David Rudder

David Rudder is one of the top calypsonians of all time. In 1977 he joined Charlie's Roots, one of the top bands in Trinidad and Tobago. He spent many years as one of the vocalists with the band. In 1986 he burst into prominence with his album The Hammer which produced two big hits, The Hammer (a tribute to the late pannist Rudolph Charles) and Bahia Girl. This was followed in 1987 with Calypso Music, a brilliant encapsulation of the history of calypso. In 1988 Rudder released his best album to date, Haiti, which included the title track, a tribute to the glory and suffering of Haiti; Engine Room, which captured the energy of the steel band; and “Rally ’Round the West Indies,” which became the anthem of West Indies cricket.