David Rudder, born in 1953 in Trinidad and Tobago, is a legendary calypsonian and songwriter hailed as one of the most influential figures in contemporary calypso music. Rising to prominence in the 1980s, Rudder brought a fresh, poetic, and socially conscious approach to the genre with his distinctive voice and innovative compositions. Hits like "The Hammer," "Calypso Music," "Rally Round the West Indies," and "High Mas" captured the spirit of Trinidadian culture and resonated across the Caribbean and beyond. Rudder’s work often explores themes of identity, politics, and social justice, reflecting his deep connection to the history and culture of his homeland. With multiple Calypso Monarch and Road March titles to his name, Rudder remains a beloved and revered artist whose contributions have profoundly shaped the evolution of calypso and world music.