Trinidad Newsday
Steelpan orchestras have come and gone, but the Trinidad All Stars have remained one of the top bands in the country for 80 years. The reasons for this, according to historian Andrew “Bukka” Rennie, are the band’s dedication to discipline, creativity and commitment to Carnival.
The history of the eight-time Panorama champions began in 1935 with the formation of the Hell Yard Boys, in East Dry River, Port-of-Spain. According to Rennie, it was in 1946, after hearing the band play, that Odgrell “Vats” Rudder of the band Casablanca approached the band, which was then called Cross of Lorraine, and made the statement, “You are all stars.” The name stuck and the band officially took the name in 1947. After his declaration, Rudder left Casablanca to join the band he named. The word Trinidad was added soon after.
Rennie credited the band’s survival to the culture of discipline instilled by its first captain, Herbert “Sagiator” Drayton. “He was a stickler for discipline and that intensified under captains Prince Batson and Neville Jules,” he said.
Replies
CONGRATULATION ALL STARS YOU HAVE DONE US PROUD YOU WILL ALSO GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS THE ONLY BAND THAT HAD BOTH GRAND STAND AND THE NORTH STANDS CALLING FOR AN 'ON CORE' WITH YOUR INCREDIBLE RENDITION OF 'DUST IN YUH FACE' MAY YOU CONTINUE TO FILL OUR HEARTS WITH YOUR BEAUTIFUL MUSIC AND MAY GOD CONTINUE TO RICHLY BLESS YOU,
I WISH YOU ALL SUCCESS IN 2015 PANORAMA
Congratulations and much respect and admiration to Trinidad All Stars on the achievement of 80 years of existence. You have been a class organization throughout the years, displaying exemplary conduct and living up to high values and ideals established and inherent in the structure of this steel pan family. Unquestionably and without a doubt, you have set the bar high on all your Panorama and non-Panorama performances, consistently and unfailingly executing musical renditions that make merry the hearts and minds of the listening audiences.
May you continue to provide 'sweet pan music' for another 80 glorious and memorable years!
All Stars, you have done well in your 80 years, take a bow.