Gregory Gill - Steelpan Musician Extraordinaire - Founder of the Nightingales Steel Band.

Jun 10

Jun 10 Gregory Gill - Steelpan Musician Extraordinaire - Founder of the Nightingales Steel Band.

Gregory Gill was born in St. Andrew’s Grenada on 14th November 1937.

When he left school he obtained a Teaching Apprenticeship and went on to learn the skills and knowledge of the building trade with a family friend. He would always proudly recount how he worked on many building projects in Grenada - some of which are still standing strong.

At the age of 10 Gregory began his steel pan journey learning the art form which would later become the pinnacle of his life. He lived for the sweet sound of the steelpan. In 1957 he was invited by a friend to come by ship to England, With his steelpan in hand, he left the island leaving behind his mother Irika and his siblings Winston, Desmond, Helen, Uline, and ‘Leno’.

Arriving in the UK he quickly realised he needed to be confident in a skilled trade and embarked on a Plumbing course to improve his employment opportunities and show off his pass certificates and new skills. He quickly gained employment as a Plumber and later as a Gas Fitter jobs that took him around London’s Hyde Park, Notting Hill and Kensington amongst other areas.

Gregory loved to sing and had a unique voice. He also loved to dance and perform; and with his musical friends they founded their first band “The Nightingales”. As the gigs streamed in, their popularity grew and they became well known within various circles. They had even performed as a warm up act for the Rolling Stones!

As time went on the band disbanded and rebranded several times... but always kept a steady stream of gigs that also took them to international destinations. In the 70’s Gregory and the band took to the streets of Notting Hill Carnival playing live music on a float with steelpan, bass guitar, and drums from Shepherd’s Bush and back.

He never missed the Notting Hhll Carnival and was well known amongst the Steelpan World. If you could play pan he would be joyous and if the Art of Steelpan was an Olympic Sport he would be proud to compete every time.

Later on in his life he would perform with his steelpan and sing at Weddings, Funerals, Church and social functions. Gregory had many talents, these included a love of Art and Music and could also play the piano and the guitar. He was always a helping hand to his friends and would often give a younger person the opportunity to learn the aspects of the building trade.

He loved to help and support his friends wherever he could. In later life he spoke only about Grenada politics and would trail off in that direction with every opportunity. You would often find him riding his bike in the community around White City, Shepherd’s Bush, Hammersmith, Ladbroke Grove.

And when asked how he was he would either respond ‘Ah dere’ or ‘Pork is Pork, Beef is Beef’ A very laid back man he was humble and always had a kind word to say.

Sadly he passed away two days before his 86 birthday on 12th November 2023.

Gregory’s parting goodbye would always be either ‘ One Love, or Peace and Love’. His pan legacy and love for the instrument continues through his grandson Dontony.