Our Story
A Legacy Forged in Rhythm
From the sun-soaked streets of St. Croix to the heart of Sanford, Florida, the extraordinary story of Tom "Tommy Rey" Reynolds spans seven decades, a Billboard Top 10 hit, the World's Fair, and the soul of Caribbean music.
Tom "Tommy Rey" Reynolds
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Tom "Tommy Rey" Reynolds
Born and raised in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Tom Reynolds was just 11 years old in 1954 when steel drum music first arrived on the island, brought by members of Antigua's Hell's Gate Steel Band. That moment changed his life forever.
By 1956, Tom was playing and making his own steel drums, learning techniques from Trinidad-based carnival bands that visited St. Croix. In 1957, he formed his first band, "The Moonshiners," and soon after created "Tommy Rey and His Caribe Steel Band," which he took from Puerto Rico to the stages of New York City.
The Caribe Steel Band was featured at the Caribbean Pavilion of the 1964–1965 New York World's Fair and recorded "Twisting Steel Drums" on the Epic label, one of the earliest steel drum albums ever produced.
Tom's musical journey reached mainstream fame when he co-founded Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds, whose debut single "Don't Pull Your Love" (1971) became a Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hit. In the group, Tom played percussion, steel drums, flute, vibes, keyboards, and sang vocals.
After his time in the spotlight, Tom returned to his deepest passion: handcrafting steel drums. From his workshop in Sanford, Florida, he produces approximately 100 drums annually, each taking about 10 days of meticulous handwork using his signature sledgehammer technique. Tropical Hammer is where professionals go for pans and tuning.
A Life in Steel & Rhythm
From a young boy in St. Croix to a Billboard-charting artist and master craftsman. The remarkable story of Tommy Rey.
Steel Drums Arrive in St. Croix
An 11-year-old Tom Reynolds witnesses steel drum music arrive in St. Croix for the first time, brought by members of the Hell's Gate Steel Band from Antigua. A lifelong passion is ignited.
The Craft Begins
Tom begins playing and making steel drums, learning drum-making techniques from Trinidad-based carnival bands visiting St. Croix during Carnival season.
The Moonshiners
Tom forms his first steel band, 'The Moonshiners,' in St. Croix, marking the beginning of a remarkable musical journey.
Tommy Rey Takes NYC
While studying in Puerto Rico, Tom forms 'Tommy Rey and His Caribe Steel Band' and takes the group to New York City.
First Album Release
Releases 'Twisting Steel Drums' on the Epic label, one of the earliest steel drum recordings, featuring the full Caribe Steel Band.
World's Fair Spotlight
The Caribe Steel Band is featured at the Caribbean Pavilion of the 1964–1965 New York World's Fair, introducing steel drum music to a massive audience.
Billboard Top 10
As a founding member of Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds, Tom co-creates 'Don\'t Pull Your Love,' a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. He played percussion, steel drums, flute, keyboards, and vocals.
Pan in Paradise
Releases 'Pan in Paradise,' returning to his Caribbean roots with original compositions celebrating the sound of the islands.
Island Memories
Releases 'Island Memories,' featuring beloved Caribbean classics and original songs like 'Down to St. Croix' and 'Island Breeze.'
Tropical Hammer, Sanford FL
From his workshop at 900 Country Club Rd., Tom continues to handcraft approximately 100 drums annually, each taking about 10 days of meticulous work with his signature sledgehammer technique.
The Music of Tommy Rey
From early Caribbean steel drum recordings to Latin jazz. Stream Tom's music and hear the authentic Tropical Hammer sound.
Pan in Paradise
1993
- Pan in Cruzan Time
- Tropical Jazz Delight
- Isla de Espana
- Caribbean Stroll
- Pan in Paradise
Island Memories
2003
- St. Thomas
- Jamaica Farewell Medley
- Day-O
- Down to St. Croix
- Yellowbird Medley
Caribbean-Latin Jazz Connection
Blanchard/Reynolds
- Mas Alla' De Samba
- Caribbean Reggae Stroll
- Salsa Bonita
- Fiesta Cubana
- A Southwind Blew
Stream on Spotify
The Art of Steel Drum Making
Every Tropical Hammer drum goes through a meticulous multi-step process, each stage performed by hand with decades of expertise.
Selection
Choosing the right steel. The foundation of every great drum starts with premium-quality material.
Sinking & Shaping
Using his signature sledgehammer technique, Tom hammers the steel into its iconic concave shape, a skill perfected over 70 years.
Grooving & Marking
Each note area is precisely outlined and grooved, separating the tonal regions across the drum face.
Tuning
The most critical step. Each note is hand-tuned to concert pitch with overtones that sing with clarity. About 10 days per drum.
Proudly Based in Sanford, Florida
Our workshop at 900 Country Club Rd., Sanford, FL 32773 is where Caribbean tradition meets Florida sunshine. We welcome visitors, musicians, and anyone curious about the art of steel drum making.
Schedule a Visit: (407) 314-7170