James “Jimmy” Leyden of The Calliope’s Children Steel Orchestra has passed
James Leyden - image via Linfield Archives screengrab
Oregon, USA - James “Jimmy” Leyden of The Calliope’s Children Steel Orchestra passed away recently at the age of ninety-nine. Leyden formed and wrote charts for “Calliope′s Children,” one of the first High School steelbands in the US. He introduced Ellie [Mannette] to the strobe tuner and worked extensively with him on harmonic and overtone concepts. Leyden toured with “Calliope′s Children” in Romania (1975) and Poland and Russia (1977).
Replies
Condolences to the James Leyden followers. Early 70s they were touring many foreign countries playing our instruments.
May he Rest in Peace.
Brenda H.