Rudolph Charles - Thirty-Five Years Later, Steelband Leader Still Exceptional
Originally published - February 2010
Global - - March 29th, to be exact - will be thirty-one years since the death of one of the most influential figures in the history of the steelpan movement. Rudolph Valentino Charles was one of the finest leaders, innovators and visionaries ever produced by the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago. His ideas, concepts and products still reverberate in steelpan music communities globally today, both in terms of his inventions and the people he influences and motivates. Moreover, his thought process and vision went way past the steelpan art form.
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Explainer - Rudolph Charles
Album: Why? Arranged By Frankie McIntosh Released : 1985
Ralph MacDonald - WST Exclusive Interview - On the legendary Rudolph Charles
I will never attempt to discredit the contributions that charlo made to the pan environment,despite the fact that he was no malcolmx when it came to the struggles of the steelband movement, he was a leader in the true sense.I will like to think that had he been still around in the flesh things may not have been what it is now with Pan Trinbago or Desperadoes for that matter.I am a little too young to remember what happened with George Goddard and what brought his leadership to an end with the then Steelbandmen association.But i know charlo was a no nonsense kind of leader he demamded the respect of his peers and everyone he did any kind of business with and he got it.R.I.P
I meet Rudolph V. Charlies in 1965, the year Robert Greengage, Nick myself and others joined the then WITCO Gay Desperadoes and 51 years later I can still recall his words to us," if you are here to beat pan you are not welcome we already have tuners, however, if you are here to PLAY pan you are welcome". Point of focus here, the identification of the pan as a musical instrument that should be played as any other musical instrument.
When we speak of infuential leaders, some people immediately pop up like Malcolm X,- Martin Luther King, - Muhammad Ali,- just to name a few..Rudolph Charles for the Pan World can hang out with these brothers. It is one thing to have been in the era of his time, it is another to have seen him with his band, It is yet another to have met him....but to actually know him...those of us who are able to say I knew Rudolph Charles ....... a vertical shake head and a smile will come to your face because you are one of the fortunate ones. Now there are many other iconic Pan personalities living and dead that surely it is an honour to know or have known them also...but right now we are just speaking about Rudolph. Yes Bugs they really don't make them like that any more ...there is no mould for Rudolph ...just one of a kind...Rest in Peace brother Hakim
Biggest Respect
Salah
Salah, no disrespect, but although Rudolph Charles may have been a great steelband leader, he was NO Malcolm X or MLK, in my opinion. These two great men fought for civil, human, and workers' rights, and neither of them EVER crossed any picket lines to their boycotts. Ever. That is EXACTLY what Rudolph Charles did: he met with my dad (at our home in Diamond Vale) the weekend of the Panorama boycott (1979). In a unanimous decision, 300 individuals (including Rudolph Charles) from 80 member steelbands (including Witco Gay Desperadoes) of Pan Trinbago, vote to boycott the Panorama competition, in protest of the low and inadequate appearance fees they had been receiving for years. Desperadoes, under Rudolph Charles' leadership, decides to go against their union's collective stance, and breaks the boycott. (Rudolph, by the way, was the one who actually came up with the dollar amount they were demanding.) What would have happened to the Civil Rights "Movement", if either Malcolm X or MLK went against their own planned boycotts? I think if we are honest, we know the answer, but a civil rights leader, Rudolph Charles was definitely not. And that is why, when I look at the body of work of ALL the pioneers of the steelband "movement", NO one comes as close to MLK or Malcolm X, as George "Sonny" Goddard. That is what the facts of history has recorded for posterity, and whether we honor this leader - THE GREATEST LEADER OF THE STEELBAND MOVEMENT - or not, his legacy speaks for itself. In my opinion, George "Sonny" Goddard was "The Malcom X Of The Steelband Movement". Key word: MOVEMENT! Keep in mind a "movement" is ALL about the struggle for equal rights and justice of a people, be they African Americans, as in the case of MLK and Malcolm X, or "steelbandsmen", as in the case of George "Sonny" Goddard.
BTW- Next January, marks the 25th anniversary of my dad's ascension; let's notice the attention (or lack thereof) that this pioneer receives, however, based on the evidence, his death, like his contributions, mean nothing to the people he served, lived, and (yes) died representing and defending. With his last breath! And in case you all forgot, this is a breakdown of what he did as leader, not of a band, but of a MOVEMENT!!!
https://whensteeltalks.ning.com/forum/topics/who-am-i-a-breakdown-of
QUESTIONS: As far as the "steelband movement" is concerned, what did Rudolph Charles do, that benefits the social conditions of the local panman and panwoman? How has his works made the conditions of the local steelband members better? What, as a "panist", can you say, that Rudolph Charles did, that positively impacts the social conditions you face? Did he fight for wages? Did he fight to made pan acceptable in Church? Name one unselfish action that Rudolph Charles took, that benefits the steelband fraternity, as a whole, socially speaking. Better yet, list ALL pioneers accomplishments, as I have done with my dad's, and let's compare them, so we can finally put to rest the question of: WHO WAS/IS STEELBANDS' GREATEST LEADER?
In Ma'at (Truth, Justice, Reciprcity),
Shem Em Hotep (May you go in peace.)
Pan'tum - The Ghost Who Talks.
Honoring the Legacy of George "Sonny" Goddard, the "Malcolm X of the Steelband Movement"!
Pan'tum,
I stand corrected, in reality of the bigger picture of daring to compare Rudolph with the likes of Brother Malcom X....I also may not have supported him against the boycott if I was there . at that time....and as far as your dad goes I can say without hesitation that there has not been another leader of the Steelband mnovement like him ( George Sonny Goddard) ever since and the recognition of this fact should be acknowledged..nuff repect.
Concerning Rudolph however like I said if one did know the man ..this very colouful character ...one would come to the conclusion that only some one like him would go up against the boycott. even if one dis agreed with this move. it was daring. Secondly he was the first to take the officials to court to settle a perceived Panorama competition mismanagement in regards 1982 "Party" ...right or wrong he dared..
.
No one can deny his numerous innovations as far as contributions of different types of Pans, chroming etc...( I acknowledge that there were many other innovators and contributors also) .. but looking at leadership for his community one wonders if Despers would still be on the Hill for Panorama practice today ..
but other concepts would be like having four of the very best pan Tuners ( Bertie, Lincoln, Wallace & Rudolph) at one given time producing a unique sound that no other band was able to have or even come close to... such as that you would immediately say ...that is Despers.
Putting him in his rightful place however..he worked tirelessly for his community and Band...whether that benefited other bands as regards that type of leadership to emulate would be up to the other bands. but I stand corrected on some of previous things hat I stated I humbly admit that. .....but I also knew Rudolph and I can only smile when I think about this controversial colouful individual which adds to the Mozaic of the Pan History
Nuff Respect brother
Salah
Unfortunately, i am not familiar with these Great Pannists that you're referring to, I just want to know where the Great Anthony Williams fit in all of this?
In my opinion my brother Hannibal at the very top.NUFF SAID.
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