Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Russ Henderson
Russ Henderson and his Trinidad Steel Band were leading figures in the steel band movement within Britain. For more than 60 years Henderson used music as a focus for community cohesion, bettering race relations, and being directly involved in the establishment of Notting Hill Carnival in London. He also gave a sense of rhythm and beats that moved and connected people's souls.
The steel band started off playing in the Coleherne pub, then embarked on a road march. Henderson grew up in a middle class environment and became talented in piano, waltz, and jazz that later turned into "calypso-jazz."
Trinidadian steel pans were introduced in the band's act in 1952. His band performed at Buckingham Palace, and made history as the first steel band to play for royalty. Henderson toured in various places with the steel band and did theatre and radio work. Henderson lectured on the steel pan in school, organized workshops and percussion ensembles, and remains to be in demand for social functions.
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