Arthur "Sonny" Paul

Arthur “Sonny” Paul was born on May 30, 1937, in Couva, Trinidad, a place rich in warmth and rhythm, elements that would forever live in his spirit. His memory lives in the hearts and minds of those who experienced his unmistakable generosity of heart and the legacy he built through resilience, music, and devotion. He peacefully passed on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Methodist Hospital in Richardson, Texas. 

Sonny’s early years were shaped by both love and loss. After moving from Couva to Morvant, Trinidad, his childhood was forever altered when his mother, Ephemia (Edina) Hector Paul, passed away when he was just ten years old. His father, Eggbert Paul—a prison officer affectionately known as a “Tun-key”—did what he could to provide, even working far away in the countryside. However, the separation proved difficult. Consequently, Sonny and his brother George were eventually placed in St. Mary’s Home, while their sisters were cared for by extended family.

Though life at the orphanage came with hardship, it also revealed Sonny’s lifelong passion and purpose. At St. Mary’s Home, he discovered music and learned the trade of tailoring. Music, however, became his true calling. Rising early each morning for band rehearsals, Sonny mastered the trumpet, French horn, and trombone—but the trumpet held his heart. His discipline, talent, and love for sound became the foundation of a life enriched by melody.

As a young man, Sonny’s musical gifts carried him beyond the walls of the orphanage and into remarkable opportunities. At age 23, he was recruited into the Federation Army of the West Indies and traveled to Jamaica for training, where he played in the military band during a historic period involving leaders such as Norman Manley and Alexander Bustamante. Though political changes dissolved the union, Sonny continued his service with the Trinidad & Tobago Regiment from 1962 to 1966.

Arthur “Sonny” Paul’s musical journey was shaped by deep connections and rich experiences within the Caribbean calypso scene and beyond. Through his work, he was associated with Corbie Moderneries. Growing up alongside Errol Lynch in an orphanage, Arthur remained connected to him as Lynch went on to study music in England and continued arranging music in Trinidad even after suffering a stroke. Arthur also collaborated with musicians who shared his passion for performance. He played trumpet with the Nelson Keaton Orchestra in Trinidad, where he performed calypso solos and supported vocalists through his musicianship. His talent extended to brief performances with the Archie Orchestra, showcasing his versatility. Arthur was also part of the Choy-a-Ming Band in Trinidad, where he earned the nickname “Preddie,” and later reconnected with Choy-a-Ming in Bermuda in 1994. Expanding his musical career internationally, Arthur partnered with Carol Cunningham in New York to form a band called Love Kats, which performed West Indian music from 1968 to 1977. Their performances took them across cities such as Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Boston, Maryland, and even Canada. Later in life, Arthur remained active in the music scene through his longtime friendship with Mike Vincent at Tropical Cove Club in Texas, where he contributed as a DJ assistant and helped manage events for nearly a decade. He was inspired by legends such as Clifford Brown, Miles Davis, Wynton Marsalis, J.J. Johnson, and Charlie “Bird” Parker. Sonny appreciated both classical masters like Handel, Mozart, and Beethoven, and the soul of jazz. Music was not just what he did; it was who he was.

In 1966, with determination and skill, Sonny made his way to Brooklyn, New York. Having completed technical courses in mechanics to secure his visa, he arrived ready to build a future. It was in Brooklyn that fate intervened in the most beautiful way; he met the love of his life on a simple street corner. Their shared Trinidadian roots sparked a connection that would last a lifetime. With open arms and an open heart, Sonny embraced her young daughter as his own, beginning a family grounded in love and commitment. Their union, sealed on November 9, 1969, would grow into a partnership spanning 57 years.

Sonny was a man of both artistry and practicality. While continuing to pursue music, he attended William Grady High School and Brooklyn Technical School at night, earning certifications in air conditioning and refrigeration. In 1978, he moved his family to Dallas, Texas, where he continued his education, earned his high school diploma in his 40s, and built a stable career with the City of Dallas as an irrigation technician. Over 20 years, he worked diligently in landscaping and horticulture, retiring at age 62 in 2000.

Beyond his professional life, Sonny was a man of wide interests and quiet joys. He loved to travel, exploring countries across Europe, the Caribbean, and North America, always curious about the world and its people. He was a devoted sports fan, admiring greats like Joe Frazier, Muhammad Ali, and Pelé, and enjoyed watching the Olympics, especially track and field and boxing. He followed world news closely, tuning in daily to stay informed, and cherished classic films like Gone with the Wind and From Here to Eternity.

Arthur “Sonny” Paul found deep peace and purpose in his faith as a devoted member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He was baptized in August 2023 at the Garland Faith Community SDA Church, marking a meaningful and personal commitment to his spiritual journey. From that moment on, he remained faithful and consistent, attending church weekly and embracing fellowship with his church family. His faith was not only something he believed in, but something he lived out through service and compassion. Each Sunday, he worked alongside fellow believers to give away food and essential supplies to those in need, demonstrating kindness, humility, and generosity. Arthur’s dedication to helping others reflected the true spirit of his faith and left a lasting impact on those he served. Through his actions, he showed that love, service, and community were at the heart of his life.

Arthur “Sonny” Paul’s life was a testament to perseverance, love, and the enduring power of music. From the hills of Trinidad to the streets of Brooklyn and the neighborhoods of Dallas, he built a life rich in meaning and connection. His melody continues in the lives he touched, the family he cherished, and the music that will forever echo his name.

Those left to cherish lasting memoriesinlcude his wife of 57 years, Louisa Lambert Paul; his daughter, Paulette Paul Phillips; his grandchildren, Niani, Nathan, and Noelani; his sister-in-law, Linda Ewing (Eric - deceased); his brother-in-law, Peterson Lambert (Dianne - deceased); his sister-in-law, Annette Lambert (Russell deceased); his brother-in-law, James Lambert (Deanna); his brother-in-law, John Lambert (Janet); his sisters, Velma Paul and Beverly Paul; his cousins, Herbert and Yvette Hector and Rosie Calendar; his dear friend, Mike Vincent; and a host of family members and friends throughout the world.

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