KIM LOY WONG tuner & panist has passed...

[michael wong]

I JUST GOT THE NEWS FROM THE NUSING HOME...MY FATHER KIM LOY WONG JUST PASSED AWAY

[Claude Gonzales]

With the help of Pete Seeger and Folkways Records, Kim Loy Wong became one of FIRST steel drum artists who brought the sounds of the chromatically pitched instrument from Trinidad to America in the ‘60s. Using his music to reach out to underprivileged youth, Wong formed the Wiltwyck Steel Band when he became the steel drum instructor at the Wiltwyck School for Boys. Kim Loy Wong and His Wiltwyck Steel Band deftly mixed Trinidadian samba and rhumba styles with popular American songs ranging from gospel to folk, including renditions of “Saints Go Marching In” and “This Land Is Your Land”. The huge, soft sound and dissonant melodic rhythms of the steel drums as arranged by Wong will amaze anyone who heard them in the SIXTIES and even to this day.

Rest In Peace KIM LOY!!! And condolences to your son MICHAEL and all the other family members!!!

[Courtney Leiba]

Condolences to Kim Loy Wong. I remember when Kim Loy had his band 'Hilanders/ behind the bridge and We, Tripoli met Kim Loy in Brooklyn in the year 1967.I think that he releases his book "how to tune a steel pan" He is one of the pioneers in the steel band world. God Bless his family. Courtney Leiba Tripoli 'scratcherman'

[Phillip Salandy]

Condolences and sympathies to the family of Kim Loy. We attended Pamphylian high school together in Trinidad. Phillip Salandy.

[Pan Times]

When Steel Talks extends our condolences.to you and your family.

[Andre-Roger Dellevi]

Condolences and sympathies on the loss. May he R.I.P.

[Mercer Ramdoo]

In mid seventies our group 'Block 5' was the first to use strings and steel (I stand corrected). Kim Loy Wong, Conrad Jordan and Elie Mannette used to "touch up" (term used then) our pans. So sorry he's gone.

Condolences to the family of KimLoy Wong. A  great guy who really loved the instrument.

[Glenroy R Joseph]

The original leader of Hilanders , and a true pioneer of the art- form.
My condolences to his loved ones .
May he rest in peace.

[Brian Copeland]

Yet another pioneer goes to the other side. You made history ... a book with your name on it is stored in the Smithsonian Institute Archives along with the first ever video of you showing how to make a steelpan.

Rest well Kim Loy Wong.
https://folkways.si.edu/kim-loy-wong/the-steel-drums-of/caribbean-m...

[Robert Hernandez]

This is really sad news to learn of the passing of Kim Loy Wong. His legacy will live on as the first leader of Highlanders. We are keeping the Highlanders dream alive in Success Village, Laventille. The current leadership of Highlanders will seek to honour this great pioneer in a dignified manner for his contribution in taking the steel pan international. Condolences to his son Michael, and may his soul RIP.

[PJJ]

Michael, you and your family have my condolences. So sad to hear this.

[Michael B. Best]

Will see you on the other side KIM

[Jeremy de Barry]

Dear Mr Michael Wong, please accept my deepest sympathies for the passing of your influential father. May he R.I.P.

The book:
STEEL DRUMS
How to play them and make them
THE STEEL DRUMS OF KIM LOY WONG
By Peter Seeger
Oak Publications, 1964.
About his works, has inspired many to try;
and indeed was the influence that brought me into the Pan world.

Time moves on, but the spirit still lives.
Be strong my brother; my thoughts are with you and your family.

Sincerely
tobagojo