Grammy Award Winning - Trinidad Tripoli
Steel Band
The Trinidad Tripoli Steel Band is a family group that plays a
repertoire of music that ranges from classical to rock and roll –
using oil drums. This feat has astounded audiences not only because
of the unusual use of oil drums as instruments, but also because of
the group’s artistic versatility in playing modern, classical,
reggae and Calypso music.
During post-World War II days, natives of Trinidad discovered that
abandoned oil drums could be used for playing musical tunes. The
original band was formed several decades ago, and has grown into an
organization that has played for "sophisticated" audiences at the
Rockefeller Plaza, Central Park, and Lincoln Center Mall, among many
others. In 1972, the group won a Grammy award for their gold album "Liberace
Presents." Over the years, the group has achieved a number of career
highlights including; an 18-month engagement as an attraction at
Expo ’67; two command performances for the Queen of England; a
two-year tour with pianist Liberace; a one-year tour with Sergio
Franchi. Major television appearances including the Ed Sullivan
Show, the Mike Douglas Show, The Tonight Show and the Merv Griffin
Show.
Hugh received the Gold Medal of Merit from President Ronald Reagan
for his contribution to Steel Drum Music in American. In 1995 Hugh
was inducted into the Music Hall of Fame in Trinidad and Tobago and
is a member of the Motown Music Hall of Fame.
