Prominent Pannist Robert Greenidge Has Died

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Pan Trinbago has paid tribute to Robert Greenidge, the renowned steelpan legend, arranger, composer, producer, recording artist, and cultural ambassador, who died in the United States on Monday.

Robert Greenidge“We honour his life, his legacy, and his immeasurable impact on the steelpan fraternity. His music and influence will continue to resonate across panyards and stages globally,” Pan Trinbago said in a statement, extending “sincere sympathy to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable journey.

Greenidge, 76, who passed away in the United States, had been ailing for a while after suffering a stroke. He was born in Success Village, Laventille, on the outskirts if the capital, and by the age of eight he was playing pan with The Savoys Steel Orchestra under the tutorship of his uncle and renowned pannist, Carl Greenidge. He later joined Desperadoes under the leadership of Rudolph Charles and the direct musical guidance of Emmanuel “Corbeau Jack” Riley.

During the 1970s, he performed pan solos on American television, appearing on such top shows as the Jackson Five Special, with King Erickson in A Man Called Sloan, on Saturday Night Live and on The Solid Gold Show. He has also featured on soundtracks for the movies “Champs” and “Brothers” and recorded many jingles for television.

One of the treasured highlights of his career was an appearance in the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland where he played alongside such famous jazz musicians as Stan Getz and Jimmy Smith.

His most successful undertaking, Just The Two Of Us, was recorded with Grover Washington and produced by Ralph McDonald.