With all the technology-driven gadgets designed to capture the attention of our youth, remarkably it is the steelpan instrument that continues to capture the interest and imagination of our young people globally irrespective of race or culture.

 

The Steelpan instrument invented by the descendants of the African slaves of Trinidad and Tobago is the only acoustical instrument developed in the 20th century.

 

In addition to being the greatest invention of the 20th century because it displays the genius, indomitable spirit and affinity for "good" of a people, the Steelpan is an instrument that was born of out an experience shared by countless others throughout the world - that of oppression.  The instrument was molded by blood, sweat, tears and lives, as early pan people were persecuted and stigmatized for engaging in their craft and artform by society and the cultural elite.

 

Now in the 21st century, the movement of the Steelpan instrument continues to canvass the globe and garners critical accolades from the general populace and music lovers, to conventional musicians alike.  Simply put, the instrument has taken America by storm.  There are now steelband music groups on college campuses, in churches and schools throughout America.

 

It is February, and in the United States this is the month that is officially recognized as "Black History Month."  It is the month when the contributions of African Americans are celebrated and highlighted.  Indeed, there is heightened awareness of the inventions, culture and music of people of African descent. 

 

When Steel Talks returns to an exclusive interview with the late Rudy King.  Mr. King is the man who  introduced the first steelpan instrument to America.  Hear Mr. King in his own words describe both the love and hate he received in what was then a very different America has he travel from New York's Apollo theatre to Chicago Blue Angels  - with stops in the deep south performing on the first steelpan in America.  Read Part One>> http://www.basementrecordings.com/news/cparticles/rdykg.htm