Rudolph Charles
Encyclopedia
Rudolph Charles was a musician and instrument maker of the Steelpan
. But most notably, he was a pioneer and visionary leader of the steelband movement in Trinidad and Tobago
.
Charles was born as fourth of nine children and grew up in Laventille
, a ward of Trinidad
, near the capital Port of Spain
. He was the Bandleader and Tuner of the Desperadoes Steel Orchestra
from 1961 until his death at age 46 in 1985. Charles invented several instruments for the steelband, like the Nine Bass, the Rocket Pans or the Twelve Bass. He also invited other pantuners to collaborate with him, like Bertie Marshall
.
Rudolph Charles engaged himself strongly in the steelband movement. The boycott of the national Panorama
in 1979 was a result of Charles' fight for higher recognition of pannists.
Steelpan
Steelpans is a musical instrument originating from The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago...
. But most notably, he was a pioneer and visionary leader of the steelband movement in Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago officially the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is an archipelagic state in the southern Caribbean, lying just off the coast of northeastern Venezuela and south of Grenada in the Lesser Antilles...
.
Charles was born as fourth of nine children and grew up in Laventille
Laventille
-Etymology:The name Laventille hearkens back to colonial times, especially when the French dominated the cultural traditions of the island. One etymological derivation of the name is due to the fact that the northeast trade winds come to this part of the Island of Trinidad before it reached any...
, a ward of Trinidad
Trinidad
Trinidad is the larger and more populous of the two major islands and numerous landforms which make up the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. It is the southernmost island in the Caribbean and lies just off the northeastern coast of Venezuela. With an area of it is also the fifth largest in...
, near the capital Port of Spain
Port of Spain
Port of Spain, also written as Port-of-Spain, is the capital of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the country's third-largest municipality, after San Fernando and Chaguanas. The city has a municipal population of 49,031 , a metropolitan population of 128,026 and a transient daily population...
. He was the Bandleader and Tuner of the Desperadoes Steel Orchestra
Desperadoes Steel Orchestra
The Desperadoes Steel Orchestra, also called Despers, is a Steelband from Laventille in Trinidad.-Origins and evolution:The Desperadoes Steel Orchestra emerged from the fusion of three different Steelbands from Laventille...
from 1961 until his death at age 46 in 1985. Charles invented several instruments for the steelband, like the Nine Bass, the Rocket Pans or the Twelve Bass. He also invited other pantuners to collaborate with him, like Bertie Marshall
Bertie Marshall
Bertie Marshall is a pioneer, musician and music instrument maker of the Steel Pan.-Life and Merits:...
.
Rudolph Charles engaged himself strongly in the steelband movement. The boycott of the national Panorama
Panorama (music competition)
Panorama is an annual music competition of Steelbands from Trinidad and Tobago.It is usually held around Carnival time.-History:Panorama was first held during Carnival celebrations in 1963. A popular Calypso is arranged into a piece with introductions and variations over the theme.-Past...
in 1979 was a result of Charles' fight for higher recognition of pannists.