"The Hammer"

RUDOLPH   CHARLES DATE OF BIRTH: October 1, 1938 PLACE OF BIRTH: Laventille, Trinidad EDUCATION: ....... CAREER:                                       Charles was the bandleader and tuner of the Desperadoes Steel Orchestra from 1961 until his death. He was instrumental in changing the band's name from "Gay Desperadoes" to "Desperadoes," and was the inventor of the 9-bass, the rocket pan, the 12-bass, the quadraphonic pan, and the triple second with foot bass. He was known as a steelband activist and was generally credited with leading the boycott of the 1979 Panorama competition as part of his fight for higher recognition of panmen. He led Desperadoes to 10 victories from 1965 to 1985, winning 6 Panorama titles, 2 Classical Music Festivals, 1 Best Bomb and 1-Best Playing Steel Orchestra. DIED: March 29, 1985 Compiled by Ronald C. Emrit