The Honourable David Rudder OCC | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | David Michael Rudder |
| Born | 6 May 1953 |
| Origin | Belmont, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago |
| Genres | Calypso, soca |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, singer, producer, song-writer |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1977–present |
| Labels | Sire/Warner Bros. Records (1986–90) |
| Website | www.davidmichaelrudder.com |
The Honourable David Michael Rudder OCC (born 6 May 1953) is a Trinidadian calypsonian, known to be one of the most successful calypsonians of all time. He performed as lead singer for the brass band Charlie's Roots.[1] Nine years later, Rudder stepped outside the band, entering the calypso tent as a solo calypsonian in 1986, which was followed by an unprecedented rise to fame.[2]
"Almost overnight he became a national hero of the order of Marley in Jamaica, Fela in Nigeria and Springsteen in New Jersey," wrote Daisann McClane, American journalist and Worldbeat correspondent for Rolling Stone magazine.[3]
Rudder's music quickly became the subject of music critics around the world: "From New York to London to Tokyo, where the Japanese have released a CD of Rudder's greatest hits complete with lyrics translated into Japanese, Rudder has been described as modern calypso's most innovative songwriter."[2]