Arrow (musician) facts for kids

Alphonsus Celestine Edmund Cassell (born November 16, 1949 – died September 15, 2010), known simply as Arrow, was a famous musician from Montserrat. He was a superstar of soca music and calypso. His most famous song, "Hot Hot Hot" (released in 1982), became a huge hit around the world. Many other artists later covered this popular song.

Early Life and Music

Alphonsus Cassell was born in Plymouth, Montserrat. He first performed on stage when he was just 10 years old. This was at a concert at the Montserrat Secondary School.

He started singing calypso music in 1967. That same year, he won the Junior Monarch title. This showed he was a rising star.

Cassell became a professional singer in 1969. He came in second place in the Montserrat Calypso King competition that year. The next year, he won the title! His brothers, Justin (known as Hero) and Lorenzo (known as Young Challenger), had also won this title before him. Arrow won the Calypso King title a total of four times.

Arrow's Music Career

Arrow released his first album, Arrow on Target, in 1971. He then released two singles in 1972: "Dance with me woman" and "Jean under the bed." In November 1972, his second album, Arrow Strikes Again, came out. His third album followed in 1975.

Arrow started mixing calypso with other music styles. These included Zouk, R&B, and salsa. Some people didn't like this, saying he was changing Montserrat's calypso traditions too much. However, others believed his new sound helped calypso reach more people.

"Hot Hot Hot" Success

In 1982, Arrow worked with a music arranger named Leston Paul. Together, they recorded "Hot Hot Hot." This song became his biggest hit ever. It was the best-selling soca song of all time! Arrow's brother, Justin 'Hero' Cassell, actually wrote "Hot Hot Hot."

The song was even chosen as the theme song for the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. Many famous artists later covered it, like Buster Poindexter and Menudo.

Arrow used this success to release more popular music. In 1983, he released the Heat album and the single "Rub Up." In 1984, his album Soca Savage came out. This album included the international hit "Long Time," which reached the top 30 in the United Kingdom. A remixed version of "Hot Hot Hot" also became a hit in the UK.

Arrow continued to add new sounds to his music. He included Latin brass instruments. Later, he added merengue in his 1986 album Heavy Energy. He even added rock music to his 1988 album Knock Dem Dead.

Business and Later Years

In 1973, Arrow also became a businessman in Montserrat. He owned a store called Arrow's Manshop in Plymouth. Sadly, his store was destroyed by the Soufrière Hills volcano eruption. After this, he moved to St. John's, Antigua.

In 1996, Arrow organized a calypso festival in Antigua. This event helped raise money for Montserrat after the volcano caused so much damage.

Arrow continued to release albums regularly. In 1988, he received the Living Legends award. This award honored his amazing contributions to Caribbean music.

Arrow remained a very popular performer in the Caribbean. He performed at the opening ceremonies of the 2007 Cricket World Cup. He shared the stage with other famous musicians like Shaggy. His very last performance was in January 2010. It was a concert to raise money for Haiti.

Death

In January 2009, Arrow was diagnosed with a serious illness. He received medical treatment in Miami and Antigua.

Arrow passed away on September 15, 2010, at his home in Lime Kiln Bay, Montserrat. He was 60 years old. His family was with him.

Discography

Albums

• The Mighty Arrow on Target (1972)
• Arrow Strikes Again (1973)
• Keep on Jamming (1975)
• Sweet Beat (1978)
• Instant Knockout (1980)
• Man From Africa (1980)
• Double Trouble (1981)
• Hot Hot Hot (1982)
• Heat (1983)
• Soca Savage (1984)
• Deadly (1985)
• Heavy Energy (1986)
• Soca Explosion (1987)
• Knock Dem Dead (1988)
• Massive (1988)
• O'La Soca (1989)
• Soca Dance Party (1990)
• Hot Soca Hot (1990)
• Zombie Soca (1991)
• Zombie Remixes (1991)
• The Best of Arrow Volume 2 (1992)
• Model De Bam Bam (1992)
• Outrageous (1993)
• Classics (1994)
• Phat (1995)
• Ride De Riddim (1996)
• Turbulence (1998)
• Beat De Drum (2000)
• Arrow – Vintage Volume 1 (2002)
• No Rules (2002)

Singles

• 1973: "Dance with Me, Woman"
• 1981: "Soca Rhumba"
• 1982: "Curacao"
• 1983: "Rub Up"
• 1983: "Hot Hot Hot"
• 1984: "Long Time"
• 1987: "Hurray Hurray"
• 1988: "Groove Master"
• 1989: "O' La Soca"
• 1994: "Hot Hot Hot (World Carnival Mix '94)"