David Rudder Celebrates 65th Birthday With Showers Of Blessings

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, May 11, 2018: Scores of calypso lovers converged Under the Trees of Hotel Normandie on Saturday, to bear witness to Calypso Icon, David Rudder, as he brought in his 65th birthday at his celebratory concert, Rudder 6.5.

The concert got off to smooth start with soulful songstress, Marge Blackman and her band Jamoo as she delivered her 2018 release, “Be”.

Rudder 6.5 not only served as a reminder that the 1986 Calypso Monarch can still send party-goers into mass hysteria but also paid homage to his spiritual Baptist upbringing. There was an abundance of rhythm and vibes as Rudder took patrons on a trip down memory lane.

At the end of his 1988 release, Haiti I’m Sorry, a downpour of rain descended upon venue, prompting Rudder to admit that each time he delivers the Pelham Goddard arranged tune, the rain falls. However, despite the intermittent showers that continued for the rest of the night, concert-goers stayed glued to their seats fixated on Rudder as he continued along his musical journey, often prompting crowd responses such as, “Sing it, David!”

The concert, partly sponsored by Republic Bank, featured Jeremy Ledbetter on the melodica and soca break-out star, Turner, who energised the eclectic crowd with his repertoire before thanking Rudder for creating a space for young artists to flourish.

The iconic calypsonian who was awarded the Key to the City, last Tuesday, was gifted a birthday cake by the Kiss Baking Company, after which he jokingly jabbed, “It’s [birthday] actually tomorrow but since I have the keys I could open it anytime.”

Rudder 6.5 gave patrons a glimpse into the world of David Rudder, chronicling the birth of the red, white and black where the lines between love, pride and loss are defined. The event was well attended by adoring fans; members of the local music industry; Port of Spain Mayor, Joel Martinez; and Republic Bank’s Executive Director, Derwin Howell.