About the Author

Andrew R. Martin, Minneapolis, Minnesota, is professor of music at Inver Hills College. His research explores the global spread of steelpan and steelbands, American music, and popular and folk music and musicians since the Cold War. Since 2011, Martin has written a semi-regular newspaper column, “Pan Worldwide,” for the Trinidad Guardian.

Reviews

Steelpan Ambassadors contains a thorough and factual history of the story of the US Navy Steel Band--arguably the most important non-Trinidadian steelband the world has ever known. It describes the emotions, trials, and tribulations of its band members as they emerged wholeheartedly into absorbing the instruments first made by Trinidadian Ellie Mannette as a means of musical expression. This book takes a deep dive into the musical repertoire and active performance schedules of the US Navy Steel Band and contains countless stories about the love, dedication, and respect these Americans had for the steelpan. As cultural ambassadors, the US Navy Steel Band became a household name as they touched the hearts of listeners all over the world. Their musical adaptations were done in an authentic Trinidadian style that had audiences of any age tapping their feet and smiling. In addition to their work in America, this book adeptly captures the influence the US Navy Steel Band had back in Trinidad where stories of the success of the band helped justify the acceptance of the steelpan as a viable instrument of labor and love that embraced the world. This book is a must-read for lovers of steelbands and for anyone interested in steelpan history.--Jeannine Remy, senior lecturer of music, Department for Creative and Festival Arts, University of the West Indies in Trinidad