As the longest reigning steel band leader in the world, Hugh Borde began leading the Trinidad Tripoli Steel Band in 1951.  Credit him with giving the art of steel band playing world credibility from its very modest  beginnings.  In fact, in 1945 he was responsible for organizing the first sponsored steel band named Hells Kitchen.  In those early troubled formative times in the history of the steel band, Hugh was appointed by the late Dr Eric Williams on a committee to prevent steel band rioting, and this resulted in the formation of the National Steel Band of Trinidad and Tobago.  He took this band on international tours to Canada, the US, Jamaica and other Caribbean islands.  Moreover, in 1964 the National steel Band of 44 members toured England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.  In 1967, Mr Borde led the Tripoli band to Expo 67 in Montreal and in a unique twist of fate was the first Steelband to perform at Caribana 1967.  His credits include the winner of the Gold medal of Merit of the USA, induction into the Hall of Fame at the Caribbean Award in New York and lecturer at numerous colleges and universities and currently founder of the Pan Pioneers Day.  He is truly an icon in the world of steel band music