'Wire,' January 2018

MILTON   LISLE   JOSEPH   AUSTIN DATE OF BIRTH: ..., 1940 PLACE OF BIRTH: San Fernando, Trinidad EDUCATION: ...... STEELBANDS: Lil Carib Trinidad Maestros Fonclaire SPECIALTIES: Player Arranger CAREER:                                 Austin lived on Claire Street, San Fernando, and, between 1950 and 1963, learned to play pan, first in Lil Carib on Carib Street, and then Trinidad Maestros on Skinner Street, Mon Repos. Both bands were small and comprised about 15 members. In June 1965, Austin became more involved with playing the steelpan and would go on to become a founding member of the Fonclaire Steel Orchestra, later becoming its captain, teacher, arranger and manager. Ken "Professor" Philmore, who was also a Fonclaire member, cited "Wire" as his musical influence. DIED: January 20, 2020, at his home in Pleasantville, San Fernando, after ailing from respiratory problems. Compiled by Ronald C. Emrit