You may not realize it, but every time you see Jimmy Buffett take the stage for a concert, you are also getting the privilege of seeing one of the most successful steel drum players in the world. A long time veteran of Jimmy Buffett's “Coral Reefer Band,” Robert Greenidge has been giving Mr. Buffett the right amount of steel drum for his Trop Rock style music since the early 80’s.

Composer, steel drum player and recording artist Robert Greenidge grew up in the Caribbean, on the tiny island of Trinidad. Raised on the sounds of the steel drum, he has become one of the pre-eminent pan players in the world. His first lesson came from his uncle, a renowned arranger, steel drum player and tuner. His uncle also made the drums as well, so it soon became a family legacy. Greenidge started playing steel drums when he was 8 years old and was recruited at the age of 15 by Trinidad’s leading steel orchestra "Desperadoes."

In the early 70’s Robert migrated to the US where he studied and played music. In 1974 he settled in Los Angeles, California and gained many recording contracts and toured with various well known acts such as Earth Wind and Fire, Harry Nilsson, John Lennon, Taj Mahal, Brian Wilson and Ringo Starr…just to name a few.

In 1983 Greenidge met Jimmy Buffett through a mutual friend during the recording of his album “One Particular Harbour.” Jimmy was looking for a good steel pan player and he was in luck! Robert played on two songs, "One Particular Harbour" and "Brown Eyed Girl." They began touring shortly after to promote the album and he has been performing and recording with Jimmy Buffett and the "Coral Reefer Band" ever since.

Robert also teamed up with long time “Coral Reefer” bandmate and keyboardist Michael Utley to form Club Trini. Their special blend of keyboard and steel pans makes the audience feel like they are on a beach, no matter where they are. While on the road together in 1984, they recorded their first album “Mad Music" and produced 2 additional albums before they released their first CD, "Club Trini” in 1986.
"Back in Town" and "Margaritaville Café Late Night Live" were later releases by Club Trini.

Whether he's performing solo, with Michael Utley in Club Trini, accompanying Jimmy Buffett or with the Desperados, Greenidge's mastery of the pan continues to capture the imagination of fans throughout the world. So the next time you are in the crowd at a Buffett concert, pay special attention to the steel pan music of Robert Greenidge and consider yourself lucky to be able to take part in this musical celebration!

SOME OF ROBERT’S PRESTIGEOUS PROJECTS:

MOVIE SOUND TRACKS:
Brothers
Champ
Clara's Heart
Commando
Working Girl
Hard to Kill
Sister Kate
48 Hours
Cool Runnings
Jamaican Bob Sled

TELEVISION SHOWS:
Jackson Five Special
Solid Gold with Stephen Bishop
Saturday Night Live
Love Boat
Fall Guy
Dynasty
Arsenio Hall
Fantasy Island
Tonight Show with Johnny Carson & Jay Leno

SOLOIST FOR COMMERCIALS:
McDonald's
7-Up
Corona Beer

ALBUMS - SOLOIST:
John Lennon - Double Fantasy
Ringo Starr - Rotogrove
Grover Washington - Wine Light
Taj Mahal - Live to Disc
Ralph McDonald - Counter Point
Barry Manilow
Earth Wind & Fire - Power Light
Desperadoes Steel Orchestra: Steel Band Fiesta and more
Jimmy Buffett's: One Particular Harbor, Last Mango in Paris, The Blonde Stranger, Floridays' 'Feeding Frenzy, Barometer Soup, Off to See the Lizard , Fruitcakes, Hot Water, King of Somewhere Hot
…and many, many more!