Alvin Stephen Cardinal, Sr.

“Vin” Cardinal was born as Alvin Stephen Cardinal on January 2, 1933, in San Fernando, Trinidad. At age ten he was an experienced member of a junior steel band and by the age of twelve he had mastered the conga drums, soon becoming an expert on nearly every percussion instrument. He was an outstanding vibraphone player and at a very young age became the leader of his own group, producing local hit records. After leaving Trinidad for Europe, Vin established Sweden as his home base for several years. He became a sensation in venues from London to Rome and from Denmark to Spain. His first album, recorded live in Holland, was an instant European hit. While in Sweden he had a daughter, Vivian Cardinal. He came to the United States and resided in Los Angeles where he met and married the late Sylvia Douglas. To this union was born one son, Alvin Stephen Cardinal, Jr, affectionately called “Vini” by close friends and family.Vin’s musical ability resulted in a contract with A & M records, which led to entertaining for several years in Las Vegas and many other states. For over twenty-five years Vin lived and performed in Israel where he was loved by so many. He considered Israel his home away from home. Not only did he become a household name in Israel, but he was “one of the greatest stage personalities Israel has ever seen”. He traveled throughout the world and his performances were always met with great acclaim. He traveled between Israel and Los Angeles until 2007 when he made Los Angeles his permanent home.In July, 2015, Vin was experiencing health challenges and left Los Angeles to live with his son, Vini, daughter-in-law Lisa, and granddaughter, Sylvia, in Alexandria, Virginia. He was lovingly cared for until the time of his death, on September 22, 2016, caused by a pulmonary embolism. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving son Vini, daughter-in-law, Lisa; daughter, Vivian; grandchildren Sylvia-Daniella, Sandra, Lovisa, and Allyce; brother, Raymond Phinix Felix Cardinal, sister-in-law, Kadija; long-time companion, Enis Harrison and a host of nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends. He will truly be missed.