Russell Henderson MBE (1924-2015)

A Trinidadian-born jazz musician who became a central figure in British Caribbean culture. He is widely credited as one of the founding figures of the Notting Hill Carnival. In 1966, he led his steel band in an impromptu street procession that transformed a local community festival into the world-famous event it is today.

‘In April 1964, Russell’s band was invited by Rhaune Laslett to play steel drums at her annual children’s event on Tavistock Road, W11. Russell’s steel band were met with rapturous applause and an encore was requested, it was at this point Russell decided to really give his audience a taste of Trinidad and as all the Steel pans were fastened around the necks of each player it allowed them to be mobile whilst they played. So they started to walk, in time with the beat. Everyone involved with the event were in a conga line behind the steel band who led them down the streets between Tavistock Crescent and Portobello Road. The general public who heard the music, saw the small parade, joined in and there were even people coming out of their houses to join in the parade/impromptu street party.’