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Alphonsus "Arrow" Cassell
Alphonsus "Arrow" Cassell
Obituary
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Alphonsus Cassell Obituary
He died of complications from brain cancer at his home on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, said his brother, Justin Cassell, a singer-songwriter who often collaborated with him.
The highlight of his career was "Hot Hot Hot," Cassell said, adding that his brother also gained fame because "he took soca to all corners of the world."
"Arrow" Cassell was among the best-known artists of Caribbean-born soca, a music derived from soul and calypso that emphasizes music over lyrics.
"Calypso is political, tropical, slower," the musician told The Associated Press in a 1996 interview. "Soca is dance. 'Feeling Hot Hot Hot ...'. It makes you forget that there's a volcano and (remember) there's fun to be had."
At the time of the interview, Cassell was producing music that aimed to reassure Mo ntserrat residents who had been forced to leave their homes when the Soufriere Hills volcano erupted in 1995.
Owner of the Arrow's Man Shop clothing store, he also was among dozens of business owners forced to evacuate the British territory's capital, Plymouth.
"Arrow" Cassell was born on Nov. 16, 1949, into a family that produced two Calypso Kings at Montserrat's annual Christmas carnival. In the 1970s, he was influenced by the Trinidadian musician The Mighty Sparrow, long the undisputed international king of calypso. Cassell was crowned Monterrat's calypso king four times before focusing on his international career.
In the 1980s he performed on tours through Africa, the United States, Europe and Japan. He was considered Montserrat's most famous citizen, with his face on telephone cards issued by the Cable & Wireless company.
Cassell is survived by four children and two grandchildren. A funeral is scheduled for Oct. 1.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
193 Entries
John Kielb
February 11, 2017
Arrow was a great guy he invited me to Montserrat numerous times . I'm sorry that I never took him up on it . John from coast to coast
Marilyn Butler
August 1, 2016
Great memories when I met you in Monserrat in the 80 rip my friend
Nancy .
October 11, 2010
A legend,.. his music allowed people to express themselves freely..using their senses... feeling it... soca...music that will live on forever, and will continue to live through his family and fans.. God Bless...
How you can show support
Angel Isaac
October 4, 2010
May your soul rest in peace as you continue to make beautiful music in heaven. Condolences to the family.
Claire Dyer
October 3, 2010
Dear Phonzie - he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. Claire+
Cil Weekes-Cabey
October 1, 2010
My deepest condolences to the Cassell family. Alphonsus "Mighty Arrow" was an example for all of us. He was truly a extraordinary ambitious individual who represented Montserat well whereever he travelled. May his soul rest in peace.
October 1, 2010
My deepest condolences to the Cassell family. Alphonsus "Mighty Arrow" was an example for all of us. He was truly a extraordinary ambitious individual who represented Montserat well whereever he travelled. May his soul rest in peace.
October 1, 2010
My condolences to the Cassell family on the death of Alphonsus.
Evelyn [Florida]
October 1, 2010
As I listened to ZJB play the past hits of the Great "Phonsie" (aka Arrow), I could not help reaching back to the days/nights I spent maintaining my weight by his music.
While it is sad to know that a beloved son of the soil has passed on, it should be a great reminder to us left behind of how fleeting life is!! Arrow's time on earth is over. His legacy is forever. How about you and me? What will we leave behind when our time comes to face the Almighty?
To his children, immediate and extended family and friends, remember him with fondness and use his life and death as your catalyst for good! My prayer is that you take comfort in God's graciousness and mercy.
Judith "Lindsey" Willock (East Stroudsburg, PA)
October 1, 2010
i am so sorry to hear about his death...but from wat i understand he was not well at all. so i strongly beleive that he has suffered enough and know it is time for him to go.....i really do hope that he would rest in peace
Garfield Griffith
September 30, 2010
I remember looking forward to Arrow's album release every year which was a cursor for the Festival Season in Montserrat. Of course, having an Arrows's T-Shirt for X-mas was a must! He has made many Montserrations proud of his accomplishments. May he rest in peace.
Avonelle Gerald
September 30, 2010
I was born in Montserrat left at an early age, but new Arrow. He came to Canada to perform and I had to go and see him. Thanks to him for making Montserrat well known. No one has heard of Montserrat but when you mention HOT!HOT!HOT! everyone is awhere. You will be greatly missed, no one can walk in your shoes. May you rest in Peace. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. God Bless....Avonelle Gerald(Toronto, Canada)
September 29, 2010
I am from Monterrat.I knew Alphonsus before he became The Mighty Arrow. His First Job was selling Insurance which he sold to me.I watched him and enjoyed his wonderful music.He will be sadly missed by all. I'm sending my deepest sympathy to the family and friends. May God be with Arrow and the family all the way. God bless ..(Edward)John & Carolyn Weekes
Ruthlyn Wyke
September 28, 2010
Phonsie, Your season is over, but you are still Hot Hot Hot in our thoughts. May Your Soul Rest In Peace.
Isaline Bonsu
September 27, 2010
It is certainly hard to imagine a Montserrat without Phonsie. While I understand that he is resting in the hands of the Almighty, I can't help but feel overwhelming sadness over his passing. I want to extend my sympathy to his entire family and hope that they will find comfort in all of the great memories and the wonderful legacy he has left behind. May he rest in peace!
Hazel Ible
September 26, 2010
Thank you brother Arrow for all the wonderful and beautiful memmories with/of your music. Our condolence goes out to your circle of family & friends.
Our Savior had a pillow waiting for you to Rest in peace..., King.
Hazel Ible & the Ible family of SKB, STT and BOS.
September 25, 2010
My wife and I met Alphonsus in New Orleans when he was on tour with his band. They were all such wonderful people and took time to talk with us. Arrow has a warm place in our hearts because of his music and dance. We belong to a Carnival Club in New Orleans that celebrates the Islands and dance to Arrow's music every year. We will dedicate next year's celebration to his memory. Our best to his family and sorry for your hard times on that beautiful island that will some day regain her glory. Jim McSea NOLA
musician
September 25, 2010
The level of professionalism that Arrow brought to the art from was unmeasurable and will be missed , thanks you Arrow.
Antonio Hansby
September 24, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the Cassell family. I may not have known him personally but his music inspired me and so many others. May Good bless you and my your soul rest in peace.
September 23, 2010
We were blessed to know him, honored to be children of the same soil. We admired his talent and work ethic and are truly saddened at his passing. Sincere condolences to his family at this time. Our prayers are with you.
Rupert Pond & Dale Barzey-Pond
Norman Family
September 23, 2010
What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, we may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget. Our deepest condolences to the Cassell family. May you find comfort in God during this difficult time.
BARBARA JOHNSON
September 23, 2010
Our condolences expressed to the family.
From cousin Barbara Johnson and family from Boston, Mass.
Elrose Lindsey
September 23, 2010
Arrow, throughtout your life, you have exemplified what it means to be an unselfish human being. You were celebrity enough to mingle with the high fliers in society, and you also had time for those who have been dealt a 'lower' hand in life.
We embrace the legacy that you have left with us, and can assure you that we will ensure that it continues to ENDURE!!!
R.I.P. ARROW!!!!
Marilyn K
September 22, 2010
You maybe gone, but you will never be forgotten. Deepest sympathy to family and friends(RIP)
Kenneth Bassarath
September 22, 2010
Thank you for your music.I enjoyed your style. Your music and memory will live on.
May your soul rest in peace.
My sympathy to your family
KLBass.Hackney.London
Margaret Ewen
September 21, 2010
My prayers go out to the Castle family in this time of your loss. Fonsey will be remembered by so many around the world for his music. Montserratians all around the globe share in the memories.
September 21, 2010
Sympathies to the Cassell Family.
From the Lennard family, from Trinidad, living in MA. We've enjoyed his music over the years. Thank you. Great artist
September 21, 2010
We love Mr. Cassell music, prayers to the Cassell family.
M.S. in Va.
Wingrove White
September 21, 2010
To the entire Cassell Family, this writer and the entire White Family would like you to know that we mourn with you and we will keep you in our prayers. I trust that God gives you the strentgh to endure this great loss.I had the privilege to get know Arrow as a person and as a fellow musician/artist. In my view Arrow was the best of the best. Montserratians the world over should be proud that we were blessed to share the same space with this mega star. What an amazing entertainer and humble human being.
May God rest his soul.
W.Sylvester White (Grove)
ms
September 21, 2010
My deepest condolences to the Cassell family. Alphonsus's wonderful musicial talents will be truly missed by many. May your loving memories of him continue to bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Spencer Perkins
September 21, 2010
Thank you for the wonderful memories of life in Montserrat and the musical gift that you left for the entire world. Gone to soon. RIP my brother.
Spencer Perkins
September 21, 2010
Thank you for the wonderful memories of life in Montserrat and the musical legacy you left for the entire world to enjoy. RIP my brother.
Orlando Forbes
September 21, 2010
Life is here and suddenly gone for some it's short, for others long The answer lies beyond our reach it's for us to learn and not to teach Jesus is with us in times we mourn Has never left us since we were born
With loving arms He comforts the soul and puts our lives back into control
A time of joy and a time to weep promises forever our soul He'll keep Know our heart goes out to you yet we know He'll see you through With Deepest Sympathy!
Emile Duberry
September 20, 2010
My codolences to the Cassells Family on behalf of my Family he has gone to rest but will never be forgotten his legacy will live on.
Emile & Bernadette Duberry
Doroneth White
September 20, 2010
My prayers go out to the Family and close friends of Arrow. He will be truly missed.
September 20, 2010
To Lorenzo and the entire Cassel Family:
Our deepest Sympathy to you. He may be physically removed from this earth but never from our hearts.
Peace and Love always,
Avonelle & Berkley
Jackie Schmidt
September 20, 2010
My deepest condolences to the family, Arrow, sleep tight and fly high.
rest in Peace
Family Schmidt-Rietwijk
September 20, 2010
With the warmest sympathy I would like to express my condolences to the family of Arrow, Mr Cassel. His performances on our festival in '87 and '90 were huge milestones in the history of our then small event. I will allways remember Arrow as a professional artist, a performer with the charisma of the greatest. He was a correct businessan too, a combination I since then never saw among artists.
Above all he was my age, same year, same month; that created a bond.
How many times we shouted out his great antem in how many parties we organised, how many parties I myself and so many friends participated? Because he understood and all of us too: life is a party, let's enjoy while we are here such a short period on our earth.
Arrow, take care!
Louis Verschueren
Antilliaanse Feesten
Hoogstraten, Belgium.
Violet Greenaway
September 19, 2010
ARROW you are gone but will forever live on in my heart thanks for the memories.
Kathleen Davis
September 19, 2010
September 19, 2010
Arrow it was only yesterday.I reflect back on the many wonderful performances you gave in Washington, DC, and especially dancing to hot, hot, hot. You will always be remembered-- rest in peace.
May God preserve your family during this difficult time.
Rowena Jean Fenton-Green
September 19, 2010
Rest in peace. Condolences to family
September 19, 2010
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
The Montserrat Progressive Society
September 19, 2010
Our deepest condolences to the Cassell family on the passing of our beloved Arrow. We will continue to spread his deep love for Montserrat. In his words "On the map you can hardly find it, but it is my paradise ..." ARROW - we will never forget you.
September 19, 2010
RIP Arrow.
Cecilia Radjouki
September 19, 2010
My sincere sympatty goes out to the cassell family. May the comfort of God help you during this difficult time.
Arrow you will remain in our hearts forever.
Cynthia Stewart
September 19, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
September 19, 2010
I know that ur songs will live on forever.the world wil miss man. rest in peace
Franklin gilkes
Cassandra Lispier
September 19, 2010
Iam still in chock from the lost of my dear friend Arrow!! Rest in peace you are with your maker.
I will like to accept my deepest sympathy to the Cassel family.
May God Comfort you in this your saddest of hours.
Yours truly Cassandra Lispier from Holland
September 18, 2010
To our cousin Arrow may your soul rest in peace. Your song HOT HOT HOT has inspired people all over the world and we r sure that u r singing in heaven with the angels. Cuz God b with u till we meet again. KEEP ON GROOVING.
Asher & Bryan Cassell Quintyn, Montreal, Canada
Yvonne Ryan
September 18, 2010
My first memories of Phonsie was him running around arranging concerts and talent shows at MSS and somehow seem to be able to rope everyone in to help out. That smile and charm helped to make him an International Icon and was with him when I last saw him not long ago. Phonsie, your talent was undisputable and your memory will live on. Thank you for being a good god father to my son when he needed a "you" in his life. As we all mourn your loss my mother "Nurse Frances" and the rest of our family extend our deepest sympathy to all of the Cassell family. May God comfort you in this your saddest of hours.
September 18, 2010
rest in peace i for one will alway's enjoy ur music .
Clyde Phillips
September 18, 2010
“Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.” U gave us all of dat. Strength 2 da fam @ dese diff times.
September 18, 2010
Arrow was not only a "Fellow calypsonian" he was regarded as a good friend over the years.
As a matter of fact, he even stayed at my place when he ame to holland in the early stages of his career.
To him I was "MEH BOY SILVA" and to me he'll always remain "PHONZIE".
Arrow, if you could hear me... "WE GO MISS YUH MAN".....
Yuh boy Silvah.... Quicksilver..Holland.
September 18, 2010
OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH U IN THIS TIME OF GRIEF.MAY HIS SOUL REST IN ETERNAL PEACE
Bernard Meade
September 18, 2010
One of the greats from the soil of Montserrat. Will be missed however his music will live on. May his soul rest in peace. Deepest condolences from myself and family.
randall ford
September 18, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
September 18, 2010
Music is another gift of God that warms the heart, lifts the spirit and brings people together. This God given gift that Cassell shared with the world will long be treasured. Gods promise of the resurrection holds out a wonderful hope for his family and friends. My sincere sympathy for your loss.
Barbara Tipson
September 17, 2010
My condolences to the Cassell Family. Arrow, a musical ambassador who will be sorely missed, but never forgotten
Chantol Archer
September 17, 2010
Deepest sympathy for the family. His soul is resting. His spirit lives on because we love him so, and his fire is flaming because we will always remember.
Natisha OGarro Charles
September 17, 2010
My deepest condolences, goes out to the entire cassell family! May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Theodora Rose Codrington
September 17, 2010
there are hardly any words, RIP my friend and to the entire Cassell family my deepest sympathy and to Montserratians let us keep our head up and stay strong.
Cherylen Dorsett- Phoenix
September 17, 2010
To the Cassell family The lord will comfort those who are low in spirit be strong in the lord. May his soul rest in peace gone to a place where there is no more suffering
Charlene "Mona" Coleman
September 17, 2010
Arrow was exceptionally talented and very nice.
Hot, Hot, Hot has been sung around the world. Arrow was a featured artist in New York as Tropical Beat celebrated its 10th Anniversary at Leeman College. I will miss him.
Sharlene Lee
September 17, 2010
The best performer of all times. Your songs will forever be sung in our hearts. Sleep on Soca King..... until we meet again.
Sheila Carter
September 17, 2010
My condolences, and my prayers to the whole Cassell family. Peace and Love.
Bobby Frederick
September 17, 2010
Deepest Condolences from my family and myself. He will be sadly missed.
Sylvia
September 17, 2010
May the entire Casell family be comforted knowing that God gives joy in place of sorrow.R.I.P. Arrow.
Myrle Mulcare
September 17, 2010
To all members of the Cassell family, we wish you comfort and strength during this time.As you celebrate Phonsie's going home be comforted in knowing that he will be singing in the heavenly arena.Beth and Family
September 17, 2010
My condolences. My prayers to the family. Peace and Love to a Departed Angel.
Enid Laukam
September 17, 2010
My deepest sympathy goes out to Arrow's children Tishimbi,Sawandi,Alexander(AJ) Ardeena and the rest of his family, I am fortunate to have shared a friendship for 35years with a truly sincere, honest, straight forward and precise man, one who paid attention to detail, and never accepted anything unless it was done just the way he wanted it, my friend and confidant I would miss you dearly your "Lady Red" as you so fondly called me Rest my sweet, you would forever live in my being.
Paulette Allen-Williams
September 17, 2010
My condolences goes out to the Cassell family in your time of sadness, Arrow you are gone but not forgotten and u will always remain in our hearts.May your soul rest in R.I.P. Entire Allen Family
Sharmen Frith-Hemmings
September 17, 2010
We as a people have lost our brother. He was a role model to many and icon to others, a friend to some and a pioneer for our island. To the Cassell's he was family. We grieve with them, Monserratians at home embrace them at this time, wrap your love around them and comfort them. because those of us abroad can only send condolences. May God Bless this family and lift them up in this time of sorrow.
Sharmen Frith
Agnes Hazell
September 17, 2010
To the Cassell friends and family thanks for sharing your precious gem ARROW with us ,we will all miss him a true and genuine Montserratian may his soul rest in peace
Christine Dyer McCLean
September 17, 2010
May God rest your soul in peace Amen.
September 17, 2010
My deepest condolences to the Cassell family. Arrow was a terrific guy and a great entertainer and he loved his island of Montserrat.
I will miss seeing him on my all to infrequent visits to the Emerald Isle. May he rest in peace.
Peter "Bird" Gallivan
Shirley & Lou Spycalla
September 17, 2010
Arrow - gone, but living forever in our hearts. We'll all miss you.
Beverley Bramble-Fenton
September 17, 2010
Sincere condolences to his children, siblings and extended family. May Arrow's soul rest in peace.
Sylvester Browne
September 17, 2010
September 17, 2010
Montserrat has lost one of its best known and well-loved entertainers. We all grieve his passing. Sincere condolences to the Cassell family.
Sylvester Browne Montserrat
September 17, 2010
Sincere and Deepest Sympathy to the Cassell Family on Montserrat/Worldwide and the Friends of the Mighty Arrow. May He Rest in Peace. Blessed Love. Ras Tahkumbah. St. Johns & London
Janice Galloway
September 17, 2010
Our prayers go out to the Cassell Family. We love you and will miss you.
Marie Delpuete
September 17, 2010
My Deepest of Sympathies to his family and friends..He will always live in our Memories and keep us feeling good everytime we listen to his music..Be at Peace Friend, thank you.
Eleanor Buffonge - Welch
September 17, 2010
My family and I wish to convey our deepest heart felt sympathy, and condolences to the Cassell family. May God give you comfort and peace in such a sad time. The Mighty Arrow was one of the greatest sons of Montserrat's soil. He had brought us so many great songs, but I always reflect on "Hold on to your property" and "Montserrat English" .He is gone but will never be forgotten. His great music/teachings will always be in our memories. Thanks to Arrow for putting Montserrat on the International Map. I always have great respect for him. May his soul R. I. P. Miss you greatly my dear friend
A True Legend, the Groove master
Janice Galloway
September 17, 2010
Condolences to the Cassell family and the world at large on the passing of Alphonsus "Arrow" Cassell. Your music helped to change the world and you will be missed.
--The Montserrat Aspirers, Inc officers and members.
Patti Wieser
September 17, 2010
What a terrible loss to the family and all who listen to his music!
He is in God's hands, however, his music will be with all of us forever.
My Montserrat
September 17, 2010
Loved his music, loved, loved his Montserrat.
Our condolences.
R.I.P Arrow
We will never forget you.
JM
Olga Fenton
September 17, 2010
A Great One gone again. Your music will live on in our hearts and minds forever. A true, true Montserratian. To the Cassell family God Bless you and may memories bring you comfort.
Eleanor Buffonge-Welch
September 17, 2010
My family and I send our deepest heart felt sympathy, and condolences to the Cassell family. May God grant you comfort and peace at this sad time. The Mighty Arrow was one of the greatest sons of Montserrat's soil. I always reflect on two His great songs; Hold on to your property and Montserrat English. He is gone but will never be forgotten. His great music/teachings will always be in our memories. Thanks to Arrow for putting Montserrat on the International Map. I always have great respect for him. May his soul R. I. P. Miss you greatly my dear friend
T B
September 17, 2010
Rest in Peace. God Bless his family and friends during this sad time.
Jones Family
September 17, 2010
Our sincere condolences to the family. He will be missed. However, his legacy in music will live on and generations to come will enjoy it as we do. May these and other memories of Arrow bring you comfort and peace.
(2 Corinthians 1:3,4)
Karin Wutzke
September 17, 2010
My heartfelt condolences to your family.. You have ever enjoy us with your music and temprament... now you have lost your last run... you will ever stay in our hearts and mind. Sleep in heavenly peace
no name
September 17, 2010
Rest in Peace Arrow. When my wife and I listened to your music you washed away our worries and made life fun again..GOD BLESS YOU!
RR
September 17, 2010
My condolences goes out to the family. May knowing others care you all a measure of comfort. May God who see your pain of heart strenghten each one of you to go from one day to next. His words promise a time "When no resident will say I am sick" He will actually swallow up death forever.
September 17, 2010
OUR CONDOLENCES GOES OUT TO THE CASSELL FAMILY DURING THIS SORROWFUL,ARROW YOU ARE GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN AND YOU WILL ALWAY'S REMAIN IN OUR HEART, WE ALL LOVE BUT JESUS LOVE YOU BEST, ARROW YOU WILL ALWAYS REMEMBERED AND GREATLY MISS AND MAY YOUR SOUL R.I.P ~ LEONARD& YVONNE, LONDON ENGLAND
DANIEL KETISH
September 17, 2010
MY CONDOLENCES GOES OUT TO THE CASSELL FAMILY AD THE EMERALD ISLE ON THE LOSS OF OUR GREATEST MUSICAL HERO AND A DEAR FRIEND AND BUSINESSMAN WE WILL MISS HIM BUT HIS MEMORY WILL LIVE ON AND HIS MUSIC WILL NEVER DID. R I P ARROW. BLESS UP.
LEONARD & MORELETTA MORSON
September 17, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
BEVERLEY MORGAN
September 17, 2010
MY CONDOLENCES GOES OUT TO THE CASSELL FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF SORROW. OUR NATIONAL HERO ( ARROW ) IS GONE TO BE WITH THE LORD, HE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.MAY HIS SOUL R. I. P IN PEACE. WE MISS U PHONZIE
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