The steelband movement has lost yet another icon with the passing of Dr. Clifford Alexis.
Mrs. Beverley Ramsey-Moore, President of Pan Trinbago, has expressed her deepest condolences to his immediate family and that of the steelpan fraternity. Mrs. Ramsey-Moore describes him as a steelpan enthusiast, a cultural icon and son of the soil who was an ambassador for Trinidad & Tobago.
She added that he will be sorely missed and wished God’s comfort at this time to all those who were blessed with the opportunity to have met him of during his journey.
Alexis first visited the United States in 1964 as amember of the National Steelband of Trinidad & Tobago. In 1985, he became a member of the staff of Northern Illinois University (NIU). He worked as a steelpan builder, tuner, composer and arranger. During his time at NIU, Dr. Alexis paved the way for members of the steelband community such as Professor Liam Teague, Seion Gomez, Dr. Mia Gormandy-Benjamin and many others.
In 2006, Alexis was awarded by Pan Trinbago Inc. T.C. along with past members of the National Steelband of Trinidad & Tobago. In 2017 he received two (2) honorary doctorates by the NIU and in 2018, he was bestowed with one the country’ s national awards, the Chaconia Medal (Silver), for his work and contribution to the steelpan and his meritorious service to Trinidad & Tobago.
Mrs. Ramsey- Moore has announced that a special event will be held this year to honour Dr. Alexis and his contribution to the Steelband Movement.
Marcus Ash
Education Officer
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Clifford Alexis - UpClose - A WST Exclusive Interview - 1964 Trinidad & Tobago National Steelband
WSTglobalHD
Published on Jun 25, 2014
Global - In 1964 twenty-two members of the Trinidad and Tobago National Steelband toured the United States and created steelpan music history. Among the virtual who's who of outstanding panists who were picked for the tour was noted NIU (Northern Illinois University) tuner, steelpan instrument builder and program director Clifford Alexis.
In this exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - Clifford Alexis shares his thoughts and memories on this historic undertaking, the 1964 Trinidad and Tobago National Steelband and more.