Mikey Reynold Enoch

In 1962, Mikey Enoch migrated to the USA, playing and learning from the famous Ellie Mannette, etc. Having perfected his craft as a professional steelband tuner, player and arranger, Enoch's talents took him to countries such as Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and all over the United States. He was instrumental in forming Despers USA and was one of the best known tuners in the USA.

At the age of 17, Mikey finally transformed into a soon-to-be-great steel pan musician. He first started playing tenor, but a year later he vastly became acquainted with the second, cello, guitar and bass. As if not satisfied, he ventured out into tuning and arranging for several bands in Trinidad to name a few: Savoys, Mexitone, Kintups.

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“A little history of Mikey Enouch. Long before Mikey became an established tuner in New York, he was a member of Chase Manhattan Savoys. He tuned and even arranged a few songs. he lived in Carenage at the time. While in New York I would spend time with him every Labour day weekend. Great talent. RIP my friend.”  Martin Albino

“....Mikey built my DBL TENOR which is still going strong.”  Paddy Corea

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Obituary

Mikey Reynold Enoch was born on February 7, 1939 to the parents of the late Joseph Enoch and Martha Wiltshire Enoch in the village of Tunapuna, Trinidad, West Indies. He departed this life on September 9, 2002 at Calvary Hospital in Brooklyn, NY.

Mikey attended both Tunapuna R.C. and E.C. schools. At an early age, he attended the Anglican Church of Tunapuna, Trinidad, West Indies. Having finished school at the age of 16, he did his internship in carpentry and was a very skilled craftsman, but his true love was becoming a musician.

At the age of 17, Mikey finally transformed into a soon to be great steel pan musician. He first started playing tenor, but a year later he vastly became acquainted with the second, cello, guitar and bass. As if not satisfied, he ventured out into tuning and arranging for several bands in Trinidad to name a few: Savoys, Mexitone, Kintups. He was the first to tune the stainless steel tenor pan which was demonstrated by Professor Harvey Price of Delaware University in France and Germany in April 2002. Apparently he read or heard Marcus Garvey “Up you mighty people. You can accomplish what you will.”

In 1962, he migrated to the USA, playing and learning from the famous Ellie Mannette, etc. Having perfected his craft as a professional steel band tuner, player and arranger, his talents took him to countries such as Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and all over the United States. He was instrumental in forming Despers USA and was one of the best known tuners in the USA. God took him from his labor, but he’ll continue to make beautiful music in the great beyond.

On May 25, 1977, Mikey joined in holy matrimony to Lucretta Deas Enoch. To this union three children were born.

His survivors include his loving wife, Lucretta Enoch; his children, Elry, Joseph and Glorinda Enoch all of Georgetown, South Carolina; two brothers, Herbert D. Enoch of Laurelton, NY, Winston Enoch of Trinidad and Tobago; three sisters, Elsie E. Licorish, Una Enoch and Earlene Denny all of Trinidad. He also leaves a host of nieces, grandnieces, nephews, grandnephews, relatives and friends.