World acclaimed panmaster Robert Greenidge has been at the forefront of spreading awareness and exposure of the steel pan, the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago. On Friday, Nov. 16 at 8 p.m. he will be honored by the Institute of Caribbean Studies with the 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Caribbean American Heritage Awards. The Awards Gala will be held in Washington, DC at the Capitol Hilton.
“For his worldwide awareness of Trinidad and Tobago’s finest instrument, Robert Greenidge deserves a place among the national icons of the Caribbean,” said ICS President and Founder Dr. Claire Nelson. “As we mark the milestone of Trinidad & Tobago’s 50th Independence, his selection as a 2012 honoree is a testament to the power of music and his extraordinary success at helping the world learn about this historic instrument and its role in the music field.”
After joining the world renowned Desperadoes Steel Orchestra at the age of 15, Robbie Greenidge would later rise to an auspicious career leading the orchestra to numerous National Panorama Championships. Beyond the shores of his native Trinidad and Tobago, Robbie Greenidge gained acclaim for recording and performing with international stalwarts such as Jimmy Buffet, John Lennon and Ringo Starr of the Beatles as well as contributing to the soundtracks of several movies and television shows.
Through his performances around the globe, Greenidge has brought immeasurable exposure to the steel pan. He is a musical pioneer who expanded the range of the pan instrument to musical genres beyond its Caribbean roots. Greenidge introduced the pan to traditional orchestras allowing for its consideration as a standard instrument alongside the familiar symphonic pieces. He is especially recognized for his artistic ability to fuse the instrument into the jazz and classical musical genres. His musical creativity has earned him international accolades.
“For those who have been blessed to witness any of his electrifying execution of the sweetest Caribbean melodies on the steel pan, either as an individual or band member, the CARAH Awards are the moment to express our gratitude,” said Dr. Nelson.
Join ICS and show your gratitude to this legendary steel pan pioneer on Friday, November 16, 2012. Click here to learn more about the Caribbean American Heritage Awards.
