March 23, 1943 ~ November 10, 2012 (age 69)
In 1943 Leroy Ali Williams, born in Trinidad, found himself growing up in an area where music was a big part of the culture and musicians were highly respected. At the age of 12, Leroy developed a strong interest in steel drums.
About 3 years later in 1958, Leroy was invited by a friend to join a band that was based near his home in Laventille, Trinidad. Leroy ended up joining that band, called the Rhythmites, which was a steel drum band. He played with them for 2 years before changing their name to the Serenaders.
The Serenaders by this time was comprised of about 30 ,musicians on a regular basis and as many as 65 during special events and holidays. It was at this time that Leroy became interested in learning all aspects of the band. He learned about music, instruments, how to make instruments, band organization, structure and function. Learning to play steel drums was a great and very soon after Leroy embarked on the journey to become a steel-drum tuner.
Back in 1958 he and his friend went to the pan yard and it was during this time after studying the steel drums he said “these things would have to be made better in the future”. At the age of 15 he completed his first steel drum. This experience would later allow him to go on and produce some of the finest steel drums in the world and attract such clients as Othello Molineaux, the best steel drummer in the world at this time.
As time passed Leroy got to know more about tuners from past and present, and the aspect of tuning. Ellie Manette was a great teacher to whom Leroy always had access. After his first meeting he was inspired and in 1964 produced, what he considered to be his first high end steel drum.
From 1960-1968 Leroy returned to the Virgin Islands where he was hired to form and organize four high school bands. In 1970 Leroy traveled to Trinidad and for two years and during this time he honed his skills as a steel drum maker and tuner. In 1972 he was employed playing the steel drums on various cruise ships. It was during this time he really learned how to build high-end steel drums.
In 1975 Leroy and fellow band members visited the NBC studio and recorded a demo, and played their steel drums with the band Chicago for the song, Another Rainy Day in New York City.
From 1978-1980 Leroy returned to Trinidad where he studied his craft in even greater detail. In 1980 he reorganized the Serenaders and becomes the bands figurehead, it was then Leroy made all brand new instruments for the band, 50 in all.
From 1980-1987 Leroy traveled to Florida, playing with such musicians as Othello Molineaux and Jaco Pastorius. Then from 1987-1988 Leroy re-visits Trinidad. Returning to the states in 1988 until the present Leroy continued to design, improve and manufacture very high end steel drums. As recently as 2012 he manufactured five new steel drums for the Salvation Army Band.
On Saturday November 10, 2012 Leroy passed away in the Inpatient Hospice Unit of Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown.
He leaves to carry his legacy Wife, Diane Williams, Daughter Sarah Rose Williams, Sons, Alterick Pearson, Troy Pearson and Gary Purdie; grand children, Ahiyah Saprice Pearson, Tahkir Komafy and Tahkira Komani Pearson, Sister; Majorie Bocage, Brother; Derek Williams, Nieces; Carol Sampson and Chinello Williams, Great Nieces; Isha, Ihana and Adanah Sampson, great Nephew; Isaah Sampson, Great-Great nieces; Ijhanae, Arielle Kadijak and Isys Sampson, Great-Great Nephews; Mehki Lewis and Gabriel Major Robinson, In-Laws; Lillian , Stephanie, Stephen, William and Leon Purdie, Phyliss, Mickey and Ronald Pearson, extended family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday at 1:00PM in the Irwin M. Judd Funeral Home. Family and friends may call from 11:30AM Until service time on Saturday. Interment will take place in Trinidad.
Replies
Leroy was an extremely talented tuner whom I met during the 1988 carnival season when Lincoln brought him to tune the bass section for the four rounds of panorama. He spoke little and softly. He abhorred unforced distractions when he was working his hammer. He created "a six pan" he called the Laser Gong, which he left with me in Trinidad when he returned to Florida towards the end of the summer of 88 on a ticket I bought him at his request to travel back to the USA with the band,. Being a green card holder that's all he wanted.
I never saw him or spoke with him again.
Rest in eternal peace my brother, you were a visionary whose contribution to the are form is notable and significant.
Farewell mighty warrior. I miss you.