PanMaster Robert Greenidge
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Robert I am so proud of you and your achievements thus far. My only wish is that more people would recognize your contribution to the Steel Drums and how much you promote our National Instrument internationally. I always say that I am honoured to have met you and to be your friend/adopted sister. Keep up the work.
Good interview Robert, Are you scheduled to perform in the Miami area any time soon?
Robert's interview interested me for a few reasons; first we are both from Success Village Laventille and second our mutual interest in our national treasure, the pan. I believe that all of the residents of the area would be proud of his articulating skills and knowledge of his subject matter. Incidentally we were both mentored by his uncle who has never been given enough credit for his contribution to the art form, "Carl Greenidge." I became interested in the steel band through another pioneer '' Sonny Thirteen " , who approached me to assist with some arrangements for the Savoys band, as by this time I was arranging for a popular band Norman Tex Williams. Robert from a very early age would visit the yard always displaying an interest in music. As we know the rest is history.Keep up the great work my friend, Aldwin Albino
Robert Greenidge was born in Success Village, Laventille, Trinidad, West Indies. He began playing under the direction of his uncle, Carl Greenidge, a renowned arranger and tuner. At eight he joined the Savoy Steel Orchestra where he was taught scales and chords on a blackboard. Since he possessed an ear for playing all types of compositions, he was recruited by The Desperadoes Steel Orchestra at 18. Under the musical guidance of Rudolph Charles, the bands leader, and the great Emmanuel "Corbeau Jack" Riley, Greenidge's solid performing skills were shaped.
At 17 he performed at the First Negro Arts Festival in Africa, the next year, 1967, at the Montreal Exposition in Canada, followed by tours of London, Zambia, and New York in 1968. In 1970 he represented Trinidad & Tobago as a soloist and member of the Trinidad National Steel Orchestra. In 1971 he mastered composing and arranging at the Third Street Musical Conservatory in New York.