Remembering the late James “Jimmy” Leyden on his birthday - founder of The Calliope’s Children Steel Orchestra

-
James Leyden

Birthday - June 12

"Formed and wrote charts for"Calliope's Children", one of the first High School steel bands in the US. Introduced Ellie to the strobe tuner and worked exstensively with him on harmonic and overtone concepts. Toured with "C's C" in Romania (1975) and Poland and Russia (1977) . In 1985 established with Ellie the Haystack Steel Drum Summer Workshop (Cannon Beach, OR). Instructor at Mannette Steel Drum Workshop (Morgantown, WVA) 1995-1998. Founded Hillbridge Music (Your Steel Drum Music Source) in 1996. Inaugurated the Steel Band in School and Community at the Villanova (Univ) Summer Music Program and a similar program at the University of Delaware directed by Harvey Price." -- James Leyden

Calliope’s Children Orchestra photo provide by the James laden to When Steel Talks

Oregon, USA - James “Jimmy” Leyden of The Calliope’s Children Steel Orchestra passed away recently at the age of ninety-nine. 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. Leyden toured with “Calliope′s Children” in Romania (1975) and Poland and Russia (1977).

HGHS Calliope's Children Steel Drum Band, 1977. Front row (l to r): Marianne Noble, John Anania (now Harmon), Lisa McCaffrey, John Casebier, Chris MacDonald, Lisa Ulrich, Leslie Mills(?). Back row (l to r): Kim Gilbert, Bob Nevins (sp?), Dan Harrison, Alan Rice, Toby Gordon, and our fearless leader Jimmy Leyden. Most - if not all - of this group traveled that summer on a 3-week cultural exchange to the (then) Soviet Union and Poland, where we performed at venues in Moscow, Kiev, Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Warsaw, Turin, Olsztyn, and Gdansk. What an experience! -- photo and narrative by Alan Rice
See less

Relevant content




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A look at the new panyard under construction for Desperadoes Steel Orchestra by Sharmain Baboolal

-
Image
Here is an exclusive look at the TT$14 million panyard for the Desperadoes Steel Orchestra which has been homeless for several years, but which was gifted this piece of real estate at 25 Nelson Street in Port of Spain. When completed it will be the first steelband facility of its kind, anywhere in the world, occupying one and a half acres of land. Take a tour with me below: Under construction new Desperadoes Panyard
Read more

When Steel Talks (WST) extends Happy Birthday greetings to scholar, educator, exceptional musician, music director and champion Panorama arranger James Clarkson

-
Image
James Clarkson   April 21st When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist James Clarkson James Clarkson was born in Grenada on 21 April 1943 and has had a distinguished lifelong career in music with early exposure at the age of 12. He later joined the band of the Royal Grenada Police Force, appeared on stage with his father’s band, and by 17 was a member of the band of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force as lead arranger and first trumpet player. By 23 years of age, he was the Director of Music of the band of the Royal Grenada Police Force, and soon became the arranger for the very successful Republic Bank Angel Harps Steel Orchestra , a post he still holds today. The Officers and Ranks of the Royal, Grenada Police Force (R.G.P.F.) take this opportunity to thank Commissioner James Clarkson OBE, QPM, Lmus, F. Sci, for his invaluable contribution to to the R.G.P.F and to wish him a healthy and productive retirement. James Clarkson with daughter Ayana  Panorama Championships Gr
Read more

When Steel Talks (WST) extends Happy Birthday greetings to veteran panist Charles Dick

-
Image
  Happy Birthday to Charles Dick March 11th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist Charles Dick Charles Dick with Desperadoes Steel Orchestra at NY City Hall (1987) Charles Dick with Desperadoes Steel Orchestra at NY Carnegie Hall (1987) Charles Dick with Desperadoes Steel Orchestra at  Harlem’s Apollo Theater (1987) Charles Dick with New York's D'Radoes Steel Orchestras - Like Ah Boss Relevant content Desperadoes’ Great New York Triumph Charles Dick in Pictures
Read more

Remembering the Late Great Karen Codrington Matriarch of the Codrington Pan Family

-
Image
 Karen Codrington matriarch of the Codrington Pan Family “It is very challenging juggling the different roles as a house-wife, mom, and musician. For example, sometimes I might be practicing at the pan yard while at the same time worrying about the pile of dirty clothes at home. Taking care of a family of 8 is no easy task but what makes it easier is the help of the rest of the family.”  -- Karen Codrington She lives it, talks it and walks it full time - 24-7-365. She is one of the world's most successful steelpan parents. A panist and drummer in her own right, she oversees eight accomplished musicians. Share the real life of the matriarch of the Codrington’s Karen Codrington—in her own words—in a When Steel Talks exclusive. See more Relevant Content Meet Karen Codrington of Trinidad & Tobago Saying Goodbye to Karen Codrington of The Codrington Pan Family The Codrington Pan Family Pave the Way at SXSW Interactive
Read more

When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to innovator, administrator and ADLIB Steel Orchestra founder Mr. Franklin Mayers

-
Image
  Franklin Mayers June 22th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist  Franklin Mayers  Ellie Mannette with Franklin Mayers of ADLIB Steel Orchestra Manager – Franklin Mayers In August of 1989, a group of Caribbean-Americans came together with a vision to promote the musical and cultural education, as well as the overall well being of the youths in the community. Jackson and Harry Headley, Neville Gaskin, Fitz Worrell, and Tony Alverez pooled their resources and their knowledge to form the ADLIB Steel Orchestra. Using handcrafted instruments, a few players and a dedicated musical arranger, the band began to take its first steps toward what would become a full-fledged cultural and educational organization. Continuing with its focus on th
Read more

Champion Panorama Drummer Roger Anthony Bethelmy - Desperadoes Steel Orchestra 1977, 1983, 1985

-
Image
Roger Anthony Bethelmy Roger Anthony Bethelmy Born: February 10, 1947 - Port of Spain, Trinidad, West Indies Education: St. George's College, Kingston, Jamaica 1959 -1964 College Prep - Business Professional Musical Experience The Winston Turner Quintet - Jamaica Hilton Hotel - 1967 - 1968  The Billy Cooke Trio - The Runaway Bay Hotel - 1968 - 1969  The Caribs - The Sheraton Kingston Hotel - 1969 - 1973  The Dizzy Gillespie ABC-TV Special - Kingston, Jamaica - 1972  The Hubert Laws Concert - Kingston, Jamaica - 1971  The Chris White Concert - Kingston, Jamaica - 1972 Recordings EDDIE KENDRICKS - Boogie Down - Motown  IKE & TINA TURNER - Nut Bush - U.A. LETTA MBULU - Letta - A&M RECORDS  ROD STEWART - Foot Loose & Fancy Free - Warner Brothers  ROD STEWART - Blondes Have More Fun - Warner Brothers 
Read more

Dr. Leroy Calliste known as "Black Stalin" has passed

-
Image
Black Stalin Dr. Leroy Calliste fondly known as Black Stalin, passed today 28th December, 2022 Dr. Leroy Calliste was on born on the 24 September 1941 and raised on Coffee Street in San Fernando to George and Elcina Calliste. One of four children, he attended San Fernando Boys' R.C. School. He worked as a limbo dancer before taking up singing calypso in 1959 when he made his debut at the Good Shepherd Hall in St. Madeleine, but did not join a calypso tent until 1962 when he joined the Southern Brigade. He was given the nickname Black Stalin by fellow calypsonian Blakie in the mid-1960s. In 1967 Black Stalin joined Kitchener's Calypso Revue tent and managed to place in that year's Calypso Monarch competition. Stalin was popularly called the People’s Calypsonian. He was known for his militant Rastafarian and black nationalist lyrics. Stalin won the Calypso Monarch competition for the first time in 1979 (with "Caribbean Man" and "Play One") and went on to
Read more