Ken Professor Philmore

Ken Philmore one of the premier steel-pan soloists in the world, was born in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the birthplace of “The Steel Pan”- the only musical instrument invented in the twentieth century. His fascination with the steel pan began when he was only four years old.
In 1989, Professor was honored as the most outstanding musical arranger by the ruling steel pan association, Pan Trinbago. In New York, he received a special award for his contribution to music by then Mayor Koch. Following his successes in Los Angeles and numerous standing ovations at Madison Square Garden in New York, Professor was invited by Mercer Ellington to join the prestigious Duke Ellington Orchestra for their tours to Europe and North America. On their album, “Music is My Mistress”, Ken was featured soloist on the selection “Queenie Pie Reggae”. Outstanding live performances continued unabated - Washington DC Pan Jazz Festival, St. Croix Jazz Festival, Atlanta Jazz Festival, Barbados Jazz Festivals, Tobago Jazz Festivals, Guyana Music Festival, Boston Symphony Hall and August 2012, Joy Of Jazz Festival South Africa.
Ken was privileged to be the first Trinidadian and Tobago artist to be featured on B.E.T. Jazz Central, where Vanessa Rubin and the legendary Lou Rawls interviewed him. The “Professor” is now a musical giant in his homeland, the US and Europe. Apart from Trinidad and Tobago, he currently arranges music for steel bands in New York and the United Kingdom. Young pannists and arrangers try to imitate his style. His impact on the pan has been nothing short of phenomenal and there are audiences yet to be exposed to his unique combination of dexterity and soothing runs on his “steel piano”, as he calls it.

[@garypanjazzproductionsledo9655]

Cool dude R.I.P.

[@blackhairjiminwrecksme5771]

i got to meet him it was so fun at my camp

[@janiceramsey6199]

Gone but not forgotten...rest in power, my talented brother.

[@helenprescott8268]

Play on in heaven Professor.......

[@himkent16]

I was one of students that had the honour to be taught by pro in Pleasantville senior school in 1982 to 1984. RIP PRO

[@CaribNation]

[@sassytrini]

You will be missed!!!!!!!!!😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@CarnivalVillage]

R.I.P my brother... #CultureLivesHere Ken Professor Philmore 1959 -2018

[@margarettam5670]

Such very sad news. Thank you for the years of enjoyment you have given to the world. Rest in Peace.

[@republiccooper]

Rest in peace, Professor Philmore.

[@SocaPhD]

RIP my steelpan brother!

[@Trini-T14]

R.I.P Professor.🇹🇹

[@mellymolli]

May your soul rest in eternal peace, Pro. Gone too soon... :(

[@CaribNation]