The steelpan or steel drum is a melodic, chromatic musical instrument created from a 55 gallon oil drum. Trinidad's gift to the world! The instrument is referred to as a "steelpan" in the Caribbean and often called simply a "steel drum" by Americans.
The History
The steelpan was born in the Caribbean Island of Trinidad around the 1930's. African descendants, as a form of musical expression, started pounding out rhythms and harmonies on various pieces of metal. Traditional African skin drums were forbidden in Trinidad at this time and the tamboo bamboo bands were soon outlawed so they were searching for innovative ways of making music to accompany the people's songs and dances at carnival time.
Many people believe that the steelpan is the only acoustic musical instrument invented in the 20th century, however HermanWinterhoff, of the Leedy Manufacturing Company, invented the early vibraphone around 1920 and the J.C. Deagan company also came out with a similar instrument the "vibraharp+" a few years later. The steelpan is in my opinion however, the most significant acoustic musical instrument invented in the 20th century and possibly the only "family" of instruments invented in the 20th century.
The history of steelpan goes hand in hand with the rich and deep cultural history of trinidad. It is far more involved than I have time to mention at this moment. In a nutshell, many people with through great political struggles and personal pains to get this instrument to the level it is at today. For this, myself and the world will be forever grateful.
