Reginald “Reggie” Henry of Antigua’s Hells Gate Steel Orchestra, Passes On
Prepared by: Stafford “Stove” Joseph
Submitted by: Jabari Edwards
On Tuesday 7th March 2017, Hells Gate Steel Orchestra member Reginald Henry, who made sterling contributions to the orchestra and the art form in Antigua for over 70 years, passed away.
Reginald Henry, referred to most as “Reggie” or “Uncle Reggie,” was one of the founding members of the Hells Gate Steel Orchestra, the world’s oldest steel orchestra, established 1945, in “The Point,” Antigua, West Indies. Hence, “Reggie” was a pioneer of the Antiguan steelband movement.
Reginald "Reggie” Henry being honored at Hells Gate’s Father's Day Concert in 2013
From the inception of the Hells Gate Steel Orchestra, “Reggie” ensured that he was ever present around the orchestra. “Reggie” from all accounts, played the ‘strum pan’ [guitar pan] and percussion in the early years. He never spoke much about himself and his other involvements in Hells Gate Steel Orchestra, but exhibited his love for the orchestra by giving wise counselling, sharing his personal experience with the orchestra and his knowledge of the struggles and achievements of the band.
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Condolences to the family and the Pan Fraternity of the Caribbean
Great piece which chronicles the contributions of a pioneer to the development of his community.
I wonder why, Hell's Gate, a great pioneer band, is referred to as the "world's oldest steel orchestra"?