Pelham Goddard

Pelham "Peegee" Goddard has been an instrumental presence on the evolution of West Indian music for more than two decades. A regular performer, with his band Charlie's Roots, at the annual carnival in Trinidad, Goddard has made a lasting impact as a songwriter, arranger and producer. His songs, including "The Hammer," "Dedication," "Dust In Yuh Face," "Savannah Party," "Jungle Fever," "Kalalloo" and "Calabash," have become soca and calypso classics. Since concluding a short period as an apprentice to producer and recording studio owner Clive Bradley, in 1972, Goddard has produced and arranged hit recordings by such West Indian artists as Super Blue, David Rudder, Sugar Aloes, Calypso Rose and Singing Francine. Playing piano from the age of nine, Goddard learned to read music via a correspondence course from the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Launching his professional career, in 1967, as organist for the Peter De Vlugt Orchestra, he joined the Starlight Steel Orchestra the following year. In 1972, Goddard became a member of the Esquires Orchestra. In 1976, Goddard formed his own group, Charlie's Roots, as a studio band for K.H. Studios. In addition to recording numerous radio and television jingles, the group accompanied many of the West Indies leading artists. Related Artists: Charlie's Roots, Super Blue, David Rudder, Sugar Aloes, Calypso Rose and Singing Francine. ~ Craig Harris