Rudolph Charles (1 October 1938 – 29 March 1985) was a musician and instrument maker of the
steelpan
The steelpan (also known as a pan or steel drum) is a musical instrument originating in Trinidad and Tobago from Afro–Trinidadians and Tobagonians, Afro-Trinidadians. Steelpan musicians are called pannists.
In 1992, the steelpan was declared ...
, but most notably, he was a pioneer and leader of the steelband movement in
Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago, officially the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, is the southernmost island country in the Caribbean, comprising the main islands of Trinidad and Tobago, along with several List of islands of Trinidad and Tobago, smaller i ...
. Also known as Charlo, The Hammer and Trail, among other names, he led Desperadoes Steel Orchestra to 10 various victories from 1965 to 1985, including six Panoramas, two Classical Music Festivals, one Best Bomb and one Best Playing Steel Orchestra.
Background
Charles was born as fourth of nine children and grew up in
Laventille
Laventille is a suburb of Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago. It is administered by the San Juan–Laventille Regional Corporation.
Etymology
The name ''Laventille'' hearkens back to colonial times, especially when the French dominated the cu ...
, a ward of
Trinidad
Trinidad is the larger, more populous island of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the country. The island lies off the northeastern coast of Venezuela and sits on the continental shelf of South America. It is the southernmost island in ...
, near the capital Port of Spain. He was one of the two well known and very popular Trinidadians who was born and grew up in Laventille the other is the Queen of Bacchanal
Destra Garcia.
["Rudolph Charles - Twenty Five years Later, Steelband Leader Still Exceptional"]
''When Steel Talks''. He joined the
Desperadoes Steel Orchestra in 1958 and was their bandleader and tuner from 1961 until his death at the age 46 in 1985.
["Rudolph Valentino Charles"]
MyPanyard. Charles invented several instruments for the steelband, including the ''Nine Bass'', the ''Rocket Pans'' or the ''Twelve Bass''.
He also invited other pan tuners, such as
Bertie Marshall, to collaborate with him.
Rudolph Charles engaged himself strongly in the steelband movement. The boycott of the national
Panorama
A panorama (formed from Greek language, Greek πᾶν "all" + ὅραμα "view") is any Obtuse angle, wide-angle view or representation of a physical space, whether in painting, drawing, photography (panoramic photography), film, seismic image ...
in 1979 was a result of Charles' fight for higher recognition of pannists.
He died aged 46 on 29 March 1985, and his funeral took place on 4 April at the
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Legacy
In 1986
David Rudder sang the composition "The Hammer" dedicated to Rudolph Charles.
The Rudolph Charles Pan Innovation Award was founded to encourage emerging tuners, and is a part of the Trinidad and Tobago National Steelband Music Festival.
"Rudolph Valentino Charles – Steelpan Innovator"
Caribbean Icons.Chaconia Medal
The Chaconia Medal (abbreviated C.M. or CM) is the second highest state decoration
A state decoration is an object, such as a medal or the insignia of an Order (distinction), order, that is awarded by a sovereign state to honor the recipient.
T ...
(Silver) for his contribution to culture at the anniversary of Independence National Awards.
Further reading
* Ian R. Franklin
''Desperadoes: Rudolph Charles Era and Beyond''
References
External links
* Dalton Narine
"30 years after his death...Rudolph Charles lives"
''Trinidad Guardian'', 29 March 2015.
*
* Dalton Narine
When Steel Talks...
* Dalton Narine
{{DEFAULTSORT:Charles, Rudolph
Steelpan musicians
1938 births
1985 deaths
Trinidad and Tobago musicians
Recipients of the Chaconia Medal