Caribbean Entertainment Hub joins the national community of Trinidad & Tobago, as well as the worldwide steelpan fraternity to mourn the untimely passing of legendary pannist, Ken “Professor” Philmore.
Philmore, who was 58 years old, died at the Intensive Care Unit of the San Fernando General Hospital on Sunday September 30th, 2018; he was an ace pannist, steelpan arranger and composer.

Ken “Professor” Philmore who became a beloved son of South Trinidad, began to hone his skills on the national instrument at a very early age and went on to establish himself as one of the premiere names in pan. In 1988 he took his talent abroad and performed with Tina Turner and Lionel Hampton in New York and in 1989 he received a special award for his contribution to music in New York City by then Mayor, Edward Irving Koch.

The “Professor” captivated audiences with his wizardry at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York, the Royal Albert Hall in London and the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. International artistes who Philmore accompanied included jazz greats like: Sarah Vaughn, George Benson, Bob James and George Howard; and pop super stars like: Mariah Carey and Freddie Jackson. Ken was also invited by Mercer Ellington to join the acclaimed Duke Ellington Orchestra for their tours to Europe and North America. Thus, he has long been described as a pannist of today and tomorrow.

According to his wife, Sophia, via Facebook, he died at approximately 9.30 in the morning, following injuries he sustained in an accident on the Republic Day holiday, along the north bound lane of the Solomon Hochoy Highway near Claxton Bay.
Police told local media that Philmore sustained broken ribs and his lungs had collapsed during the accident.

As news of his passing spread, fans and supporters were no doubt in shock, even the country’s Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley. In an official statement Dr. Rowley expressed condolences to the family and friends of Philmore, as well as to the worldwide steelpan fraternity. Dr. Rowley praised Philmore saying that as a self-taught musician he demonstrated a continuous dedication to his craft, which solidified him as an incomparable talent. Meanwhile, the Mayor of San Fernando, Junia Regrello, said Philmore’s passing was a big loss to the pan fraternity, adding that he represented San Fernando with pride.

Philmore’s early introduction to pan came through his family. He then played with Hatters, then with Kalomo Kings in 1977 and Gay Hoytonians before settling with Fonclaire Steel Orchestra in 1981.
He also assisted Fonclaire in reaching a joint 6th place with his arrangement of Pan in A Minor.His association with Fonclaire enabled the band to be joint winners in 1988 with Deltones and for the next four years, winners of the South Zone of Panorama.
He also began composing tunes for Panorama; Pan By Storm (1990), Pan Ecstasy (1991) and Pan in the Party (1992). During the years 1989, 1990 and 1991, his arrangements placed second each year in Panorama with his band Fonclaire.
In 1989 Philmore was honoured by Pan Trinbago, as the most outstanding musical arranger for that year. In 1996 he received commendation from Pan Trinbago as one of the most promising arrangers.
As a nation began to come to terms will the passing of their august son. Plains for the celebration of his life are solemnly being made. Ken “Professor” Philmore will surely be missed by the entertainment community in Trinidad and Tobago and beyond for his sound in steel.
By: A. Felecia Valenzuela