Mr. Rudolph Charles, aka Charlo, Trail, The General and The Hammer was honoured by the Head of State of Trinidad and Tobago, President Anthony Carmora. The ceremony took place in St Ann's, Port of Spain on August 31st 2014, which was the 52nd anniversary of Trinidad and Tobago's Independence.
Mr. Charles was awarded with the Chaconia Silver Medal, 29 years after his passing in 1985. His medal was received by his brother, Mr. Kenneth "KC" Charles.
"Charlo" was first a member of the teenage panside, Spike Jones from Ovid Alley, off Laventille Road, before joining Desperadoes in 1959 and he soon rose to captain in 1961. Mr. Charles' leadership and vision took Desperadoes from a Steelband to become one of the top Steel Orchestra in the world.
Mr. Rudolph Charles is the only Pan Manager to lead his Orchestra to 10 various victories from 1965 through 1985, i.e, 6-Panoramas, 2-Classicals, 1-Best Bomb and 1-Best Playing Orchestra.
"Charlo" is also responsible for the chroming of pans, designing his canopies to harvest sound and brainstorming The Quadraphonic, 4-Pan, 6-Pan, 9-Bass and 12-Bass.
Comments
The Humming Bird or the Chaconia or create a new medal for the Arts.... any one of these medals should be awarded to Mr. Rudolph Charles. Let's honour our own innovative men and women with medals they have successfully earned. Our own deserve the best! Mr. Charles deserves the highest recognition for his creativity, his contribution to pan and the world's recognition and acceptance of this beautiful instrument and music.
Mr. Charles, R.I.P.
A distinct innovator,controversial but colourful General in the field.
Should have been awarded a higher recognition ( my opinion)
R.I.P. Rudolph ....you more than did your part.
Salah