The History of SteelPan Timeline - Steelband History

Year

 

 
1783
  • Mass exodus from Haiti, Martinique & Guadeloupe to Trinidad
  • White population grows from one hundred (100), to twenty-five hundred (2,500)
    • Introduction of Mardi Gras (Christmas to Ash Wednesday)
  • Slave & colored population mushrooms from five hundred (500), to sixteen thousand (16,000)
    • On plantations, festivals banned
    • Enslaved Africans established own celebration - Cannes Brulees (Canboulay)
    • Enslaved Africans introduced own dance (Calinda) & own songs to African drums

 
1838
  • Emancipation
  • Canboulay celebrated yearly on August 1st, later moved to Sunday before Ash Wednesday
  • Mardi Gras on Monday & Tuesday
  • Now deemed ex-Slaves, this segment of the population replaces Mardi Gras with Canboulay
  • Whites withdraw and denounce the festivities
 
1858
  • Sunday revelry is banned
 
1881
  • Canboulay riots
 
1884
  • Ordinance declared: the use of African drums outlawed in Canboulay celebrations
    Restrictions placed on size of bands -
    • Yields sporadic & violent outbursts over the years

 
1900
  • Colonial government & business community take control of Canboulay
    • Organized into disciplined parade of masquerade bands
    • Bands vie for competitive prizes
    • The “Upper class” return to festivities
 
1915 
  • George Joseph Antigua Pan Patriarch, George "Nugget" Joseph; -  Born, November 17, 1915. Antiguan Steel Band pioneer and Captain of the Hells Gate Steel Orchestra; 1948 - 1958  -- See more
 
1917
  • Hazel Henley founder of GIRL PAT Steel Orchestra - born December 14,
 
1924
  • George Goddard -  Born on 28 April 1924,  East Dry River, Port of Spain, Trinidad.
 
1926
  • Elliot "Ellie" Mannette also known to many as the Father of the Modern Pan was born 5 November 1926 in Sans Souci, Trinidad and grew up in Woodbrook
1927
  • Neville Jules -  Born on 21 May 1927, at #3 Richards Lane, East Dry River, Port of Spain, Trinidad.
1930
  • Winston “Spree” Simon was born in 1930, Rose Hill, East Dry River, Trinidad
  • Sterling Betancourt - born 30 March, Laventille; member of Tripoli and Hells Kitchen; 1942/1946 - formed St. James Crossfire, becoming pan tuner and arranger for that band; 1947/1951 sent to UK with TASPO in 1951
 
1931
  • Anthony “Tony” Williams is born 24 June in St. James, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad
  • Outright banning of African drums by the British colonists
  • Tamboo Bamboo replaces outlawed African drums as main musical medium
    • “boom” for low tones
    • “foule” or “buller” for mid-range
    • “cutter” for counterpoint/lead
 
 
1935
  • Tamboo Bamboo banned
  • Gonzales Tamboo-Bamboo Band introduces the first type of “bass pan”
1936
  • Bertie Marshall  Bertram Lloyd Marshall - Bertie Marshall was born 6 February 1936 at 16 St. Vincent Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad
  • Clive Bradley was born in Diego Martin, Trinidad, 1936
  • Alexander Ford establishes The Alexander Ragtime Band
  • Sweet-oil pans, dust bins, biscuit pans: convex-shape
  • Sticks without rubber
  • St. Lucia - August 18 - Augustus 'Pan' Andrew one of the most significant figures in the history of Pan in St. Lucia
 
 
 
 
1937
  • Steelband competition held at Queen’s Park Oval
    • Alexander Rag Time Band (winner)
    • Hell Ward
    • Second Eleven
1938
  • Lincoln "Delgado" Noel, master tuner - also known as the "Pan Doctor" was born in La Brea, San Fernando south Trinidad on the 26th October, 1938
 
1939
  • World War II (1939-1945)
    • Carnival suspended
    • Bands parade “illegally”
  • 3-note ping-pong introduced
  • Mikey Enoch, iconic New York steelpan tuner was born on February 7, 1939 in the village of Tunapuna, Trinidad, West Indies

 
1940

Experimentation period begins

  • Roaring Lion - first calypso ever composed for the steelband
    • Alexander Ragtime Band
  • Brute Force (Antigua) - first band to use rubber on sticks to play bass
  • Hollywood influence on band names (violence, force, terror, heroes & movies)
    • Hell Yard >> “All Stars”
    • Merry Boys >> “Casablanca”
    • Laventille Boys >> “Desperadoes”
    • River Lady >> “Destination Tokyo”
  • Age of the “Badjohn”
1941  
1942
  • Pat Bishop was born 7 May 1942, in Port of Spain, Trinidad
  • Leo Coker - celebrated pan tuner - was born April 1, 1942
 
1943
1944
  • Ray Holman was born on April 22, 1944 in Woodbrook, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad
  • Reynold Gillies known throughout the steelpan world as "Tony Slater" hailed from Port of Spain, Trinidad
 
1945
  • V.E. day (May)
  • Hells Gate formed in Antigua click to read  more
  • Tenor kettle (5 notes), ping pong, cuff boom, dudup (bass kettle) appear in the bands of revelers
  • Developments (1945-1950)
    • sweet-oil drums (ping pong) sunk in convex fashion
      • 5 to 7 notes
      • drums held in one hand, rubberless stick in other
      • oil drum sunk in concave fashion
      • 15 notes with rubber-tipped sticks
    • competitions begin in Port of Spain & San Fernando
    • notes continue to be added to drums/instruments
 
1946
  • September 15, 1946, Carlton Roach won the first soloist competition which was sponsored by Mr. Renee Phillip of Belmont, Port-of-Spain.
  • Red Army steelband from Trinidad tours Guyana in December 1946
 
1947  
1948
  • Guyana's first local Steel band competition was staged at the Georgetown Cricket Club. Three bands Casablanca, Tripoli and St. James Suffers, competed.
  • Aruba is introduce to the steelpan by Leonard Turner, a Trinidadian immigrant who worked at the Lago Oil Refinery 
    | see more |
 
1949
  • Antigua Steelband Association formed - 8 members
    • “The Steelband Herald” published as its official paper
  • “....steelbandsmen attained a standard of performance which equals if not surpasses that of the best there is in Trinidad....”, Sunday Guardian, January 26, 1951, p.17 - in commentary on Antiguan panmanship
  • Antigua’s “Brute Force” steelband gets picture in “The Times Survey of the Colonies”
  • Antigua’s Hells Gate is planned to represent West Indian steelbands in Festival of Britain
  • Antigua’s Hells Gate wins Panorama with tune “Peanut Vendor.” see more
  • flag flashcard St. Vincent and the Grenadines holds its first ever steelband competition. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Caribbean Boys and Syncopaters tie for first place.  read more

  • Rudy King Rudy King introduces Pan to America. Rudy King, aka 'Rock' and 'Rudolph Carter' - (to those who knew him as a young boy/man in his native Trinidad) came to America, bringing with him the knowledge of manufacturing and playing the instrument now known worldwide as the Steelpan; click for more

 
1950
    Hells Gate Steel Orchestra of Antigua & Barbuda in 1950
    Hells Gate Steel Orchestra of Antigua & Barbuda in 1950

  • Jit Sukha Samaroo - Dr. Jit Samaroo was born on 24 February, 1950, Lopinot, Trinidad.
  • Steelband Committee setup by government to investigate steelband violence and to find solutions
    • Cannon M.E. Farquhar - chairman
    • George E. Mose - chief probation officer
    • Carlyle P. Kerr - solicitor
    • Lennox O. Pierre - solicitor
  • Albert Gomes defends steelband men
  • “Public should discipline Steelband prejudices”, January 8, Sunday Guardian “Behind the Curtain” column
  • White college students play pan in streets of Port of Spain, later to become Texaco Dixieland
  • Steelbands clash
    • Feb 21 Invaders attacks Tokyo (on Carnival Tuesday)
    • Mar 2 Casablanca & Invaders meet, agree to bury hatchet... meeting attacked... bombarded with stones & bottles...
    • Mar 6 More steelbands agree to end clashes, meeting at Old Prison Quarry, more than 500 members and supporters present from March Hill 60, Invaders, Casablanca, Destination Tokyo, Crusaders, Merry Maker, All Stars and Desperadoes
  • Cannon Farquhar defends steelband men
    • link to “dark past of slavery, plus a century of economic deprivation”, March 12, Sunday Guardian
  • Carnival Parade of Bands begin in the Savannah  -- Trinidad
  • Steelband Association formed by Lennox Pierre & Carlyle Kerr
    • President Sidney Gallop of Crusaders
    • 76 bands joined
    • banned steelband competition for next 5 years
      • poor judging contributing factor to violent clashes between steelbands
    • introduced steelband recital (June)
  • Boscoe Holder and Troupe  including steelpan tours UK - 1950
 
1951
  • Arrival of Steelpan in the UK. Taspo 1951
  • On July 26 in 1951, TASPO performed at the Festival of Britain, introducing steelpan to Europe - See more
  • Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra (TASPO) established
    • Lieutenant Griffith of St. Lucia Police Band is musical director
    • formed specifically for Festival of Britain
    • toured France and United Kingdom for 3 months
    • 11 best players from the country, 13 reserves
      • Orman “Patsy” Haynes / Casablanca
      • “Boots” Davidson / City Syncopators
      • Sterling Betancourt / Crossfire
      • A. De Labastide / Chicago
      • Dudley Smith / Rising Sun
      • Winston “Spree” Simon / Tokyo
      • Granville Sealey / Tripoli
      • Clive Belgrave / Southern Symphony
      • Ellie Mannette / Invaders
      • Anthony Williams / Sun Valley
      • Sonny Roache
      • Theo Stephen / Free French
    • Operation Britain - to raise $15,000 for TASPO
    • July 6, TASPO departs on San Mateo, Sonny Roache ill, left behind in Martinique
    • September, Winston Spree gets contract to teach pan music at University of Nigeria & Ghana
  • Developments
    • 3 drum bass boom
    • 2 drum cello boom
    • establish complete chromatic range of notes from ping pong to bass
 
1952  
  • Hazel Henley forms all female steelband known as Girl Pat. one of reportedly only two all-women steel orchestras in the 1950s in Trinidad and Tobago -- click to read more on Girl Pat
  • Antigua's first all female steelband formed - “The Pastel Intruders” was formed. The group of young, exciting and energetic ladies, exhibiting skills on pan on par with their male counterparts, won the hearts of Antiguans/Barbudans and others when they played at their first official function in 1953 to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. read more
  • Trinidad Music Association accept steelband men after initial rejection, Music Festivals no longer off limits
  • Bands from south form: Southern Steelbands Association, 25 members
  • Rising Sun Steel Orchestra wins Antigua's Panorama with C'est Si Bon
  • Ellie Mannette creates the Double Second
 
1953 
  • Lennox “Boogsie” Sharpe -  He was born 28 October 1953, Benares Street, St James, Trinidad. The nick-name Boogsie was given to him by his mother
  • 1953 was referred to as the year of Steel band music; over twenty bands (nineteen male and one female) were formed. The Texans, winner of the 1953 Steel Band Festival, Tripoli, first runner-up, and Quo Vadis, the twenty-six piece, (the largest in Guiana during that period), and the Crusaders were among the most popular bands of that period. -- Lloyd Kandasammy
  • Hells Gate wins Antigua Panorama
  • Anthony Williams creates the “SPIDER-WEB” ping pong, referred to as the “fourths and fifths” pan..

  •  
    Anthony Williams - Spider-Web
    Anthony Williams (right) introduced the “spider web” lead Pan. The instrument shown off here by Williams and Herman “Rock” Johnson was an amended version which Johnson claims to have crafted and whose expanded range supposedly was the key to the Williams-led North Stars band winning Trinidad’s 1962 Music Festival with their memorable rendition of the Strauss Waltz, Voices of Spring. - See more
 
1954
  • Arden Williams, a student from Trinidad carried his ping pong with him when he attended the University of the West Indies, Mona campus (then the University College of the West Indies). Soon after, he and other Trinidadian students and one Jamaican started the first-ever steelband on Jamaican soil.
 
1955
  • In 1955, costumed steel band tramps accentuated the Coronation Day celebrations. According to one report, shortly after midday, the best- dressed steel band - the Quo Vadis marched as units of the Royal Navy and with a following of over one thousand took to the streets of Georgetown. Striped 'Admirals' in navy blue led the bandsmen who were clad in white. The Chicago Steel Band resplendent with the Union Jack stopped at Government house in Carmichael Street and played a perfect rendition of 'Rule Britannica' and 'God save the Queen' for Lady Savage," the wife of Governor Alfred Savage. At Camp Street the Texans and Tripoli, each with a following of over two thousand, clashed. However, unlike in previous years, they did not stop, but continued to play their music with the hope of attracting supporters from the other side. -- Lloyd Kandasammy
  • Lord Woodbine (seated at left): The forgotten sixth Beatle
    Lord Woodbine (seated at left): The forgotten sixth Beatle
    Harold Adolphus Philips (15 January 1929 – 5 July 2000), known as Lord Woodbine, was a Trinidadian calypsonian and music promoter. He is regarded by some as the musical mentor of The Beatles, and has been called the "sixth Beatle".  He played a tenor pan as part of the first professional steel band in England, the All Caribbean Steel Band, which was formed by Gerry Gobin in 1955, and played regularly at the Joker's Club and then the Jacaranda Club in Liverpool, owned by Allan Williams. Philips later played with the All Caribbean Steel Band in their television appearance on the Opportunity Knocks in July 1965.  read more on Lord Woodbine
  • Montreal, Canada --
  • Delete

    The first steelband from Trinidad to reach Montreal was Dixie Stars in 1955 as the Esso Steel band, sponsored by Imperial Oil. From there they made a tour across Canada, ending up in Vancouver. They(not all) returned by boat. On reaching Aruba, some took a plane back to Trinidad. Others , including my brother, stayed on board the ship until it reached England. Except for a small side from the band that Rudy Commissiong had taken to Bermuda the year before, that was the end of the band.  See more

 
1957 
  • George Goddard elected President of Steelband Association (June)
    • 12 member band
    • Constitution drawn up
 
1958 
  • Hells Gate wins Antigua Panorama with My Mother's Eyes  - Sydney Prince arranger
  • In 1958, on the occasion of the visit of Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret, the Government of British Guiana assisted the Steel Band Association with a grant of $1,200 for the purchase of costumes for a special tramp. - Lloyd Kandasammy
 
1959
  • “Desperadoes” & “San Juan All Stars” clash
  • Hells Gate wins Antigua Panorama with Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring - Sydney Prince arranger
  • Emmanuel Riley improvisations in the Invaders’ recordings Liebestraume and “Melody in F” set a standard for pan soloists - click to listen to performance
  • Kenrick Philmore -  Ken "Professor" Philmore was born 1959, Trinidad.

 
1960
  • Hells Gate wins Antigua Panorama
  • Bertie Marshall & Anthony Williams together:
    • Introduced harmonic tuning
    • Extended range of orchestra
    • Placed bass pans on wheels.  Anthony Williams placed the entire band on wheels.
  • The 1960 Guyana Festival, October, 1960 organized by the Jaycees marked the first attempt, to bring Steelband Mas' to a carnival-like celebration. This was the dream of Charlie Hubbard, GM of the Mariner's club, and all those unheralded heroes, who promoted steel band and mas' in the fifties. Every mother's son turned out for the weekend festival at the BGCC grounds, Annexe. Vivian Lee's Vaudeville Variety Show with dancers in colourful exotic costumes popped out of a huge birthday cake to mark the occasion. The Pantomime presentation of the Royal Bank of Canada's Grimm's Fairy Tales and Nursery Rhymes won Costume Band of the year, with Pemya's Marabuntas King Richard runner up. The results, unacceptable to the pan beaters, resulted in minor unrest the same night, and thereafter, all decisions in this fiercely competitive event would be issued two days later in the press, as is done in Trinidad.
  •  Frank Rollock starts Brixton Carnival – UK 1960
 
1961
  • Present Grand Stand established in Savannah -- Trinidad
  • Dixieland Steelband established - UK 1961
 
1962 
  • Steelbands Association renamed National Association of T&T Steelbandmen (NATTS)
  • St. Vincent & the Grenadines holds its first Panorama competition - Police Steel Orchestra wins - see more
 
     
1963
  • Carnival Development Committee (CDC) changes name of competition

  • First prize raised from TT $350 to TT $1,000

  • * Trinidad & Tobago’s first ever “Steelband’s Panorama” held at Queen’s Park Savannah, Friday February 22nd
    First Panorama Flyer

 

  • Pan Am North Stars logo North Stars win this first Trinidad & Tobago Panorama with the tune Dan is The Man.  The arranger is Anthony Williams.
  • Participants include: North Stars, Sundowners, Desperadoes, Modern Sunland, Invaders, City Symphony, Casablanca, Starlift, San Juan All Stars, City Syncopators, Crossfire, Dixie Harps, Merrytones, Metronomes, Merry Stars, Nocturne, Prodigal Philharmonics, Renegades, Sputniks, Steel Stylers, Tropical Harmony, Wonderland (Port of Spain), Wonderland (Chaguanas)
  • The prize monies  were; $1,000, $500 and $250 respectively for the first three spots.
  • The 10 finalist were DESPERADOES, CASABLANCA, CITY SYMPHONY, INVADERS, NORTH STARS, STARLIFT, SUNDOWNERS, SUNLAND, WONDERLAND, SAN JUAN ALL STARS
  • Calypsonians try to gain advantage in Carnival Road March competition, accused of giving scores to steelbands
  • April 11
    • Government Aid for establishment of National Steelband
    • Ellie Mannette chosen as tuner
    • Grant not to exceed $1,500 for tuning
  • Steelband Association establishes National Steelband and organize a steelband Festival; Crossfire wins Festival
  • August
    • Wolfgang Krause of Germany films Ellie Mannette tuning, slips out of country on yacht, violates agreement with Steelband Association & Trinidad & Tobago government
    • Moral Re-Armament (MRA) organization invites National Steelband to USA
  • Police Steel Orchestra wins St. Vincent & the Grenadines Panorama for 2nd consecutive time - see more
  • The formation of the first National Steel Band in Guyana in 1963. This band performed at various functions for the workers of Guyana, and (its services were) paid (for) by the state.
  • Solo Harmonites Steel Orchestra Harmonites Steel Orchestra formed in Trinidad. The band Solo Harmonites has its genesis in 1963 when a group of teenagers from Egypt village, Second Caledonia, Barataria, Trinidad came together to form a steel band, which was originally known as Wonderland. Under the leadership of one Mr. Justin "Baba" Fredericks, the band endured a name change to “Harmonites” when it was discovered that there was another steel band by the name of Wonderland. Mr. Fredericks migrated shortly afterwards and the mantle of leadership fell to Mr. Winston “Skull” Fleming, captain and Mr. Vincent “Hueloy” Lila Yip Young as Manager. click for more
 
 
1964
  • Hells Gate wins Antigua Panorama
  • Police Steel Orchestra wins St. Vincent & the Grenadines Panorama for 3rd consecutive time
  • Pan Am North Stars logo North Stars win Trinidad & Tobago Panorama with the tune Mama Dis is Mas
  • North Stars expelled from Association by general membership
  • Rudolph Charles elected leader of Desperadoes, and later he will introduce:
    • chromed pans
    • nine bass
    • quadraphonic pan
    • triple tenor
    • rocket bass
    • aluminum canopies
       
  • Players chosen for National Steelband performance in USA:
    • Emmanuel Riley (Invaders), Errol Zephrine (Starlift), David Samuel (Prodigals), Rudolph Johnson (Fascinators), Norbert Augustine (Wonderland Symphony), Lennox Glean (Wonderland), Kelvin Hart (City Syncopators), Herman Collins (Sun Valley), Osmond Charles (Savoys), Hugh Borde (Tripoli), Steve Regis (Sun Downers), Morrison Romeo (Starlift - Tobago), Lennox "Bobby" Mohammed (Cavaliers), Glenford Sobers (Crosswinds), Herbert Benjamin (Casbah - Tobago), Elton John (City Symphony), Kenneth Bennett (San Juan All Stars), Clifford Alexis (Stereophonics), Vincent Hernandez (Satisfiers), Desmond Hernandez (Melodiscs), Randolph St Louis (Renegades), Edgar Pouchet (Silver Stars)
      National Steelband performs in Michigan, West Virginia, Santa Fe, New Mexico - USA

    •  
      Trinidad and Tobago National Steelband 1964
      Trinidad and Tobago Steel Band returns from 1964 tour -----
    • listen to an exclusive interview about the 1964 tour with Clifford Alexsis
  • The Silvertones Steel Orchestra was selected to play for Queen Elizabeth II, who was visiting Guyana
  • Aruba - The first Carnival steel band competition ever was organized in 1964. Eight steel bands competed in a legendary competition. The Merrymakers, the Devils, the Curacao Heroes, the Long Gun Boys, the Paradera Steelband, The Silver Stars, The Allstars, and the Aruba Invaders were all talented groups which produced the most amazing sounds. Finally the Aruba Invaders won with their variant of the theme from exodus, making them the first Aruban steel band competition win | see more |
  • Sterling Betancourt formed Nostalgia –  ‘Pan-round-the-neck’ in the United Kingdom
  • Russell Henderson Steelband first to play at the now Notting Hill Carnival April 1964
 
 
1965
  • Cavaliers Steel Orchestra logo  Cavaliers win Panorama with the tune Melody Mas - Bobby Mohammed (arranger)
  • Easter Sunday - Desperadoes become the first steelband to play in church - see more
  • Musicians (20 pan players) chosen for National Steelband to participate in the Commonwealth Arts Festival in the UK.  Players:
    • Roderick Toussaint (City Kids); Gordon Barrow (Scherzando); Steve Regis (West Stars); Hugh Borde (Tripoli); Glenford Sobers (Cross Winds); Cabot Paul (Trinidad Symphony); Dean Kirton (Kintups); Pedro Pereira (Blue Diamonds); Edward Towine (Desperadoes); Clunis Clarke (Casbah); Lennox Mohammed (Cavaliers); Herman Johnson (Sunjets); David Edwards (Gale Stars); Herman Collins (Sun Valley); Rudolph St. Louis (Renegades); Sylvester Garcia (Tropical Harmony); Emmanuel Riley (Invaders); Betram Kellman (Southern Marines); Morrison Romeo (Starlift - Tobago); and David La Barrie (Starlets)
       
  • National Steelband players participate in the Commonwealth Arts Festival (September 10–October 14)
  • The Daily Mirror in the UK proclaims: “The steel orchestra was the greatest thing that ever happened to music in recent years.  This was the view of the music experts in England!” **
  • ESSO Engro Steel Orchestra wins St. Vincent Panorama
 
1966 
  • Desperadoes win Panorama with the tune Obeah Wedding Beverly Griffith (arranger) - 50,000 in attendance
  • Desperadoes go to Africa (Senegal
  • ESSO Engro Steel Orchestra wins St. Vincent Panorama
 
1967 
  • National Steelband of Trinidad and Tobago 1967
    Trinidad and Tobago National Steelband performs at Expo '67 in Montreal, Canada
    ("A troupe of dancers and the 22 members of the’ National Steelband left for Expo ‘67 on August 11, George Goddard  was manager of the band. The 22 panmen were: - [ pictured bottom row left to rightDavid Edwards of Gale Stars, Ëmlvn Harewood of Starland, Steve Regis of West Stars, Glenford Sobers of Crosswinds, Roderick Toussaint of City Kids, Clunls Clarke of Casbah Tobago), [pictured middle row left to right] Lennox Mohammed of Cavaliers, Michael Alleyne of Scarlet Symphony, Carlyle Jordan of Dixie Harps,  Elton John of City Symphony,  Gordon Barrow of Scherzando, Randolph St. Louis of Renegades, Bertram Kellman of Southern Marines, [pictured top row left to right]  Herman Collins of Sun Valley,  Sylvester Nicholas of Tropical Harmony,  David La Barrie of Sputniks, Rafael Passey of Fonclaire,  Morris Romeo of Starlift (Tobago), [not pictured] Pedro Alexander Pereira of Blue Diamonds,   Cabot Paul of Trinidad Symphony, Dean Kirton of Kintups, and Emmanuel Riley of Invaders" - George "Sonny" Goddard)
  • Tripoli Steelband Under the leadership of Hugh Borde, Tripoli performed at the 1967 World's Fair in Montreal, Canada, following which they were booked for an extensive concert tour and television appearances with the famous American pianist Liberace.
  • Hettie J. Mejias- deGannes (maiden name is Mejias) is the Panorama arranger for  Silhouettes in Cocoyea Village 1967 - the tune of choice is "Don't Come Back Again" by Lord Kitchener
  • Hells Gate win Antigua Panorama
  • ESSO Engro Steel Orchestra wins St. Vincent Panorama
  • Cavaliers Steel Orchestra logo  Cavaliers win Trinidad & Tobago Panorama with the tune Sixty-seven
  • Anthony Williams suggests local tunes to be used with test pieces
  • Desperadoes tour Zambia

  • "I am Aldwin Albino who organized the band at the school. Martin is my younger brother. I was posted to Calvary R.C. in August,1965 after graduating from Government Training College. This was the first time that the school year in Trinidad had changed from January to July. Mr.Cyrille was my headteacher, and with his permission as well as the Rosary R.C. Church parish priest I received the green light to approach President George Goddard to obtain pans from Angostura Starlift for the project. The year was 1967, and I was also at that time the music director on Holly Betaudier's program Scouting for Talent, and as fate would have it Angostura also sponsored Scouting for Talent. Thanks again for your helpful research."   --  Aldwin Albino. read more - from WST Forum...
    10-19-2013
 
1968 
  • Patrick Manning Former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago & panist Patrick Manning (second from left) performing with "Playboys" in 1968 at UWI Mona Jamaica. - photo and caption info posted by Patrick Manning.
  • Solo Harmonites Steel Orchestra Harmonites win Trinidad & Tobago Panorama with the tune Wrecker
  • Harmonites /Brute Force win Antigua Panorama with Miss Tourist /La Cascade respectively
  • ESSO Engro Steel Orchestra wins St. Vincent Panorama
  • In 1968, a competition was organized by the National History and Arts Council to showcase the talent of Steel bands in Guyana. Two sets of judges were used for the preliminaries and the finals. Competitors were required to play the National Anthem, a classical selection and a test-piece of the Guyanese folk song 'Way down Demerara' at the Queen Elizabeth National Park.

    Two sets of judges were used for the preliminaries and the finals. Competitors were required to play the National Anthem, a classical selection and a test-piece of the Guyanese folk song 'Way down Demerara' at the Queen Elizabeth National Park. - Lloyd Kandasammy
  • Music Festival At this time the annual Music Festival at Queen's College provided the impetus for the advancement of Pan and enabled the Steelband to hold their place in local entertainment against the increasingly popular string bands such as Rhymthaires - Combo Seven - Bumble and the Saints, and the Young Ones. The Beatles, Cliff Richards and the Ventures were big hits abroad. Pan was introduced in the Schools Broadcast Programme initiated by Derek Jeffrey. The Kaietukians, Silvertones, Pelicans and Texacans were the leading Steel bands.  - Godfrey Chin
  • Guyana - The National Music Festival and the National Steelband Competition – the winning band for both events was the formidable Demtoco Silvertones.
  • Aruba Invaders win 1968 Steelband competition -- Na anja 1968 Invaders a gana e Steelband Contest na Lago Sport Park
 
1969 
  • Harmonites win Antigua Panorama with "Air On G String" - Rupert 'Teela' Parker arranger
  • Panasonic wins Panorama in Grenada
  • Coca Cola Harmonites wins St. Vincent Panorama
  • Starlift win Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) Panorama with the tune The Bull
  • CDC (Carnival Development Committee) is the sole sponsor of Trinidad &Tobago
  • Panorama Police Superintendent Anthony Prospect suggests steel orchestras use ‘Concert Pitch’ when tuning, “A” above middle “G”, 440Hz, (universally accepted pitch)
  • North Stars Steel Orchestra holds recital with Winifred Atwell at Queen’s Hall
  • Merle Albino-de Coteau becomes arranger and musical director for Chase Manhattan Savoy 
  • Guyana - The National Music Festival and the National Steelband Competition – again the winning band for both events was the formidable Demtoco Silvertones.
  • Ebony Steelband formed 1969 - UK

 
1970 
  • Desperadoes win Trinidad & Tobago Panorama with the tune Margie
  • Angel Harps wins Panorama in Grenada
  • Desperadoes leader, Rudolph Charles suggests to Trinidad &Tobago prime minister Eric Williams, to set up co-operative to manufacture steelband instruments
  • Prime Minister meets with steelband leaders
  • Co-operative agreement between Prime Minister & 17 steelbands
  • NATTS’ president George Goddard and PNM (People’s National Movement - the then-ruling political party in Trinidad & Tobago) clash
  • Steelband & Black Power Movement
    • State of Emergency in Trinidad & Tobago declared
    • Steelband Music Festival cancelled
  • Rising Sun wins Antigua & Barbuda Panorama - Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring - Dr. Charles Roberts  arranger
  • Texaco Starlift Steel Orchestra wins St. Vincent Panorama
 
 
1971
  • Harmonites win Antigua Panorama with "Love Story"
  • Solo Harmonites Steel Orchestra Harmonites and Starlift Steel Orchestras both tie for the title and win Trinidad & Tobago Panorama; Harmonites with the tune Play Mas, and Starlift with Queen of the Bands
  • Fascinators wins Panorama in Grenada
  • Texaco Starlift Steel Orchestra wins St. Vincent Panorama
  • George Goddard resigns as president of NATTS - (National Association of Trinidad and Tobago Steelbandsmen)
  • NATTS changes name to “Pan Trinbago”
  • In 1971, two major events the National Steel Band Festival 31 July - 2 August and the reintroduction of the Steel Band Tramp, both organised by the National History and Arts Council and the Steel Band Association, reinvigorated new life and interest in this aspect of Guyana's culture. Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, in addressing the Steel Band Association at Critchlow Labour College, declared that "every public corporation in which the government has a majority shareholding will sponsor a steel band."
  • Rocket Pan invented by Rudolph Charles of Desperadoes Steel Orchestra
 
1972 
  • Merle Albino-de Coteau arranges for Chase Manhattan Savoy  - first woman to arrange a Panorama piece
  • Solo Harmonites Steel Orchestra Harmonites win Trinidad & Tobago Panorama with the tune St. Thomas Girl
  • Ray Holman, first arranger to compete in Trinidad & Tobago’s Panorama with his own composition - Pan On the Move - (Starlift)
  • Tropicans win New York’s First ever Panorama held behind the Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn
  • Young Island Harps wins St. Vincent Panorama
  • In 1972, Steel Band Week from 1-7 April was staged by the Guyana National Steel Band Music Association to promote Steel Band music in Guyana.
  • Desperadoes Steel Orchestra Queen Elizabeth at the Royal Albert Hall in London
The CARIRI Project
In 1972, the first scientific study of the characteristics of pan was initiated at the University of the West Indies (UWI) at St. Augustine, Trinidad, by Ron Dennis, a lecturer in the Engineering Department. Dennis, who was from England, analyzed the behavior of pan notes in the laboratory and theorized that pans could be pressed (made concave) by the hydroform method. Initially, a small die was manufactured and tested on mini-pans, with research help from engineering student Clement Imbert. With funding from the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI ), construction of a larger press designed by Ron Dennis began at the UWI Engineering Department in 1974. Upon his graduation from UWI, Clement Imbert joined the CARIRI project team which included Richard McDavid as the Project Manager. The press was completed in 1975 and, after testing, was put into operation with the help of Caroni Limited who made their machine shop available for the project. Pans were pressed from 1975 to 1976 and were tuned by Bertie Marshall and Anthony Williams who reported their findings to the project team. The biggest problem observed by the tuners was the material distribution, i.e., the lack of a gradual reduction in thickness from the circumference to the center of the pressed surface. Improvements were made and, with the support of arranger Ray Holman, the first complete set of pans were used in the 1976 Panorama competition. Pressing ceased in mid-1977 when funding from the Government of Trinidad & Tobago was halted... Ron Emrit


CARIRI  ProjectThe press did not disappear – the press was in Europe at the Saab plant; there never was a local one. This was in the early 80’s/late 70’s as well and the project was conducted at CARIRI and included Richard McDavid (on this project) as well as Keith Maynard and Clement Imbert - all of whom have been involved in this project in one way or the other. We actually have two of the pressed samples (one mysteriously turned up after missing for all those years). That project included the likes of Tony Williams and Bertie Marshall. Funding was stopped for reasons I have not been able to determine – this represents 30 years of lost opportunity... Dr, Brian Copland
 
 
1973 
  • Trinidad all stars Trinidad All Stars win Trinidad & Tobago Panorama with the tune Rain-O-Rama
  • Angel Harps wins Panorama in Grenada
  • New York Panorama held at Medgar Evers College
  • Pan Masters win New York Panorama - arranger Dave LaBarrie
  • Supa Start wins Antigua Panorama with Carnival 73
  • Sherwin Williams Supertones win St. Vincent Panorama
  • Metronomes Steelband established  - UK
  • In 1973 at Northern Illinois University, G. Allan O’Connor founded the first actively performing steel band at an American university. The original instruments were purchased in Aruba
 
1974 
  • Solo Harmonites Steel Orchestra Harmonites win Trinidad & Tobago Panorama with the tune Jericoh
  • New York Panorama competition is ‘rained out’
  • Harmonites win Antigua Panorama with Tourist Take Over Fighting - Paul Campbell
  • C.U.A Starlift win St. Vincent Panorama
  • Joseph "Franklin" Gerald - Despeeradoes 1970's Joseph "Franklin" Gerald first person to play nine-bass invented by Rudolph Charles of Desperadoes Steel Orchestra

 

 
1975 
  • Halycon wins Antigua Panorama
  • Hatters win Trinidad & Tobago Panorama with the tune Tribute to Spree Simon
  • City Symphony wins Panorama in Grenada
  • Brooklynaires win New York Panorama, which returns to the ‘behind the Brooklyn Museum’ location
  • C.U.A Starlift win St. Vincent Panorama
  • Chronicle Atlantic Steel Orchestra wins Guyana's National Steelband Competition
  • Gerald Forsyth OBE – Establishes Steelpan in the UK education curriculum - 1975
  • Pan Teachers Association  - founded in UK
  • Twelve Bass invented by Rudolph Charles of Desperadoes Steel Orchestra
  • Calliope’s Children Steel Orchestra tours Romania see more
  
 
1976 
  • $15,000 awarded to Trinidad & Tobago Panorama Winner
  • Desperadoes win Trinidad & Tobago Panorama with the tune Pan In Harmony
  • City Symphony wins Panorama in Grenada
  • Exhibits wins New York Panorama
  • Hells Gate wins Antigua Panorama
  • Heineken Abbucalypse Steel Orchestra win St. Vincent Panorama
  • Chronicle Atlantic Steel Orchestra wins Guyana's National Steelband Competition
  • Guyana's Chronicle Atlantic Steel Orchestra performs overseas in Cuba
  • Frank Rollock establishes – Ilea Schools Steel Band
 
 
1977 
  • Ebonites wins Antigua Panorama
  • Desperadoes win Trinidad & Tobago Panorama with the tune Crawford
  • All Stars wins Panorama in Grenada
  • Moods Pan Groove wins New York Panorama
  • C.U.A Starlift win St. Vincent Panorama
  • Chronicle Atlantic Steel Orchestra wins Guyana's National Steelband Competition
  • Calliope’s Children Steel Orchestra tours Poland and Russia see more
 
 
1978 
  • USD $500 appearance fee instituted for the preliminaries of New York Panorama
  • Satisfiers win New York Panorama
  • Paddington Youth wins Panorama in the United Kingdom
  • Halcyon wins Antigua Panorama
  • City Symphony wins Panorama in Grenada
  • Chronicle Atlantic Steel Orchestra wins Guyana's National Steelband Competition
  • South Steelband Movement forms in Trinidad; they stage their own Panorama in Skinner Park, San Fernando, south Trinidad
  • Starlift wins Trinidad & Tobago Panorama with the tune Du Du Yemi
  • J & B Starlift wins St. Vincent panorama
  • Aruba features 18 steelbands in their steel band competition.
  • Quadraphonic Pans invented by Rudolph Charles
  • Triple Second invented by Rudolph Charles
 

Starlift on stage performing Dudu Yemi
 
1979 
  • DJ’s (disc jockeys) impact carnival scene both in USA and Trinidad - in parties and ‘on the road’
  • Harmonites Steel Orchestra performs at part of the 1979 Superbowl half time show at the Miami Orange Bowl. The halftime show was "Carnival: A Salute to the Caribbean" with various Caribbean bands.
  • Halcyon wins Panorama in Antigua
  • Metronomes win Panorama in the United Kingdom
  • No Panorama in Trinidad & Tobago.  Panmen boycott Panorama for more money
  • No Panorama competition in St. Vincent
  • No Panorama in New York
    • Cost of preparing steelbands for New York Panorama = $15,000 - $20,0000
    • Cost of new band $60,00Cost of new band $60,00Cost of new band $60,00
 
1980 
  • Trinidad all stars Trinidad All Stars win Trinidad & Tobago Panorama with the tune Woman On The Bass
  • London All Stars win UK Panorama
  • Trinidad & Tobago bands get appearance fee of TT $5,000.00 for Panorama
  • Belmont South Stars win Panorama in Grenada
  • Bidco Invaders wins Guyana's National Steelband Competition
  • No New York Panorama
  • No Panorama competition in St. Vincent
  • Chronicle Atlantic Steel Orchestra travels to Moscow, political centre of what was then the Cold War behemoth, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, on a four-week goodwill tour. Russian audiences were delighted to hear not only Guyanese steelpan compositions, but also the band’s rendering of classical pieces such as Khachaturyan’s Sabre Dance and Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. Guyanese singer, Dawn Shultz was also there, performing the James Bond film theme song, From Russia With Love. -- Geoffrey Chin
 
1981
  • Trinidad all stars Trinidad All Stars win Trinidad & Tobago Panorama with the tune Unknown Band
  • Metronomes and Mangrove both tie for the title and win the UK Panorama
  • Sonatas wins New York Panorama
  • 20th Century Steel Orchestra win St. Vincent Panorama
  • Gemonites wins Antigua's Panorama
  • Chronicle Atlantic Steel Orchestra wins Guyana's National Steelband Competition
  • Travelling Ambassadors - From Russia, Casso like Marco Polo set out around the world in eighty days. First to the New London Theatre England where Clive Lloyd was being honoured with the CCH-Guyana's highest national honour. In 1981, they toured the United States, playing at the UN General Assembly, Washington, DC, then to Las Vegas, Chicago, and Ottawa, for a guest appearance at the Canadian House of Parliament. The next year, 1982, they were the featured artistes at the British Honduras Independence Celebrations, and in 1983, went back to Canada for the 150th Anniversary of Canada's Redeau Canal. -- Geoffrey Chin

  • Eric Williams Trinidad & Tobago first Prime Minister Eric Williams - passes away - : March 29, 1981, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

 

 
1982
  • Renegades win Trinidad & Tobago Panorama with the tune Pan Explosion
  • Metronomes win the UK Panorama
  • Sonatas and Metro both tie for the title and win New York Panorama
  • City Symphony wins Panorama in Grenada
  • No Panorama competition in St. Vincent
  • Chronicle Atlantic Steel Orchestra of Guyana featured artistes at the British Honduras Independence Celebrations
  • About the leader and founder of Chronicle Atlantic Steel Orchestra: The world's greatest orchestras have often been identified by their leader who made it all possible. Glenn Miller - Arthur Fiedler - Byron Lee - Tom Charles to name a few- and I must add, Rudy Bishop to the list of great band leaders who made it possible. An indefatigable hustler, entrepreneur, missionary, diplomat, conductor, a veritable Steelband Moses.  -- Geoffrey Chin

 

 
1983
  • Desperadoes win Trinidad & Tobago Panorama with the tune Rebecca
  • Ebony wins the UK Panorama
  • City Symphony wins Panorama in Grenada
  • No Panorama competition in St. Vincent
  • Sonatas win New York Panorama
    • Sonatas becomes the first orchestra to achieve the New York Panorama hat trick, with wins from 1981–1983
 
1984
  • Renegades win Trinidad & Tobago Panorama with the tune Sweet Pan
  • Metronomes win the UK Panorama
  • Angel Harps win Grenada Panorama
  • No Panorama competition in St. Vincent
  • Golden Stars “win” New York Panorama; they were the only band to compete at the grounds behind the Brooklyn Museum.  The other New York orchestras staged an alternate Panorama at Boys and Girls High School on Rutland Road, Brooklyn - but were shut down by the NYPD (New York Police Department), before all the bands had performed.
 
1985
Rudolph Charles
Rudolph Charles famed leader of Desperadoes
  • The Funeral of Rudolph Charles
    The funeral of Desperadoes' Rudolph Charles -
    photo courtesy of David Rudder

  • Renegades and Desperadoes both tie to win the Trinidad & Tobago Panorama - playing the same tune Pan Night and Day
  • Angel Harps win Grenada Panorama
  • Harmonites win Antigua Panorama
  • London All Stars win the UK Panorama
  • Sonatas win New York Panorama
  • St. Vincent Panorama - Starlift Steel Orchestra win
  • Les Slater and Dalton Narine launch the groundbreaking Pan Magazine
  • In 1985 Trinidadian Clifford Alexis was hired as an on-staff builder, tuner, arranger, and co-director
 
1986
  • Trinidad all starsTrinidad All Stars win the Trinidad & Tobago Panorama, playing the tune The Hammer
  • City New Tones win Grenada Panorama
  • Halcyon wins Antigua Panorama
  • Mangrove wins the UK Panorama
  • No New York Panorama; complete boycott by steel orchestras
  • No Panorama competition in St. Vincent
  • Pan Trinbago Inc is a cultural organization which was incorporated by Act of Parliament, 5 of 1986. It formerly operated and was registered as a Union representing the interest of steelpan players. It was formed in 1971 but had been organized since 1950. Pan Trinbago Inc is host and promoter of the Annual National Steelband Panorama.
 
1987  
1988
  • George Goddard
    George Goddard 1965
    On January 18, 1988, George “Sonny” Goddard passes away, leaving behind a widow, four sons, and a daughter. His funeral was attended by judges, members of parliament, educators, trade unionists, Carnival bandleaders, calypso legends, and steelband members.
  • George Goddard, one of the early leaders of the Steelband Association, was awarded the Trinidad  & Tobago Humming Bird Medal Gold posthumously for his contribution to the development of the steelband.
  • Advisory Working Group on Carnival 1988 recommends against Carnival in the Savannah - Trinidad
  • Phase II Phase II Pan Groove wins the Trinidad & Tobago Panorama playing the tune Woman Is Boss
  • New Dimension wins Grenada Panorama
  • St. Vincent Panorama - Starlift Steel Orchestra win
  • Ebony wins the UK Panorama
  • Sonatas win New York Panorama
 
1989
  • Renegades win the Trinidad & Tobago Panorama playing the tune Somebody
  • No Panorama in Antigua; complete boycott by the steel orchestras
  • New Dimension wins Grenada Panorama
  • St. Vincent Panorama - Starlift Steel Orchestra win
  • London All Stars wins the UK Panorama
  • Sonatas win New York Panorama
  • Chronicle Atlantic Steel Orchestra wins Guyana's National Steelband Competition
  • Savannah Management Committee established by Minister Lincoln Myers. Recommend against Carnival in the Savannah  -- Trinidad

 
   
1990
  • Renegades wins the Trinidad & Tobago Panorama playing the tune Iron Man
  • Hells Gate win Antigua Panorama
  • Angel Harps win Grenada Panorama
  • St. Vincent Panorama - Starlift Steel Orchestra win
  • Mangrove wins the UK Panorama
  • Metro Steel Orchestra wins New York Panorama
 
1991
  • Desperadoes wins the Trinidad & Tobago Panorama playing the tune Musical Volcano
  • Hells Gate wins Antigua Panorama
  • Angel Harps win Grenada Panorama
  • Ebony wins the UK Panorama
  • Metro Steel Orchestra wins New York Panorama
  • No Panorama competition in St. Vincent
 
1992
  • Exodus wins the Trinidad & Tobago Panorama playing the tune Savannah Party
  • Halcyon wins Antigua Panorama
  • New Dimension wins Grenada Panorama
  • St. Vincent Panorama - Starlift Steel Orchestra win
  • Ebony wins the UK Panorama
  • Prime Minister Patrick Manning declares the Steelpan the National Instrument of Trinidad & Tobago on August 13.
  • Belmont Fifth Dimensions of upper St. Francois Valley Road was evicted from panyard -- "We both went and stood in the centre of the pans. The Police ordered us to move or they would shoot and started crackiung their guns. I thought Malick and myself were dead." read more
  • Metro Steel Orchestra wins New York Panorama
  • Chantal Esdelle -1992 Chantal Esdelle co-winner of the soloist championship with Liam Teague at the 1992 National Steelband Music is the the first female and youngest panist to win the Pan is Beautiful pan festival solo competition.
  • Chaconia Gold Medal, given for “Outstanding Service to the Country” (1992)
 
1993
  • Renegades win the Trinidad & Tobago Panorama playing the tune Mystery Band
  • Halcyon wins Antigua Panorama
  • St. Vincent Panorama - Bishop Steel Orchestra win
  • Angel Harps wins Grenada Panorama
  • Ebony wins the UK Panorama
  • Despers USA wins New York Panorama
 
1994
  • Desperadoes win the Trinidad & Tobago Panorama playing the tune Fire Coming Down
  • Halcyon wins Antigua Panorama
  • Commancheros win Grenada Panorama
  • Ebony wins the UK Panorama
  • St. Vincent Panorama - Potential Steel Orchestra win
  • Despers USA win New York Panorama
  • The first concerto ever for steelpan and orchestra, is written by  composer Jan Bach
 
1995
  • Renegades win the Trinidad & Tobago Panorama playing the tune Laramania
  • Halcyon wins Antigua Panorama - “four-peat” for the orchestra and arranger Victor “Babu” Samuel
  • New Dimension wins Grenada Panorama
  • Ebony wins the UK Panorama
  • Despers USA wins New York Panorama
  • No Panorama competition in St. Vincent
  • British Association of SteelbandsThe British Association of Steelbands (BAS), formed in 1995. Their Chairman has been Pepe Francis since its formation. BAS is the national steelband organisation responsible for development of steelbands in England and BAS has grown into a national organisation with an international profile and membership. BAS has also assisted in establishing Pan Podium, the world’s leading publication on steel pan, and steel pan European, a pan European network of steelbands.
 
1996
  • Renegades win the Trinidad & Tobago Panorama playing the tune Pan In A Rage
  • New Dimension wins Grenada Panorama
  • Ebony wins the UK Panorama
  • Despers USA wins New York Panorama
  • No Panorama competition in St. Vincent
  • Desperadoes Steel Orchestra performs with Opera singer Luciano Pavarotti in Barbados
 
1997
  • Renegades win the Trinidad & Tobago Panorama playing the tune Guitar Player
    • Renegades Steel Orchestra becomes the first band to achieve the hat trick in Trinidad & Tobago’s Panorama with wins from 1995–1997
  • No Grenada Panorama
  • Ebony wins the UK Panorama
  • St. Vincent Panorama - Starlift Steel Orchestra win
  • Despers USA wins New York Panorama
 
1998
  • Nu Tones win the Trinidad & Tobago Panorama playing the tune High Mas
  • Angel Harps win Grenada Panorama
  • Ebony wins the UK Panorama
  • Despers USA win New York Panorama
  • St. Vincent Panorama - Starlift Steel Orchestra win
  • St. Lucia Panorama - Diamond Steel Orchestra win
  • United Steelband Association formed - will become United States Steel Band Association Inc. in 2001
 
1999
  • Desperadoes win the Trinidad & Tobago Panorama playing the tune In My House
  • Angel Harps win Grenada Panorama
  • Ebony wins the UK Panorama
  • No Panorama competition in St. Vincent
  • St. Lucia Panorama - North Stars Steel Orchestra win
  • Pantonic Steel Orchestra wins New York Panorama
    • Glenda Gamory, as president of New York’s Pantonic Steel Orchestra becomes the first woman to lead a major orchestra to victory
  • Carnival Messiah - Created by Dr. Geraldine Connor
  • Dr. Geraldine Connor Carnival Messiah - Created by Dr. Geraldine Connor features a 25-player steelband performing the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah. with a cast of more than a 100, being first staged in 1999 by the West Yorkshire Playhouse — where in September 2003 Connor was seconded for two years as associate director — and subsequently being performed internationally, drawing record audiences of up to 27,000. At the invitation of the Trinidad and Tobago government, Carnival Messiah had sold-out at Queen's Hall, Port of Spain, in 2003 and in 2004, and in 2008 excerpts were showcased at the Royal Albert Hall. Watch full production

 
2000
  • Ellie Mannett Mr. Elliott "Ellie"  Mannette the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from The UWI St, Augustine Campus  - DLitt... On October 28, 2000, he received an Honorary Doctorate in Letters from the University of the West Indies at St. Augustine, Trinidad
  • Major Panorama rule change in Trinidad and Tobago - An arranger can only work with one band; previously an arranger could arrange for more than one orchestra in the competition
  • Desperadoes win the Trinidad & Tobago Panorama playing the tune Picture On My Wall
  • Rainbow City All Stars win Grenada Panorama
  • Mangrove wins the UK Panorama
  • St. Lucia Panorama - Diamond Steel Orchestra win
  • No Panorama competition in St. Vincent
  • The [New York] Steelband Raids - Has the City Declared War on the West Indian Carnival? - the Giuliani-Kerik era
  • New York Panorama 1st prize is raised to USD $9,000.00
  • Dr. Dawn Batson Dr. Dawn K. Batson - Original work “Black Holes do Exist” premiere at the 2000 World Steelband Festival in Trinidad. Under the direction of Dr. Batson, the Florida Memorial Steel Ensemble at the 2000 World Steelband Festival earned the honor of being the first ensemble outside of Trinidad & Tobago to win or tie for first place in a competition in the land of its birth. The Florida Memorial Steel Ensemble earned this honor performing Dr. Batson’s original work “Black Holes Do Exist”.
  • CASYM wins New York Panorama
  • NCC under the UNC Gov't announce plans for building a Carnival Centre in the Savannah. TIDCO Report recommends against Carnival in the Savannah. Halcrow report recommends public consultation/referendum on future of the Savannah
  • Pan Poodium MagazinePan Podium -- In the summer of 2000, The British Association of Steelbands launched their official magazine, Pan Podium. Pan Podium magazine grew very quickly, it documents steel band activities and highlights individuals within the steel band communities particularly in the United Kingdom as well as Europe (Holland, Switzerland, Germany, Sweden, Denmark), Africa, Canada, Japan, USA and the Caribbean.

    ‘The high-quality Pan Podium magazine publication features articles that identify heroes and sheroe’s of the steel band movement, in tandem with its accompanying web site of the same name.  Dedicated to promoting the work of steel bands and pannist’s in the United Kingdom and around the globe.  It is an invaluable and unparalleled experience and commitment in the realm of the steel band culture and art form.  The engaging and relevant stories highlight the glory of pan people and their craft; along with many critical issues the pan community faces within the United Kingdom and worldwide’. - panonthenet.com

* Lord Kitchener (Aldwyn Roberts) - the greatest composer of music for the steelpan - passes away February 11, 2000

 

 
2001
  • Exodus wins the Trinidad & Tobago Panorama playing the tune A Happy Song
  • Harmonites win Antigua Panorama
  • No Grenada Panorama
  • Toronto Panorama - New Dimension wins
  • Ebony wins the UK Panorama
  • No Panorama competition in St. Vincent
  • St. Lucia Panorama - Diamond Steel Orchestra win
  • The United States Steelband Association (USSA) is formed. A non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, also registered with the Charities Bureau of the Attorney General Office in New York State, was originally formed under the name United Steelband Association in 1998. In 2001 the name was changed so that membership could be sort, not only in the New York metropolitan area, but the whole of the United States of America.
  • Steel Bands Plan Boycott of Brooklyn’s West Indian Parade
  • USSA hosts its first New York Panorama; twelve bands participate
  • Pantonic wins the USSA New York Panorama competition - as one of the twelve competing bands
  • There are two New York Panoramas this year
    • CASYM wins the WIADCA (West Indian American Day Carnival Association) version of the Panorama - as one of the three competing bands

 

 
2002
  • Trinidad all stars Trinidad All Stars win the Trinidad & Tobago Panorama playing the tune Firestorm
  • Antigua Panorama - Hells Gate wins
  • Grenada Panorama - New Dimension wins
  • St. Lucia Panorama - Diamond Steel Orchestra win
  • Toronto Panorama - Afropan wins
  • St. Vincent Panorama 2002 - Starlift Steel Orchestra win
  • UK Panorama - Mangrove and North Stars Steel orchestra tie and win
  • USSA hosts its second New York Panorama; eight bands participate
  • Pantonic Steel Orchestra wins the second USSA New York Panorama - as one of the eight competing bands
  • There are again two New York Panoramas this year
    • CASYM again wins the WIADCA (West Indian American Day Carnival Association) version of the Panorama - as one of the nine competing bands
  • “Banner” year for steel orchestras in New York.  Nineteen bands participate in two Panoramas

*New York-based Pan tuner Mikey Enoch - passes away September 9, 2002

Click for more 2002 Headlines

 

 
2003 * Leo Coker - celebrated pan tuner - passes away November 5, 2003

* Arnim Smith, former president of Pan Trinbago - passes away November 16, 2003

Click for more 2003 Headlines

 

 
2004
  • Trinidad Panorama 2004 - Exodus wins with War 2004
    • 2004 is the first year that Trinidad & Tobago introduces small, medium and large band categories
      • Click to see full results and other 2004 categories
  • The legendary Jack Emmanuel Riley an exclusive WST interview 4.10.04
  • Antigua Panorama 2004 - Harmonites win
  • Grenada Panorama 2004 - Pan Wizards win
  • Toronto Panorama 2004 - Afropan wins
  • UK Panorama 2004 - Mangrove wins
  • New York Panorama 2004 - Sonatas wins
  • St. Vincent Panorama 2004 - Starlift Steel Orchestra win
  • St. Lucia Panorama - North Stars Steel Orchestra win

* Rudy King - the Man who brought Pan to America - passes away the night of Thursday March 18, 2004 in Brooklyn, New York

Click for more 2004 Headlines

 

 
2005

*** Master Arranger Clive Bradley - passes away November 26, 2005

Clive Bradley

December 2005 Trinidad and Tobago Cabinet approves funding for the Steelpan Initiatives Project at the UWI

Click for more 2005 Headlines

 

Pat BishopI can’t say that gender has been a factor in my pan yard activities – which now span so long a period of time that I’ve forgotten when it all started!

I remember once singing with Esso Tripoli steelband and abandoning solo singing soon afterwards in preference for pan arranging. 

In those days I worked feverishly to find out what the instrument could do and I lived with the pans of Birdsong in my house for a very long time They were very kind and they soon let me arrange for them, starting with simple hymn tunes.  And so too did many, many more bands.

The Classical Festival was to become the event for which my major work was done, but I also started to drill and clean up Panorama arrangements and do critical pan commentary for Radio Trinidad.

.... I should also add that I suppose that my presence in so many panyards over the years must have rustled some masculine feathers but they have kept that a deep, dark secret from me – which is just as well since I don’t suppose that I would have taken any notice!!

 --  Pat Bishop.  read more - from WST Article ... March -2005

 
2006
  • Trinidad Panorama 2006 - Phase II Phase II Pan Groove wins playing This One’s for you, Bradley
  • Pan in The 21st Century 2006 - Desperadoes win
  • First OECS Junior Pan Competition held in Dominica - Antigua & Barbuda win
    • Competition was organized by businesswoman Anna-Maria Raffoul, who was also at the time president of the Dominica Steelband Association
  • St. Lucia Panorama 2006 - Diamond Steel wins
  • St. Vincent Panorama - Starlift Steel Orchestra win
  • Antigua Panorama 2006 - Hells Gate win
  • Grenada Panorama 2006 - Commancheros win
  • Toronto Panorama - Pan Fantasy wins
  • UK Panorama 2006 - Ebony wins
  • New York Panorama 2006 - CASYM wins
  • The Chinese Steelpan Ensemble performs - part of the great Bicentennial Celebration of the Chinese presence in Trinidad and Tobago
  • G-Pans development - Steelpan Initiatives Project (SIP) Kick-off Meeting with invited tuners for the G-Pan sub-project at the MIC Conference Room, Trincity Industrial Estate. NB: The other major sub-project was the continuation of development work on the MIDIPan, later to be called the Percussive Harmonic Instrument (P.H.I.). 6-27-2006
  • G-Pans development - 2006-2007 - GPan team formed to include Richard Mc David (lead engineer), Clement Imbert (consulting and general support), Keith Belle, Terry Crichlow and Felix Johnson. All activities supported by Lawrence “Juniour” Hutchinson. Tuning team: Roland Harrigin and Birch Kelman who made the majority of Gpans over the period 2006 to 2009.

* Master Pan Tuner Lincoln Noel - passes away in September, 2006

Click for more 2006 Headlines

 

 
2007

**  TT$ 1,000,000 (approx USD $158,000) first place prize for Panorama Champions

  • Branches Steel Orchestra is the “House Band” for the January 4th Inaugural Ball of the newly-elected Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick - history was made with Governor Patrick - who is the second black Governor elected in the United States, and the first elected in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  • First Panorama held in San Fernando, South Trinidad
  • Trinidad & Tobago Panorama 2007 - Trinidad all stars Trinidad All Stars win playing the tune Pan Lamentations
  • Pan in The 21st Century 2007 - Silver Stars win
  • The Rainbow Steel orchestra celebrate its 50th anniversary in Bath, England making it the oldest Black and Minority Ethnic organization based within Bath and East Somerset. The band is originally from Barbados
  • CALYPSOCIATION Steel Orchestra of France releases CD “Made It”
  • Steelband Pioneer & Great Neville Jules honored at Steelpan Jazz Concert
  • St. Lucia Panorama 2007 - North Stars win
  • Antigua & Barbuda Panorama 2007 - Hells Gate win
  • St. Vincent Panorama - Digicel Rhythmix Steel Orchestra win
  • Grenada Panorama 2007 - Commancheros win
  • Toronto Panorama 2007 - Salah’s Steelpan Academy wins
  • UK Panorama 2007 - Ebony wins
  • New York Panorama 2007 - Sonatas wins

     

  • 12th July 2007 - Trinidad and Tobago G-Pan Trademark application granted
  • 13th July 2007 -First G-Pan patent filing to World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
  • 14th July 2007 - G-Pan product launched at JFK Quadrangle at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, played by the newly reformed National Steel Symphony Orchestra (NSSO) under the baton of Jessel Murray. All steelpans used by the NSSO to date are of GPan design.
  • July 2007 .. Unveiling of the Genesis Pan (G-Pan), the first product emanating from the Steelpan Initiatives Project
  • G-Pans development - 2007 to 2009 -- Other tuners invited to do test and experimental Gpans include, inter alia, Lloyd Gay, Wallace Austin, Denzyll Fernandez, Mario Joseph, Andy Neils and Tony Slater (made the only GPan going down to G below Middle C)

* UK Steelpan Great Eziekel ‘Biggs’ Yearwood - passes away

* Trinidad Pan Arranger Ulvin Belfast - passes away

* Dominica Steelpan Arranger Allan Jno. Baptiste - passes away

* Hazel Henley founder of GIRL PAT Steel Orchestra - passes away - August 31, 2007

Click for more 2007 Headlines

 

 
2008

* Trinidad’s Express Entertainment Journalist Terry Joseph - passes away January 2, 2008

* Trinidad’s Pan icon Oscar Pile passes away February 26, 2008

 

 

* Leroy “Jughead” Gordon Antigua & Barbuda Steelpan icon Leroy “Jughead” Gordon - passes away November 13, 2008 at age 61

 

* The Year 2008 in Pan

Click for more 2008 Headlines

 

 
2009
  • The Bradley Years”  Pantonic Steel Orchestra Releases Steelband Music CD:  7 Panorama arrangements by master arranger Clive Bradley.
     
  • University of Calypso” an Andy Narell and Lord Relator Music Experience

Click for more 2009 Headlines

 
2010
  • Trinidad and Tobago government, in May, granted patent for G-Pan
  • United States Steelband Association elects new board of directors - New York, USA - A new beginning, era and focus were ushered into the steelband movement as a new administration took the helm of the North American-based steelband music organization, United States Steelband Association (USSA)
  • NAS (National Association of Steelbands) second steelband association forms in New York
  • Trinidad & Tobago National Panorama 2010 - Silver Stars win playing the tune Battle Zone
  • Pan in The 21st Century 2010 - Sforzata wins
  • St. Vincent & Grenadines Panorama 2010 - Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra wins
  • Montreal 2010 International Panorama - Salah’s Steelpan Academy wins
  • Grenada National Panorama 2010 - cancelled
  • St. Lucia National Panorama 2010 - cancelled
  • Antigua & Barbuda Panorama 2010 - Halcyon wins
  • UK Junior Panorama   2010- CSI Steelband Trust wins
  • UK Panorama 2010 - Ebony wins
  • Toronto Panorama 2010 - Salah’s Steelpan Academy wins
  • New York Panorama 2010 - Sonatas Steel Orchestra wins
  • July 2010 -- GPan US patent awarded
  • St. Lucia - The late musician Augustus 'Pan' Andrew passes. Pan Andrew was the leader of the Big Six orchestra and was a pioneer of steelband music. He was associated with Turks steelband. He played piano with his Big Six orchestra. He was 74.

Click here for more 2010 Headlines

 
2011

click for more 2011 Headlines

 
2012
New York Steelpan Pioneers New York, USA - The Big Apple again took the lead, by honoring its central steelpan music figures in the development of Pan in New York, as the Trinidad & Tobago Folk Arts Institute hosted a special awards ceremony simply called “A Gala Tribute To New York Steel Band Pioneers” on May 20th 2012 at the Tropical Paradise Ballroom. In addition to paying public homage and drawing attention to these pioneers, the event also documented the sacrifices and accomplishments of these forerunners, on whose shoulders sit one of the greatest and most significant cultural movements and art forms in the history of the United States. click for more
5-2012  New York Steel Band Pioneers Honored quill

 

  • Junior Pouchet 3-24-12 Junior Pouchet, founder of Silver Stars Steel Orchestra passes - click for more - quill


  • Bertie Marshall - Steelpan Innovator 10-18-12  Legendary Steelpan innovator, builder and tuner Bertie Marshall has passed. click for more - quill


  • Paul Campbell - Steelpan Arranger 5-28-12  Arranger Paul Campbell  passes - click for more

click for more 2012 Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
2013
  • First Australian Steelband Festival was held in April 2013  
  • Circa September 2013 -- A 24” G-Pan styled experimental drum launched with subsequent high demand for the drums for manufacture of basses, in particular, as well as for tenor pans
  • October 2013 and June 2013 -- UWI and Pan Trinbago enter into collaboration under MOUs for steelpan R&D and for Pan Trinbago access to facilities to house, at the SIP Macoya facility, equipment for steelpan drum manufacture following donation of drum manufacture equipment from National Petroleum. The facility now produces two lines of drums for steelpan manufacture, one traditional and one G-pan styled.


click for more 2013 Headlines
 
2014  
2015
Invaders Steel Orchestra
Invaders Steel Orchestra Celebrates Seventy-Five Years - Trinidad & Tobago

Hellls Gate Steel Orchestra
Hell's Gate Steel Orchestra Celebrates Seventy Years - Antigua & Barbuda

Angel Harps Steel Orchestra
Angel Harps Steel Orchestra Celebrates Seventy Years - Grenada

All Stars
Trinidad All Stars crossing the stage on Carnival Tuesday
 
 
2016  
2017
Clifford Alexis
Clifford Alexis

Clifford Alexis receives honorary doctorate from Northern Illinois University (NIU) - May 13


 


Big5
Trinidad & Tobago - Big 5 – The Pan Concert. Massy Trinidad All Stars, Desperadoes, bp Renegades, Republic Bank Exodus and Phase II Pan Groove in collaboration with HADCO live Trinidad and Tobago -- read review by Dalton Narine on the historic event

 

Starlift Steel Orchestra -- St. Vincent
Starlift of St. Vincent Celebrates Fifty Years

Joylanders Steel Orchestra
Joylanders of Trinidad & Tobago Celebrates Fifty-Six Years

Harmonites International Steel Orchestra
Harmonites International Steel Orchestra
Celebrates Fifty Years - Antigua & Barbuda


  • James "Bassman" Jackman Legendary Master Tuner, Innovator -  James "Bassman" Jackman passes - 2-15-2017  -- click for more
  • Earl King Earl M King - Panist and president of J'Ouvert City -   passes - 3-22-2017  -- click for more
  • Gerald Forsyth OBE Gerald Forsyth OBE, passed away on Friday 3rd November 2017 -  click for more
  •  
     

     
    2018

    Click for 2018 Headlines

     
     
    In Memoriam - 2018

    • Dr. Ellie Mannette Dr. Ellie Mannette, legendary steelband icon - tuner, performer et al passes - 29th August 2018 -  click for more

    • George Nugget Antigua and Barbuda steel pan patriarch George “Nugget” Joseph passed away on Wednesday 29 August, 2018 at the age of 102 years. -  click for more

    •  Performing Artist and Steelband Arranger Ken "Professor" Philmore Ken "Professor" Philmore, legendary steelpan icon and ambassador - arranger, performer et al passes - 30th September 2018 -  click for more

    • Kim Loy Wong Kim Loy Wong,  legendary steelband icon - tuner, tuner, performer -  founder of Highlanders Steel Orchestra - passes on  3rd October 2018 -  click for more

    • Mighty Shadow Legendary Calypsonian icon Winston 'Mighty Shadow' Bailey   passes - 23rd October 2018 -  click for more

    • DeFosto Calypsonian icon Winston 'DeFosto' Scarborough   passes - 2nd November 2018 -  click for more

    • Lord Superior Calypsonian icon Lord Superior (Andrew Marcano)   passes - 24th November 2018 -  click for more



     
    2019 
    • Pelham Godard  Mr. Pelham Goddard  the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from The UWI St, Augustine Campus  - DLitt
    • Exodus Steel Orchestra takes Pan Trinbago to court over song change between Panorama rounds
    • Trinidad & Tobago National Panorama 2019 Renegades wins playing the tune Hookin' Meh
    • flag flashcard St. Vincent & The Grenadines Panorama 2019 - Starlift Steel Orchestra wins St Vincent and the Grenadines 2019 Panorama
    • St. Lucia Panorama 2019 - Babonneau Steel Orchestra wins - watch Panorama 2019 video
    • Toronto -  Pan Alive Panorama 2019 - Pan Fantasy wins 2019 Panorama title
    • Antigua & Barbuda National Panorama - Hells Gate Steel Orchestra wins 2019 Panorama - click for results and article
    • Grenada National Panorama 2019 Competition -  New Dimension wins - click for article, results & video
    • UK Panorama 2019 - Mangrove Steelband Wins 2019 Panorama title - click for article, results
    • New York Steelpan New York Panorama 2019 - D'Radoes Steel Orchestra wins 2019 Panorama title
    • - click for article, results



       
    • Invaders & Starlift Steel Orchestra pioneer Errol "Augmented" Zephyrine is alive and well. News of his April 6th 2019, passing were greatly exaggerated.
    • Errol Zephyrine Errol Zephyrine or "Augmented" as he liked to be called, was an original member of the Shell Invaders from the late fifties through the sixties. He was one of the four members selected to play one of the four Double Seconds introduced for the first time by the late Dr. Ellie Mannette or "ELLIE" as we called him. It was the year of "Liberstraum", and Lord Melody's "Michael Be a Man."

      The Double Seconds were entirely new to everyone at that time, but in a short period he mastered the playing of the Double Seconds and made it a platform to launch his unique arrangements which was one of the elements that gave Invaders it's very distinguished sound. He was also responsible for introducing chord structures and their names, hence the nick name "Augmented." He was very insistent that we knew every note of all the chords and also what combination of notes were to be played on each of the pans. He was truly a great teacher and one of the pioneers that was know by only a few of our generation but his innovations will always live on even when they have no idea where and when it all got started.
       "AUGMENTED". Ansel Joseph
    • Toronto All Stars Steel Orchestra Toronto All Stars Steel Orchestra was one of the featured performances during the Toronto Raptors Parade Celebrating their NBA 2019 Championship - June 17, 2019
     
     

    In Memoriam - 2019
    • Rudy Wells Rudy Wells arranger and educator passes on January 13, 2019, click for more

    • Cliff Alexis Dr. Clifford Alexis, Arranger, Tuner, Band Leader, Educator, Pan Pioneer and Legend passes - 29th of January 2019 click for more

    • Glenda Gamory Glenda Gamory, outstanding President of the iconic Pantonic Steel Orchestra passes - 9th of May 2019 click for more

    • G. Allan O'Connor, founder of the NIU Steelband program G. Allan O'Connor, founder of the NIU Steelband program, has passed away - June 9, 2019   click for more

    • Curtis Pierre Curtis Pierre of Dixieland Steel Orchestra, has passed away - September  8, 2019   click for more

    • Curtis Pierre  Legendary musician Aldwin Albino, has passed away - September  12, 2019   click for more

    • Gabiel "Doyle" Robley  Ace tuner Gabriel "Doyle" Robley, has passed away - October  3, 2019   click for more

    • Patrick Worrell aka "Bele"  Respected  tuner Patrick Worrell aka "Bele" born 21 September 1943,  has passed away - November  12, 2019   click for more

    • Vanya Reid  Educator and Panist Vanya Reid,  passed - November  22, 2019   click for more

    • Wilfred Harris  Tuner and Panist Wilfred Harris, fondly known as ‘Harro’ has passed - December  17, 2019   click for more



     
    2020
     
      In Memoriam - 2020
    • Hugh Borde The legendary Hugh Borde - Pan Pioneer, Panist, Arranger, Educator  & Performing Artist    passed on February 18, 2020 - click for more See what folks are saying


    •  Neville Jules The legendary Mr. Jules has passed on February 18, 2020. He was an innovator, leader, musician, intellect and - a gentleman.,  see more


    •   Mr Eustace 'Manning' Henry passed on March  3, 2020. Mr Eustace 'Manning' Henry. Mr. Henry was a master Steelpan Builder, Tuner, Blender, Soloist and Arranger. The name "Hells Gate Steel Orchestra" was submitted by Mr. Henry when the band was deciding upon a name to enter the first ever Panorama competition here in Antigua in 1949. He captained the band from 1958 - 1977 see more


    •  Michael Leroy Joseph Trinidad& & Tobago, W.I. - Michael Joseph, or “Scobie” as he is popularly called was the leader of the Southern Marines Steelband Foundation, one of the oldest bands in Trinidad. He was a former Central Executive member and Chairman of the South Central Region of Pan Trinbago..  see more


    •  Hanny Noted ironman and Panist Hansel “Hanny” Leon passed on March 25, 2020.  see more


    •  Martin Douglas Martin  Douglas passed on March  31, 2020. He was the president of New York's CrossFire Steel Orchestra. In addition he was chairman of the United States Steelband Association. see more

    •  Oscar Williams Oscar Williams, passed away  Thursday April 9, 2020, - Oscar and his brother Tony, founded Belmont Hi Larks Steel Orchestra in Trinidad. see more

    •   Frank Rollock, passed away Monday April 20, 2020, - 1939 - 2020  see more

    •  Dr. Anthony Achong Dr. Anthony Achong, passed away Thursday June 29, 2020,    Dr. Achong was an academic who devoted much of his research to steelpan technology. see more

    •  Dennis "Tash" Ash Desperadoes Steel Orchestra legend Mr. Dennis “Tash” Ash  passed away on Tuesday July 7, 2020 - (1/21/40-7/7/20). see more

    • David “Peck” Edwards Grenada legend Mr. David “Peck” Edwards  passed away on Tuesday July 19, 2020  see more


    •  Nervin "Teach" Saunders  Trinidad & Tobago - The late great Mr. Nervin "Teach" Saunders   passed away on Saturday August 1, 2020 - (1/28/37- 8/1/20). see more

    •  Denzil "Dimes" Fernandez  Award winning steelpan innovator Mr. Denzil “Dimes” Fernandez  passed away on Tuesday August 8, 2020 - (5/24/44 - 8/8/20). see more

    •     Former Chairman of the Northern Region of Pan Trinbago  Mr. Trevor Cooper  passed away on Sunday August 16, 2020 -  see more
    •    Andre Boldan  Panist, arranger and manager Andre Boldan (Sunrise: 12th July 1960)  passed away on August 30th, 2020 -  see more
    •  Dr. Jan Bach of Northern Illinois University (NIU)  Award winning steelpan innovator Dr. Jan Bach  passed away on Friday October 30, 2020 - (12/11/1937-10/30/2020). The first concerto ever written for steelpan and orchestra was written by Dr. Jan Bach.  see more
    •    Award winning steelpan innovator and inventor Jomo Wahtuse  passed away on Sunday November 29, 2020 - (2/28/1935-11/29/2020).  see more
    •    Elite tuner and panist Clifford "Rope" Alfred  passed away on Wednesday December 2, 2020 - (11/4/1946 -12/2/2020) .  see more
    •    Karen Codrington matriarch of the Codrington Pan Family passed on Tuesday  December 15, 2020 - (1970 -12/15/2020) .  see more

    •    Milton "Wire" Austin - panist, manager and founding member of Fonclaire Steel Orchestra. passed away on Sunday December 20, 2020 - (--/--/---- -12/20/2020).  see more

    •  Albert 
				“Doggie” Cox  Albert “Doggie” Cox of Grenada’s Angel Harps Steel Orchestra passed away on Tuesday December 22, 2020 -- (12/11/1949 - 12/22/2020);  see more
    •    Cyril Darceuil - iconic panist and member of Casablanca Steel Orchestra passed away on Friday December 25, 2020 - (--/--/1928 -12/25/2020).  see more


     
    2021

     


     

     
     

    In Memoriam - 2021

    • Williams Jones  William "Jonesy" Jones - President emeritus of CASYM Steel Orchestra has passed on February 4, 2021 - see more

    • Cecil "Pious" Atherton  Cecil “Pious” Atherton - Session musician for Calypso and Soca hits. Drummer for Hylanders Steel Orchestra. Ace conga player for Metro Steel Orchestra and Pantonic Steel Orchestra - passed on March 10, 2021 - see more
    •   Born - May 5th 1952  -- 
    • Cecil "Pious" Atherton  Alston Jack aka “Lil Jack” - Composer, Arranger, Panist, Performing and Recording Artist. Jack’s pan compositions have been featured on the soundtracks of Fatal Attraction, Working Girl and NBC’s daytime soap opera Another World. He has also appeared on the Cosby Show and Another World. He has arranged for bands in New York such as Harlem All Stars, Moods Pan Groove, Metro, Women in Steel, Tropicans and Pantonic. - passed on April 17, 2021 - see more
    •   Born on May 22, 1950
    • Joey Horsford  Panist & Administrator Joey Horsford of Silhouettes, Pan Rebels & NY Marsicans Steel Orchestra has passed - passed on May 19, 2021 - see more
    •   Born  -- 1960
    • Lennox “Bobby” Mohammed   Panist, composer & Champion arranger Lennox “Bobby” Mohammed of Cavaliers Steel Orchestra has - passed on May 25, 2021 - see more
    •   Born - January 2nd 1942 ------- 
    • James “Jimmy” Leyden  Composer & arranger James Alexander Leyden III was born on June 12, 1921 and passed away on May 25, 2021. Leyden formed and wrote charts for “Calliope′s Children,” one of the first High School steelbands in the US. He introduced Ellie [Mannette] to the strobe tuner and worked extensively with him on harmonic and overtone concepts (in Chappaqua, New York in 1971). Leyden toured with “Calliope′s Children” in Romania (1975) and Poland and Russia (1977). Leyden first came into contact with steelpan while vacationing in Tobago, sister isle of Trinidad, in 1957. - see more
    •  
    •   Administrator Claudette Baptiste of Women in Steel Orchestra -Claudette was one of only two women in New York who founded and led a steel orchestra; the other was the late Glenda Gamory of Pantonic Steel Orchestra - passed on May 27, 2021 - see more
    •   Born  -- 

    • Ron Berridge  Legendary big band leader and arranger Ron Berridge of Trinidad & Tobago passed on June 2, 2021.   - He was one of Trinidad and Tobago's greatest musicians. In addition, he was a former arranger of Desperadoes Steel Orchestra.  see more
    •   Born  -- 2/9/1940 
    • Tressy Edwards  Popular, respected and much-loved steelpan muscian of Trinidad & Tobago Tressy Edwards passed on June 9, 2021.  In addition, she was a revered member of Phase II Pan Groove .  see more
    •   Born  -- 1/7/1970 
    • Winsford “Joker” Devine  Legendary Songwriter Winsford “Joker” Devine of Trinidad & Tobago passed on June 22, 2021.   - He is one of the most prolific, well-known songwriters to have ever walked the planet. With over 600 (six hundred) songs under his belt and to his credit, his songs have shaped and influenced generations. And in no short order he is one of the greatest creators of songs that have defined and championed all aspects of Trinidad and Tobago life and culture. Music that has touched the soul, defined and crossed generations, are undeniably his...  see more
    •   Born  -- 2/9/1943 
    • Lutalo Masimba Roy Lewis aka Lutalo Masimba, better known as Brother Resistance (1954 – 13 July 2021) was a rhythm poet and musician from Trinidad and Tobago.  well known for pioneering the rapso music movement in the 1970s, which led to the formation of his Network Rapso Riddim Band.  see more
    •   Born  -- 1954 
    • Godwin Bowen Much respected composer, arranger and musician.Godwin Bowen (xxxx– 16 July 2021) .  see more
    •  
    •  Ursula Tudor of Desperadoes Steel Orchestra  RIP - The outstanding panist and icon Ursula Tudor of Desperadoes Steel Orchestra. (May 25,  1946 - July 21, 2021) .  see more
    •  
    • Gillian Nathaniel-Balintulo Gillian Nathaniel Balintulo, a renowned classical musician and teacher, who for many years served as musical director and conductor of Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra - December 18, 1948 - September 12, 2021  See more

    • Russell Anselm Charter  Mas’ man Russell Anselm Charter dies at 87 - made history for the Silver Stars Steel Orchestra as the first Steelband to ever earn "Band of the Year" and "People's Choice Award" in 1963. (April 21, 1934 - November 14, 2021) .  see more

    • Wilbert "Junior" Gill  RIP - British panist, percussionist, composer, arranger, born 1963 in London, UK; currently based in Zürich, Switzerland. Since 2002, Wilbert Gill has been performing, touring, recording and composing music with the legendary Panamanian drummer, Professor William Cobham . (Septemper 1963 - December 17, 2021) .  see more

    • Mr. Anthony Williams	The Legendary Steelband Leader, Innovator, Musician and Champion arranger Anthony Williams has passed at 90.   (June 24, 1931 - December 21, 2021) .  see more

    •  Raphael ’Stretch’ Garcia Raphael ’Stretch’ Garcia of Phase II Pan Groove has passed. Raphel is the cousin of Robbie Joseph -editor of Pan Podium magazine Raphael is also the brother of former councilor for Woodbrook/St James - Cleveland Garcia. In addition, he is the childhood friend of Dr. Len 'Boogsie' Sharpe.  ( - December 29, 2021)   see more
     
    2022  
     

    In Memoriam - 2022

    • Mighty Bomber  Clifton Ryan (30 January 1928 – 1 January 2022), better known as the Mighty Bomber, was a Grenadian-born calypsonian from Trinidad and Tobago ---  see more


    • Kenwrick “Kenny J” Joseph  Calypsonian Kenwrick Joseph aka Kenny J has passed. A one-time tenor player with Guinness Cavaliers Steel Orchestra and the T&T Police Steel Orchestra, this calypsonian recorded and performed many songs for the steel pan including Pan in The Wind, Sweet Hand and Doh Touch We Carnival.  1952 July 15 - 2022 January 02 ---  see more


    • Clive Zanda Clive Zanda was virtually untapped as a resource (even after contributing so much) and still contained so much Music in him. The co-originator of Kaiso-Jazz with Scofield Pilgrim he was a Pioneer of Pioneers. His album 'Clive Zanda Is Here With Dat Kinda Ting (Calypso Jazz Innovations)' is one of the great and essential 20th century Jazz albums for what it uttered into the world. - Rubadiri Victor | Born Clive Alexander 1939 Siparia, Trinidad and Tobago Died 6 January 2022 (aged 82) Port of Spain  See more


    • Wayne "Bumpy" Inniss Veteran panist and steelband captain Wayne "Bumpy" Inniss has passed. Born 6-18-1954 Pass 1-21-2022


    • Owen Serrette  Former president of Pan Trinbago managing director of Solo Harmonites & Pan Knights - Owen Serrette has passed. (1940 - March 6, 2022)  See more


    •  Blaxx Soca Vocalist “Blaxx” has passed. Born Dec 21st, 1962 - passed March 28th, 2022. See more


    • Nestor Sullivan Scholar, educator, administrator and panist Nestor Sullivan passed on Saturday April 2, 2022.  Born: March 15, 1955...  See more


    • Beverley Griffith  Scholar, educator, exceptional musician and champion Panorama arranger Beverly Griffith has passed on April 19th, 2022 see more Born April 18, 1941


    •  Desmond Waithe Scholar, educator, exceptional musician and champion Panorama arranger Desmond Waithe has passed on April 20th, 2022 see more Born September 10th, 1944


    • Michael Marcano Scholar, educator, exceptional leader, composer, champion Panorama administrator and panist Michael Marcano has passed on May 26th, 2022 see more born on January 26, 1951


     

    • Babu Samuel Scholar, educator, champion Panorama arranger, drummer and ace panist Victor “Babu” Samuel has passed on June 28, 2022 -- born on April 19th 1958  See more


    •  

    • Marlon “Goose” Guerra Panist Marlon “Goose” Guerra of Utopia Pan Soul has passed on July 31st 2022 -- born on January 2nd 1982  See more


     

    •  Aliandre C. Maraj of Despers USA Panist Aliandre C. Maraj of Despers USA has passed on August 3, 2022 -- born on February 9, 1992  See more


     

    • Janine Ayana Charles Farrayn Scholar, educator, vocalist, administrator and advocate for the arts has passed October 1st, 2022 -- born 1983  See more


     

    • Austin Stoker Veteran star actor and panist Austin Stoker has passed on October 7th, 2022 -- born on October 7th 1930  See more


     

    • Black Stalin Veteran iconic calypsonian Leroy Calliste aka 'Black Stalin" has passed on December 28th, 2022 -- was born on September 24th 1941  See more


     
    2023

    New Dimension Steel Orchestra wins its sixth Pan Xpressions competition -- see more

    Desperadoes Steel Orchestra new Pan Theater officially opened -- see more

    Supernovas Steel Orchestra and Chord Masters Rule the Return of Pan in the 21st Century & Pan Down Memory Lane - Full Results & Story

    Thousands enthusiastically show love for Republic Bank Pandemonium 2023 concert  in Barbados.  The one hundred and fifty-strong Barbados National Youth Steel Orchestra was also showcased as it wowed the crowd with its wide and varied musical set loaded with hits.

    2023 Panorama Champions

     
      In Memoriam - 2023  
     
    • devon cumberbatch Panist Devon Cumberbatch passes on January 30, 2023 See more

    • Harry Belafonte born March 1, 1927 passed on April 25, 2023.    He is one of the few performers to have received an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony (EGOT), although he won the Oscar in a non-competitive category.  

    • Caldera Carabello Panist, Performing Artist, Steelband Promoter Caldera Caraballo passes on April 19, 2023 -- born June 9, 1929 --  See more

    • Patrick Arnold Former Pan Trinbago president and panist Patrick Arnold has passes on Wednesday 10, 2023 -- born 1939 --  See more 
    • Winston Gordon Winston Gordon was one of the long line of All Stars' bass musicians that were in a class by themselves. He was also the manager of Redemption Sound Setters Steel Orchestra. A dynamic musician - Mr. Gordon passed May 15, 2023 |  Born on February 18, 1938 -- See more 
    • Anthony Abdul Reid Former Pan Trinbago Central Executive member Anthony Abdul Reid  passes on July 25, 2023... See more
    • Earl Rodney Music standout, musician, arranger and songwriter Earl Rodney passed on December 4, 2023.  See more
    • Ricardo Drue, soca singer renowned in the Caribbean and across diaspora, dies at 38 on December 12, 2023.
     
       
    2024

    2024 Panorama Champions

     
     
       
      Meet the past, present and future movers and shakers of the steelpan music art-form - "UpClose! Exclusive interviews and spotlights with When Steel Talks - See more at: https://www.panonthenet.com/upclose/upclose-index.htm    
     

     

     
     
    Sources

    When Steel Talks / PanOnTheNet.com  -- News Sources -- Interviews; 1973-present
    Pan Magazine - Vol,1,2,3 - 1985-1988 - Les Slater - Dalton Narine
    Forty Years in the Steelbands 1939-1979: George “Sonny” Goddard 1991 Karia Press
    International Conference on Pan, The Steelband - Musical Miracle of the Twentieth Century: Teddy Belgrave
    Voices From the Hills, 1987: Ancil Anthony Neil
    Soul of Pan: Trevor Belmosa, 1989, Servol Printing Service, Port of Spain Trinidad WI
    Steelband - The Music of Trinidad & Tobago
    ** UK Daily Mirror, September 23, 1965, p. 7
    Steelbands of New York - 1985 - Doris Green

     
     
     

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    Last modified: February 12, 2024

     
     
     

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