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Accomplishments of Anthony Williams by David Maunday
Scientific
Anthony Williams involved in putting pan on wheels in the late 1950s.
The placement of notes on the tenor pan in the 4th and 5th formation.
The grooving of notes on pans in a spider web pattern (more notes achieved).
Placement of notes on the six bass in fourths (a virtual lower extension of the tenor pan).
Placement of notes on their double second and 3 pan cello carries similar patterns making it easy for players to migrate from one section to the other.
Tony’s quality of tuning produced a very unique tone with his early use of harmonics.
Inventor of the 4 pan (a form of cello pan).
Anthony Williams made outsize pans (larger than the standard 55 gallon drums) using sheath metal which he tuned [into] some tenor pans, cellos and bass, some of which were used on the Ivory and Steel Recordings in 1969.
North Stars made metal bins and hand held cases for transporting their pans since the early sixties.
Musical
Anthony Williams, a self taught musician with North Stars won Steelband Panorama in 1963 and 1964 and placed 2nd in 1965. His format of introduction, verse and chorus, counter melody, change keys [and] re-harmonization, has been the musical prototype for Panorama since then.
North Stars won “Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival” in 1962 playing “Voices of Spring” and in 1966 playing “Poet and Peasant Overture”.
They excelled in “Carols and Classics” in 1965. Many can remember the scintillating rendition of “Sleigh Ride”.
Performed with the “Marionettes Chorale” in 1967 and 1968.
Performed at the 1968 U.S. Republican Party Convention in Miami.
Performed in Madison Square Garden in New York in July 1969.
Performed in New York’s Carnegie Hall on the “Ed Sullivan Show” in 1964 and with Winifred Atwell for the Ivory and Steel Concert in 1969.
Performed at the U.N. in New York in 1969.
Anthony Williams is one of the earlier composers of his own tune “Pan Down 5th Avenue”.
Social
The first steel band to introduce (loaders) separate persons to load and transport their pans to and from venues. Band members always travelled to and from performances in arranged taxis.
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Replies
Happy Birthday Mr.Williams, may the good Lord bless you with many more birthdays. You have always been an inspiration to many of us. Your good work will always be remembered. Thank you for your contribution to our society in general and the steelband fraternity in particular.
Hap Hap Hap Hap Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday may all your dreams come true. Fom steve and sabrina (Lolly)
Happy Anniversary Tony . . De Greatest Evah . . in contributin tuh e Development ah Pan de Real Granmaster ah Pan . .
All though I am a West Side Symphony to the bone all praises goes out to you, you taught your students well especially our Captain Herman ( Rock ) Johnson, Happy, Happy Birthday to you and may you live to see many, many, more.
Long live Sir Anthony Williams, Inventor, Tuner, arranger and band leader a true pioneer, musical and steel band genius.
Happy Earthday to a true legend of the greatest instrument in the world.Steel Pan.Mr Williams,you are truly remarkable.
Enjoy this day,knowing God have many many more years planned for you.
Elsworth James.
We are grateful for all you did for pan Sir, have a blessed birthday.
Birthday greetings Skip, was fond memories seeing all your achievement at my home #59 Bombay Street, St James. Also, a member in the 60s, local and international performances with the then Pan Am Jet North Stars. Blessings
Happy birthday, Mr. Williams may you enjoy many more happy, healthy birthdays.
Heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for your outstanding contributions to our beloved art form.
Enjoy your day.