DAVID RUDDER

KING OF CALYPSO

David Rudder was born in Belmont, Trinidad on May 6,1953. One of nine children, he spent much of his early childhood with his grandmother, a spiritual Baptist, growing up near a pan yard and a Shango yard, in a neighborhood where boys dreamed of being entertainers. Rudder began singing at the age of 11 with a group called The Solutions. In 1977, he joined the brass band Charlie's Roots and began charting his musical career.

The history of calypso music will undoubtedly document the talented works of one of its most creative singer/songwriters ever. David Rudder has made an indelible mark on the music industry, and along the way earned the respect of his peers. His songs have been described as prophetic, in-depth, charismatic, electric and immortal.

It's hard to remember when calypso had seen more excitement and popularity than the day David Michael Rudder stepped beyond his role as lead singer for the brass band Charlie's Roots and entered the calypso arena as a solo artist. Breaking traditional barriers, defying the odds, eluding expectations of failure by established critics, Rudder charted a course to international fame for others to follow.

Already crowned King of Calypso in Trinidad's annual hotly contested series of calypso competitions, David entered the Calypso Monarch Arena in 1986 with The Hammer and Bahia Girl winning every award that year.

The Hammer contained the two songs which skyrocketed his career, propelling him into the international spotlight. The Hammer is a story of the deceased Trinidadian pannist Rudolph Charles; and Bahia Girl, talks of a girl from Brazil who brought the message of a common musical heritage to a Trinidadian.

Rudder is respected not only for talent but for his clean image. He uses his own name, does not drink alcohol and rarely fraternizes with the other Calypsonians. Rudder spends much of his spare time reading or relaxing with his sons, Khafra and Isaac, who join him regularly on stage.

He is the first of the new generation of Calypsonians and has opened up a whole new way to write, sing, feel and see. His music transcends culture, race and class. You don't have to be from Trinidad to feel the power and the integrity in it.

David Rudder continues to thrill the world with his vibrant songs filled with strong positive messages and culture. His 2003 hit “Trini to De Bone” has become an anthem to Trinidadians and has caught the ears of many others.

King Rudder, with the true outlook of a king, has dominated his style of Calypso and has given sweet sounds to music lovers everywhere.

By Melissa Hunte