Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - “Pro” and I first hooked up to do a recording when he was the featured panist on the song “Soca Pan” from my first EP in 1984 entitled ‘My Burnin Desire’. We would play clubs and showcases in NYC in places like Irving Plaza, SOBs and Dancerteria with my band. It was always pure joy having him play with us because of the energy, skill and professionalism he brought to the mix.
One Sunday morning in the fall of 1989, I got a call from George Victory and Pro inviting me to come down to the studio to record this song they were doing for panorama 1990. I got to the studio and Frankie McIntosh was laying the down the keyboards, Pro was so excited because I believe it was the first single, his own composition, he was doing for carnival.
Ken ‘Professor’ Philmore, Cro Cro, Superblue
and “Keet
Styla” backstage at the Theatre in Madison Square Garden 1992
He and George took me out in the lobby and sang the first verse and chorus of the song then I went into the vocal booth at the platinum factory and cut the track “Pan By Storm.”
We have lost a giant of a showman, a true ambassador of the steeldrum, a man who has touched the hearts of so many with the love and passion he played the instrument. I would love to see a scholarship, cultural center, street named in his honour because he made people all over the world love Pan more and more each time he played the notes on the drum.
Thanks for the music and memories my brother as your spirit takes flight into this continuous journey of life.
My condolences goes out to his wife Sophia and family.
Peace, Love and Light
Keet Styla FKA Designer - Composer, Performing Artist
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