Rudolph Commissiong - a pioneer of steelband music - Arranger & Captain of Esso Dixie Stars - UpClose!

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When Steel Talks - Reboot

Meet Rudolph Commissiong - a pioneer of steelband music - Arranger & Captain of Esso Dixie Stars - UpClose!

by Rudolph Commissiong

Rudy Commissiong, captain of Esso Dixie Stars is on left. Steve Dupres - at centre - was the arranger and player of the “Echophones” made by [Herman] “Rock” Johnston, who's at right in picture - photo © Lawford Dupres
Rudy Commissiong, captain of Esso Dixie Stars is on left. Steve Dupres - at centre - was the arranger and player of the “Echophones” made by [Herman] “Rock” Johnston, who's at right in picture - photo © Lawford Dupres

 

Global - "One day during rehearsals I took a break and walked through the terrace, which was part of the building at the back and side of the nightclub to a bar, which I thought was part of the hotel, and called Casey’s Bar. There were about half a dozen white men drinking and talking. I ordered a beer. The bartender stood there rather frozen, then one of the men who I assumed knew who I was told the bartender something about the band. The bartender then said: “OK, but you will have to take it with you. You can’t drink it here....” That was very degrading and something that lived with me for a long time. ------- Rudolph Commissiong

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