MILTON ‘Squeeze’ LYONS Pan Player, Arranger, Pan Tuner

   Milton ‘Squeeze’ Lyons started playing the pan at age fourteen. He is now sixty-five years old [1996]. Milton and his three brothers were the founders of [the] Southern Marines steelband which was formed in 1946. His brother Harold Lyons, was the Captain, Lenard Lyons the arranger and Fitzroy and Milton were players.

   Milton ‘Squeeze’ Lyons was the winner of the Ping Pong Solo Competition in 1960. He also competed in 1962 and was placed fifth.

   ‘Squeeze’ taught himself to tune pans. He eventually took over the captaincy from his brother; and for thirty years he was tuner, arranger, captain and manager of the band.

   ‘Squeeze’ admits that there was tremendous co-operation from the band members. Southern Marines started off at New Haven Avenue, Marabella - then to Battoo Avenue - where Milton now lives. Milton remembers Bertram ‘Butch’ Kellman as a very keen observer. ‘Butch’ is one of Milton's many pan tuning students. Presently ‘Butch’ and Karloft Alleyne are tuners for [the] Southern Marines steelband.

   Milton ‘Squeeze’ Lyons gave up steelband commitments in 1972 when his mother died. At that time he was the last brother left. He lives alone in Battoo Avenue, Marabella. He visits the Southern Marines pan yard regularly; which is now located on the Southern Main Road, Marabella. Milton ‘Squeeze’ Lyons, still 'young' and vibrant, will be honoured soon after Carnival this year (1996) when Southern Marines celebrates its 50th Anniversary.

   Let us proudly salute today, Milton ‘Squeeze’ Lyons; pan pioneer of Marabella, South Trinidad.

   SOUTHERN MARINES 1946-1972.
[This band is now the Southern Marines Steelband Foundation]

© 1997 Gideon Maxime: Pg 208; PAN THROUGH THE YEARS (1952 - 1996)

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© 1998: tobagojo@gmail.com - 19980317 - 1m20071228 - 2m20140615 Historic Update: 04 December 1999; Last Update: 19 July 2014 03:30:00 TT Processed by: Jeremy G de Barry