days later, a funeral service was conducted at St. Anthony's Church in [[Tiracol]] to honor his memory.<ref name=":0" />

===Reactions===
[[Konkani language|Konkani]] actress [[Jessie Dias]], who had directed Fernandes's acclaimed ''[[tiatr]] production'' titled ''Konnak Mhunnon Maim'' (Whom do I call Mother?), fondly remembered him as a highly skilled lyricist with a captivating voice. Their respective journeys in the ''tiatr'' industry began around the same time, and Dias had the privilege of sharing the stage with Fernandes for the first time in her brother Lucas Cardozo's ''tiatr'' production, ''Eksuro'' (Alone).<ref name=":0" />

==Legacy==
On 23 May 2016, the [[Tiatr Academy of Goa]] (TAG) arranged a commemorative event at the Black Box in Ravindra Bhavan, [[Margao]], to honor Fernandes. The occasion served as a platform for attendees to pay tribute to Fernandes and reflect on his contributions. [[Jessie Dias]], speaking at the event, highlighted their joint performance in the ''[[tiatr]] Eksuro'' that propelled them to fame. As a token of remembrance for her childhood friend Fernandes, Dias performed a portion of the song they had sung together. Fernandes, affectionately known as the "[[Elvis Presley]]" of [[Mumbai]] due to his distinctive singing style, was remembered by those present.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=2016-06-07 |title=Lawrence De Tiracol, Comedian Alcin's deaths condoled |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/lawrence-de-tiracol-comedian-alcins-deaths-condoled/articleshow/52627527.cms |access-date=2024-01-17 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

Joaquim Barbosa, a devoted admirer of Fernandes, praised him as an extraordinary composer, while Alvaro Gomes emphasized Fernandes's instrumental role in [[Lorna Cordeiro]]]'s resurgence following her self-imposed exile of 25 years. Lorna, Fernandes's daughter, expressed her appreciation to TAG for organizing the special condolence gathering.<ref name=":2" />

In 2016, during the Thirteenth Session of the [[6th Goa Assembly]], a tribute was paid to Fernandes through an obituary reference. The motion was initiated by [[Anant Shet]], the [[Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Obituary Reference |url=https://www.goavidhansabha.gov.in/_motions.php?is_ajax=1&assembly_id=6&session_id=167&member_id=59&motiontype_id=0&display_id=0 |access-date=2024-01-17 |website=www.goavidhansabha.gov.in}}</ref>

==Selected stage works==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Year
!Title
!Role
!Notes
!Ref
|-
|rowspan="2"|1955
|''Sotchem Bhirad''
|Child artiste
|Professional debut
|rowspan='5"|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|''Eksuro''
|Singer
|
|-
|
|''Sonstin Sanddlolo''
|Writer
|
|-
|
|''Dukhacho Daag''
|Writer
|
|-
|
|''Konnak Mhunnom Maim''
|Writer
|
|}

==Select discography==
===Audio albums===
*''O Daina'' (1994)
*''Bhangarache Tandul'' (1994)
*''Hello Lorna'' (1994)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tiracol, Lawrence de}}
[[Category:1943 births]]
[[Category:2016 deaths]]
[[Category:Tiatrists]]
[[Category:Musicians from North Goa district]]
[[Category:Indian male singers]]

Lawrence de Tiracol - Revision history

Akivulhasan876 at 21:04, 14 March 2026