In January of 1986, six months after immigrating to the US, I met Mr. Clifford Alexis for what I thought was the first time. Mr. Alexis came to tune the pans for the band I was in. As an introduction, the leader said: "Clifford, you know who this is? This is George big son."
Mr. Alexis looked at me and immediately responded: "You is George son? I know you as a baby! You doh know your father!. Let me tell you the kind of man your father was..." He then went on to explain that he was a part of a steelband tour, and that on the final night of the tour, George called all the panmen together. Clifford then told me how Mr. Goddard told him how he understood there were no opportunities for them in Trinidad, and began handing each one of them their passports, advising them not to return home (defect). He told them that he would return and "take the heat" for his decision. (Obviously, he was violating US immigration law.) Shortly thereafter, Mr. Clifford Alexis would found the first steelpan program in an undergraduate program at the University of Illinois in De Kalb. If Mr. Alexis had not shared that story with me, I would, most likely, never have known about it. If George Goddard had not made the decision on that moment in history, the pan program at De Kalb campus may have never materialized.
A "panman" I once met, in obvious attempt to trivialize George's actions, responded: "Plenty steelband leaders like Rudolph Charles did that too!" When I asked for the proof, he had none. The "history" of the steelband and pan, in general, is full of unreliable information, and even our intellectuals, sometimes, get caught up in the "doctoring" of history. For example, in 1975, Chalkdust invited George to his home to listen to his (Chalkie's) song, "Winston Spree". This was a customary practice for the two old "friends", who live a few houses from each other. As my dad recounted the story, Chalkdust opened with:
Oh Winston Spree, accept my pity,
Oh how my heart bleeds for thee..
Well, my dad said, he immediately interrupted his old friend and neighbor with, "Chalkie, what stupidness you singing?" From that day onwards, their relationship would never be the same, and, George was correct; it was one of the WORST songs ever coined by this respected entertainer. Of course, we all know Kitchener's (the "Lord") "Tribute To Spree Simon", and 'though it was great music by the "Grand Master", it was, unfortunately for "pan history", inaccurate, misleading, and politically motivated. George, as was customary, maintained his integrity, again, in the face of adversity, when others we label as "great", and "grand", lacked both the courage and integrity. For those who think he had personal issues with Spree, I posted a photo, showing him on a bike with a placard in 1950, raising money to help Spree, who had been injured in an accident.
Over the past few days, many claim to be "offended" by my honoring my dad as "THE GREATEST LEADER OF THE STEELBAND MOVEMENT". In my opinion, it is hypercritical to have a problem with my assertion, while having no problem worshipping Kitchener (the "Lord") as the GRANDMASTER, for simply writing great songs for Panorama, an event that, by itself, is an integral part of the "business of pan". How did Kitch's GREAT road march songs benefit the panman? By being able to say, "Yeah! I play Pan In A Minor wit' Renegades in 87!" To me, the "greater" person is the one who, everyday, was in the battlefield in the war to gain social acceptance and respect as an equal citizen in a colonial and class-based society. That is the work George "Sonny" Goddard got up everyday and did for nothing. In disbelief, people started labelling him "Smart Man Goddard", and numerous times, including when he got his house in Diamond Vale, he had to openly declare his financial status. (We who are fortunate enough to know him personally, know how fiercely honest he was.)
I hope that, someday, you ALL understand my positions, much of which have been twisted and distorted by those who lack the comprehension and debating skills. When we "listen", we MUST learn to listen with, not just our ears, but with our hearts also. And when we speak or write words, we MUST be ready and willing to have the facts and sources available. The "history of pan", will continue to be both unreliable and seriously-flawed, until a thorough approach is taken, which includes the oral tradition, but advances more empirical and scientific methods. I agree, ANYONE and EVERYONE is invited to play the pan. The Cuban LP conga player, stakes claim to his instruments, which, by the way, is African (Congo) influence of Latino/Hispanic "culture". (Everything has an origin!) I cannot comprehend why ANYONE would be "offended" by ANY TRINI's claim to the steeldrum/pan. As I say:
IN AFRICA, WE INVENTED THE TALKING DRUM.
IN TRINIDAD, WE INVENTED THE SINGING DRUM!
Yours In Pan,
George D. Goddard
George Goddard what is the Psyche changing your name from George Goddard to The Ghost Who Talks OVERNIGHT. You have already been exposed to the world as a self-serving EGOISTIC individual who want to be recognized in the PAN world using your father name. Your level of constructive criticism is very poor. You fail to realize that members of this forum are in their 60's 70's 80's and they living proof of the steelband movement.
RESPECT ONLY COMES TO THOSE WHO EARN IT....THIS WST FORUM WOULD NOT FORGET YOUR DISRESPECT FOR THIS BOARD......
Only an "EGOTISTIC" person would speak on behalf of an entire group. FYI- I'm 'branding", and any idiot would know that. THE GHOST WHO TALKS, (like the "Ghost Who Walks"). is IMMORTAL! George Goddard, George Goddard, George Goddard...to INFINITY (AND BEYOND)! You all insult yourselves in your own guilt and ignorance. Also, not EVERYONE is insulted; just the ones who the cap fits. You all are so easily manipulated, and my experiment worked. Now, my happiness, success, and survival, are not dependent on 'THIS WST FORUM", or any other group, for that matter. I believe in FREEDOM OF SPEECH, and if you can accuse me of sucking on a spliff, then I can certainly accuse you of sucking on a dick. To some, being accused of drugs is just as serious as accusing them of fellatio. Now, why not stop using me as your excuse for dishonoring my dad's legacy, for that is a decision you made prior to anything I posted. Again, Terry, your opinion is irrelevant, and you too, my friend ARE FULL OF SHIT!!! You may KISS MY BLACK BEANS AND WHITE RICE! lmao. Just kidding, pardner.
THE GHOST WHO TALKS!!!
Catt > Pan'tum - The Ghost Who TalksJuly 3, 2011 at 4:09pm
lmao - i honestly have no idea why you are so argumentative about this in the first place - your dad's name, descriptions of his work & his passion for and contributions to pan, with praises and accolades for him are ALL OVER THE INTERNET - credit and praise is being given him, as is his due.
so why is it necessary for you to beat everyone here over the head about it, tryna force certain posters to bow down to your megalomania -- only for purpose of re-hashing a point that has already BEEN made?
not to mention that the vulgar & rude gutter language and insults, ruined any credibility this Ghost may have had, at least for me.
Someone who talks (or in this case types) like a gutter-talking angry madman, can't be taken seriously with all the nastiness that is being spewed. It really makes me wonder WDA he smokin'???
MVUSUGHSGPS,OJGSOITGMS,GHSTJ,MSTHGVITH!!! (How's that? Better?) You simpletons amuse me. You are a bunch of hypocrites, for none of you we willing to respond to my "descent" postings, and I wanted to amuse myself at your expense. And if you doh like it, KISS MY BLACK BALL SITTING ON THE POOL TABLE!!! lmao. BTW- Like none ah allyuh does cuss. Now, show me where I said anything greater than "SHIT". Do I have control over your mind that much, that you are led to an obscene ending? You all came onto my post, and start libelling my name, twisting my statements, and openly disrespecting me, and expect me not to push back? CATT, YOU ARE A BIGGER PUSSYY THAN I THOUGHT!! Print that. Oh, by the way, the last person (a famous calyposian) that labelled me as a "madman", ended up seeing his only son end up in de madhouse. ALL George Goddards are well, physically, mentally, and spiritually. You use your labels; I'll use mine: YOU ARE A PRICK!!! (You can quote me on that one too.)
George you you have your father DNA whatever ideas you had to use WST forum you blow it. Just imagine a 50 year man cannot dialogue with reason SHAME ON YOU......TAKE A HIKE THIS FORUM IN NOT FOR YOU....
ARE YOU ANGRY LIVING IN THE USA AND NOT IN TRINIDAD?
Yo Terry, make me. lol. I'm not "angry", just amusing myself with simple-minded knuckle-heads like you. I have a choice to live in the US or anywhere I choose, and I come home often enough, that I'm not missing Trini that much, right about now. Are you angry because you do not have your father's DNA? Check your next-door neighbor and see if you all resemble. George was a TRUE PLAYER, and he knows all is kids are his, and (naturally) would have his DNA. Why don't you, your dad, your mom, and your next door neighbour go on the Maury Povich Show to establish paternity? We need to know where your DNA came from, so we can begin the ethnic cleansing,. (Damn, I'm good! lmao!) Oh, BTW- Telling me I have my dad's DNA, is the HUGHEST compliment I have EVER received in my 50 childish years. Thanks, play-cousin. By your reaction, maybe it is you who need to "take a hike", because I AM NOT GOING ANYWHERE!!!!!!!! Just doing my best to piss off the impostors, and boy, are you guys rearing your ugly heads! It's like Mc Donald's: I'M LOVING IT! Thanks again for keeping me in the conversation, I appreciate ANY advertisement I can get, and it's people like you, who are helping brand the GODDARD name!!!
Hey, Glenroy, keep on drinking the Kool-Aid, brother! (A sucker is born every day.) What is "shameful", is that you are more offended by your perception of my "dissin" Kitch (which I was not), that by the fact that the truth about the history of pan is distorted, manipulated, and compromised. Thanks for clarifying where your loyalty lies; obviously not with TRUTH. Well, my colleague, the TRUTH is what will set you free, and is what you all will continue to get from me. THE WHOLE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH! In the pan world, it is long overdue, and, unlike you, there are MANY who want to know the TRUTH, regardless of where it takes them. Why not be brave, and seek the truth? Ever done ANY personal research on the history of pan or the steelband movement? If you did, you'd be less offended by me, and more offended by the Grand Master and others in their compromising of pan history. That is, if you are truly a pan lover. What GREATER honor can we give to pan, than to tell the TRUTH about its history? Embark upon your own journey of exploration into the history, and then share with us (your colleagues) what you have uncovered. That is what I do, and who doh like it, can KISS MY BLACKBERRY! Thank you for declaring where your loyalty lies.
"A free and critical mind takes NOTING for granted...and seeks the TRUTH without chauvinism or shame."
Dr. Asa Hilliard.
FYI- I expect you to respond; I understand how men act when they get their little egos hurt. I will not be replying to ANY MORE personal attacks, though. Sorry.
Replies
RESPECT ONLY COMES TO THOSE WHO EARN IT....THIS WST FORUM WOULD NOT FORGET YOUR DISRESPECT FOR THIS BOARD......
Only an "EGOTISTIC" person would speak on behalf of an entire group. FYI- I'm 'branding", and any idiot would know that. THE GHOST WHO TALKS, (like the "Ghost Who Walks"). is IMMORTAL! George Goddard, George Goddard, George Goddard...to INFINITY (AND BEYOND)! You all insult yourselves in your own guilt and ignorance. Also, not EVERYONE is insulted; just the ones who the cap fits. You all are so easily manipulated, and my experiment worked. Now, my happiness, success, and survival, are not dependent on 'THIS WST FORUM", or any other group, for that matter. I believe in FREEDOM OF SPEECH, and if you can accuse me of sucking on a spliff, then I can certainly accuse you of sucking on a dick. To some, being accused of drugs is just as serious as accusing them of fellatio. Now, why not stop using me as your excuse for dishonoring my dad's legacy, for that is a decision you made prior to anything I posted. Again, Terry, your opinion is irrelevant, and you too, my friend ARE FULL OF SHIT!!! You may KISS MY BLACK BEANS AND WHITE RICE! lmao. Just kidding, pardner.
THE GHOST WHO TALKS!!!
lmao - i honestly have no idea why you are so argumentative about this in the first place - your dad's name, descriptions of his work & his passion for and contributions to pan, with praises and accolades for him are ALL OVER THE INTERNET - credit and praise is being given him, as is his due.
so why is it necessary for you to beat everyone here over the head about it, tryna force certain posters to bow down to your megalomania -- only for purpose of re-hashing a point that has already BEEN made?
you make no sense.....
i gone
Hey Jr.George . . time tuh call dis GEORGE . . end . . no mor..move on . . Peace Bro. luv always . .
not to mention that the vulgar & rude gutter language and insults, ruined any credibility this Ghost may have had, at least for me.
Someone who talks (or in this case types) like a gutter-talking angry madman, can't be taken seriously with all the nastiness that is being spewed. It really makes me wonder WDA he smokin'???
MVUSUGHSGPS,OJGSOITGMS,GHSTJ,MSTHGVITH!!! (How's that? Better?) You simpletons amuse me. You are a bunch of hypocrites, for none of you we willing to respond to my "descent" postings, and I wanted to amuse myself at your expense. And if you doh like it, KISS MY BLACK BALL SITTING ON THE POOL TABLE!!! lmao. BTW- Like none ah allyuh does cuss. Now, show me where I said anything greater than "SHIT". Do I have control over your mind that much, that you are led to an obscene ending? You all came onto my post, and start libelling my name, twisting my statements, and openly disrespecting me, and expect me not to push back? CATT, YOU ARE A BIGGER PUSSYY THAN I THOUGHT!! Print that. Oh, by the way, the last person (a famous calyposian) that labelled me as a "madman", ended up seeing his only son end up in de madhouse. ALL George Goddards are well, physically, mentally, and spiritually. You use your labels; I'll use mine: YOU ARE A PRICK!!! (You can quote me on that one too.)
THE GHOST WHO TALKS!!!
ARE YOU ANGRY LIVING IN THE USA AND NOT IN TRINIDAD?
Yo Terry, make me. lol. I'm not "angry", just amusing myself with simple-minded knuckle-heads like you. I have a choice to live in the US or anywhere I choose, and I come home often enough, that I'm not missing Trini that much, right about now. Are you angry because you do not have your father's DNA? Check your next-door neighbor and see if you all resemble. George was a TRUE PLAYER, and he knows all is kids are his, and (naturally) would have his DNA. Why don't you, your dad, your mom, and your next door neighbour go on the Maury Povich Show to establish paternity? We need to know where your DNA came from, so we can begin the ethnic cleansing,. (Damn, I'm good! lmao!) Oh, BTW- Telling me I have my dad's DNA, is the HUGHEST compliment I have EVER received in my 50 childish years. Thanks, play-cousin. By your reaction, maybe it is you who need to "take a hike", because I AM NOT GOING ANYWHERE!!!!!!!! Just doing my best to piss off the impostors, and boy, are you guys rearing your ugly heads! It's like Mc Donald's: I'M LOVING IT! Thanks again for keeping me in the conversation, I appreciate ANY advertisement I can get, and it's people like you, who are helping brand the GODDARD name!!!
THE GHOST WHO TALKS! George "Sonny" Goddard.
Yuh "dissin" on Lord Kitchener now?
For Shame!!!
"A free and critical mind takes NOTING for granted...and seeks the TRUTH without chauvinism or shame."
Dr. Asa Hilliard.
FYI- I expect you to respond; I understand how men act when they get their little egos hurt. I will not be replying to ANY MORE personal attacks, though. Sorry.
-
1
-
2
of 2 Next