On This Day in Pan -- The Legendary Herman “Rock” Johnston

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

- April 30, 2023

On this day April 30, 2001, Herman Johnston, who rocketed to fame from his native Trinidad with his innovative work on the steelpan music instrument, loses his battle with cancer at age 63.

During a career that catapulted him from his native Trinidad to appearances at the United Nations, Lincoln Center, Radio City Music Hall and with the Boston Symphony at its summer festival in Tanglewood, Mr. Johnston's repertoire spanned musical genres, including rock, spiritual, classical, show tunes and Caribbean folk melodies.

Comments

When Steel Talks (WST) extends Happy Birthday greetings to panist, composer, arranger and vocalist Vanessa Alexandra Headley-Brewster

- January 06, 2022

Vanessa Alexandra Headley-Brewster Happy Birthday to Vanessa Alexandra Headley-Brewster January 7th Vanessa is the CEO of the prestigious Golden Hands Steel Orchestra and has represented Trinidad and Tobago, not only in Antigua & Barbuda, but also in Dominica, Martinique, and the USA at Howard University and the University of Delaware. She has conducted steelpan workshops in her native Trinidad and Tobago as well as at the Delaware School of the Performing Arts and the McCollum High School, in Austin, Texas. In 2008 Ms. Headley was the star soloist at one of the main showcase concerts of the Percussive Arts International Convention (PASIC) - also in Austin, Texas. Her role was central to the presentation of Golden Hands’ original steelband musical “ The Rainmakers .” Related content: Vanessa Headley-Brewster - Bio Vanessa Headley 2020 Panorama arranger of La Brea Nightingales Steel Orchestra - Large band category A Salute to the 2020 Panorama Accomplishments of Arranger Vanes...

Band From Space - sung by “Crazy”

- December 09, 2022

The Meeting Place - Hugh Masekela x Machel Montano x Siparia Deltones

- January 20, 2023

‘ The Meeting Place ’ sung & performed by Hugh Masekela, Machel Montano and Siparia Deltones Steel Orchestra 2023: Tune of choice | Siparia Deltones Steel Orchestra - Trinidad & Tobago Panorama 2023 Official Audio for “The Meeting Place - Amapiano Version” by Hugh Masekela x Machel Montano x Siparia Deltones, produced by Doc Jones, Jester x DJ Puffy. Song Credits: Song Title: The Meeting Place - Amapiano Version Artist: Hugh Masekela x Machel Montano x Siparia Deltones Composers/Writers: Carlton “Zanda” Alexander, Akinola Sennon, Hugh Masekela, Machel Montano, Cerdic Jones, Paul Jones & Andre Parris Original produced by: Akinola Sennon & Carlton “Zanda” Alexander Amapiano Version produced by: Doc Jones, Jester x DJ Puffy Additional instrumentation by: Keshav Background vocals by: Peter ‘WiLDXFiRE’ Noel Mixed ...

2023 - Bunji Garlin - "Hard Fete"

- February 23, 2023

1932 to present - Road March Winners

When Steel Talks (WST) extends Happy Birthday greetings to panist Latifa Joseph

- March 10, 2022

Latifa Joseph Happy Birthday to Latifa Joseph March 10th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist Latifa Joseph “In my opinion, Antigua & Barbuda’s steelpan art form has so much potential but it is being stifled. We need to be educated more on the importance of the steelpan art form. I am happy to see that almost every school in Antigua has a steel orchestra. However, I think including steelpan in the music curriculum from the primary school level upwards would help to increase awareness and appreciation. Children are the future of the world and this would be the best place to start.” -- Latifa Joseph Relevant content Meet Latifa Joseph of Antigua

When Sidney Poitier met the Trinidad and Tobago National Steelband in 1964

- January 20, 2022

In Photo from left – Steve Regis, Elton “Smokey” John, Herman Colins, Conrad Hunte, unknown, unknown, Sidney Portier, Hugh Borde, unknown, In 1964, The Trinidad and Tobago National Steelband performed at the Moral Re-Armament Conference at Mackinac Island, Michigan. Maybe it was serendipity that caused Bahamian born American actor Sidney Poitier (1927-2022) to be present at one of the band’s performances while he was visiting his daughter, who was attending the conference. He was so overwhelmed with the music that he insisted on meeting the players. As can be seen in the photo, the meeting brought great joy to Poitier (with pan sticks in hand) and all the musicians. See complete article Relevant content To Sir With Love - Royal Bahamas Defence Force pays tribute to Sir Sidney Poitier - When Steel Talks Who Am I? A Breakdown Of George “Sonny” Goddard’s Accomplishments Remembering the late Dr. Clifford Alexis - arranger, tuner, panist and member of the 1964 ‘Trinidad & To...

When Steel Talks (WST) extends Happy Birthday greetings to scholar, intellectual, composer, arranger, ethnomusicologist and panist Chantal Esdelle

- June 27, 2022

Chantal Esdelle June 25th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist Chantal Esdelle In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - the panist, ethnomusicologist, musician composer, arranger and educator gives us an honest glimpse into who she is - her observations and concerns along with her love and unrestrained passion for the culture, history, steelpan instrument, its music, the art form and more. See Interview Related content: Chantal Esdelle and Moyenne: HAITI See more breaking news

Remembering the late Nestor Sullivan aka ‘Solos’ or ‘Sully’

- April 10, 2022

[Eulogy at the funeral of iconic steelband leader, researcher and ambassador, Nestor Sullivan delivered by Andre Moses, his long-time friend and steelband co-conspirator] Nestor Sullivan In an original, the pieces of the puzzle may often seem contrasting and fit themselves together in unique ways. Nestor Sullivan was a rebel, a make-it-happen-man, a revolutionary and a ‘limer,’ a man of impatience and patience, a mentor whose example was powerful and inspiring, and yet reflective of his human frailties and his own journey of self-discovery. He was at the same time a leader and a team player, a man whose passion combined, selfish and selfless purpose, with a love that he could only express in his own way. Our brother Nestor was by any definition an original and we are all extremely privileged to have known him. His sister Gail describes a young Nestor as a bit of a rebel, with a tendency to get into sibling battles, mainly because, he wanted to do what he wanted to do. She r...

Lorraine - by Explainer

- November 18, 2022

‘ Lorraine ’ sung by “ Explainer ” Album: Man From The Ghetto, arranged by Frankie McIntosh. 1981 2023: Tune of choice | Dixieland Steel Orchestra - Trinidad & Tobago Panorama 2018 Tune of choice | Katzenjammers Steel Orchestra - Trinidad & Tobago 2014 Tune of Choice | Xpress 21 Steel Orchestra - Trinidad & Tobago Lyrics : Intro Taxi, Taxi Airport Kennedy Verse 1 Lorraine, you better wake up Ah need ah jet plane to take me non-stop Ah cyah stay in New York City When there is sunshine and pan in my country Lions is de place with de jammin' With Kaly-Ann and Charlie's Roots clashin' Everyone happy partyin' And I'm freezin' in Brooklin, Darlin' Chorus Lorraine doh cry ah leavin Ah cyah miss dis jammin With all dem steel band beatin And woman background shak...

When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist Joel Ramdwar

- January 30, 2022

Joel Ramdwar Happy Birthday to Joel Ramdwar January 30th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist, Joel Ramdwar Joel Ramdwar performing with Pan Evolution at Pan Is Sweet 2019 Joel Ramdwar performing with Pantonic Steel Orchestra Relevant content Joel Ramdwar performing with Pan Evolution at Pan Is Sweet 2019 Joel Randar performing with ADLIB Steel Orchestra Joel Ramdwar with Pantonic Steel Orchestra

Search This Blog

Steelpan Music News - History and Culture