Robert Greenidge grew up in the heart of the Caribbean, on the Island of Trinidad. He started playing steel drums when he was 8 years old. "My uncle Carl was a steel drum player, and made them as well, so it's a family legacy."
Robert Greenidge has become one of the most successful steel drum players in the world. He has toured with Taj Mahal, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Harry Nilsson, and Brian Wilson, among others.
Jimmy Buffett met Robert Greenidge through a mutual friend during the recording of One Particular Harbour. Jimmy wanted a good steel drum player and it just so happened Robert lived in Los Angeles where they were recording. Robert went to the studio, played on two songs, "One Particular Harbour" and "Brown Eyed Girl," and has been with Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band ever since.
A hero in his homeland, Robert Greenidge is the musical director of the legendary steel band, The Desperadoes, and he returns home to Trinidad each year to play in the Carnival celebration with them. He has also done underscoring and soundtracks for many movies.
While traveling on the road together, Robert Greenidge and Mike Utley formed their own band and recorded their first solo album in 1984 titled Mad Music, which was followed by three more: Jubilee Heat, Club Trini, and Club Trini - Back in Town.
Their latest album, Late Night Menu - Club Trini Live at the Margaritaville Café is scheduled to be released in the near future. Rumor has it that a special guest artist will be joining them
Factoid: Robert Greenidge plays steel drum on John Lennon's 1980 album 'Double Fantasy'.