Trinidadian jazz pianist Russell “Russ” Henderson was a leading figure in the steelband movement in Britain who helped set up the Notting Hill Carnival. Born Russell Audley Ferdinand Henderson in Belmont in 1924 to Arnott, an accountant, and Evelyn, he learned to play the piano by mimicking his two older sisters. In 1948 his quartet won an island-wide musical contest. In 1951, Henderson moved to Britain with an intention to train as a piano-tuner but he ended up playing the piano in Soho dives. Adept in an array of instruments, he fused jazz with calypso; steelbands with piano sets. His piano style was distinctive. Henderson took to the steelpan after the Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra (TASPO) took the UK by storm in 1951. Before long, he formed a nightclub trio with two fellow Trinidadians, Sterling Betancourt and Max Cherrie, and by 1952, they introduced Trinidadian steelpans into their act. Henderson played the piano for the calypsonian Lord Kitchener on records, accompanied the singer George Browne (Young Tiger) in cabaret, and was embraced by a prewar generation of Caribbean and African musicians. When the trio performed for a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace, they made history as the first steelband to play for royalty. Henderson also lectured on the steelpan in schools and at the Commonwealth Institute in London. He organised workshops and larger percussion ensembles, while remaining in demand for social functions. He travelled regularly to Europe and, latterly, divided his time between London and Spain, returning to Trinidad each year for carnival. In 2006, Henderson was appointed MBE for services to music. In 2012, he was immortalised, while still living, with a plaque on Tavistock Square, where his contribution to the carnival was recognised. Born January 7, 1924, Henderson died August 18, 2015. Repost from @dominickalipersad Sources: •https://www.wakingthedead.org/russ-henderson.html •https://www.panpodium.com/russell-russ-henderson • #russhenderson #jazzmusician #panman #tttalent #tthistory #vintagetrinidad #soca2021 #carnival #socality #trinidad #soca #trinidadandtobago #carnivalcruise https://www.instagram.com/p/CL17iG0JVey/?igshid=w55nr6sjnunx
