PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – David Michael Rudder, hailed as modern calypso’s most innovative songwriter, received the Key to the City of Port of Spain, during a ceremony at City Hall on Tuesday conducted by Mayor Joel Martinez.
Rudder who was born in Port of Spain, lives in Toronto.
In bestowing the honour, Mayor Martinez thanked Rudder for “his sterling contribution to our music and cultural industry.”
He said that Rudder “has demonstrated patriotism, vision and pride” and is “a great performer who is deserving of the Key to the City.
“You are indeed an icon, champion, cultural ambassador and a living legend. You are an invaluable fit to the society and the nation of Trinidad and Tobago,” the mayor told the international artiste.
Rudder has won the Trinidad calypso monarch and young king titles. He has also won the Road March at the Trinidad Carnival with Bahia Girl.
In the Warner Brothers movie Wild Orchard, he sang Dark Secrets with Brazilian artiste Margareth Menzes and his music is also featured on the soundtracks of several other movies.
Rudder is currently in Trinidad preparing for his 6.5 concert on the weekend.
The concert is a celebration of Rudder’s 65th birthday which falls on Sunday, and half a century in the music business.
On June 9, the 6.5 concert will move to Toronto’s Sony Centre.