Joe Tudor Foundation to recognise cultural artistes

The family of the late Joe Tudor is at the forefront of the establishment of the Joe Tudor Cultural Foundation as a commemoration of the centenary of the legendary cultural artiste’s birth. Joe Tudor who passed away on December 22, 1970, was born on February 21, 1922.

Joe Tudor became synonymous with the cable radio company Rediffusion the forerunner of Starcom radio as he hosted a Talent Show called ‘Flying High’ which unearthed much local talent.

In the 1960’s he hosted the extremely popular programme ‘Let’s go somewhere with Joe Tudor’ where he visited various parts of the island and chatted with the people.

Joe was a multi-talented entertainer and endeared himself to radio audiences, especially children with his performances on Children’s Party from 1958, on which he doubled as ‘Uncle Joe’ and as ‘Denis’, a charming but mischievous little boy who was always in trouble with ‘Auntie Doris’ and ‘Aunty Olga’ and Keith Campbell, three other radio personalities.

Outside Rediffusion he performed for primary school children at Community Centres and at shows at Kensington Oval.

His abundant talent shone forth brightest as an impresario, promoting live shows at the Globe Cinema, featuring a wide array of international artistes.

He almost invariably acted as Master of Ceremonies-cum-comedian on these shows.

He was a key figure in the development and promotion of shows featuring Mighty Charmer and Mike Wilkinson, calypsonians; Norma Stoute, a ballad singer and later her brother Richard Stoute; the Merrymen, Lord Radio and the Bimshire Boys, Jackie Opel, Fern Trail; Madame Yvette, the belly dancer, Rudy Boyce and Clifton Glasgow.

The Joe Tudor Cultural Foundation will focus on highlighting the achievement of cultural artistes and the Tudor family is currently exploring ways of memorialising great cultural artistes who have passed in addition to those still alive.

Outreach will also be made to the Barbadian diaspora. (PR)