Follow When Steel Talks
WST google search WST Forum WST facebook page WST on Twitter WST RSS feed WST Steelpan music videos on You Tube WST Newsletter Global Steelband listings

  Bookmark and Share

Steelband Community celebrates the life of NY Pan icon Cyrus Busby

A When Steel Talks Exclusive

New York Pan icon Cyrus Busby
Cyrus Busby

New York, USA  -  The New York steelpan music community turned out to pay respects to their fellow colleague and fraternity brother Cyrus Busby on the first Saturday in October. On this abnormally warm October afternoon, the filled-to-capacity Brooklyn funeral home could not hold the crowd that spilled outside the room where the memorial service was being held, and out on to the sidewalk. Moreover, it could not contain the obvious warm thoughts and memories of the New York pan icon.

With a virtual who’s who of New York pan veterans in attendance, the audience remembered the charismatic, dedicated, colorful and generous person that Cyrus was through their sharing of their recollections of and experiences with him. In attendance were many members of Despers USA Steel Orchestra and D’Radoes Steel Orchestra of which Cyrus Busby was an integral member.

Pan Community comes out to celebrate the life of Cyrus Busby
Pan Community comes out to celebrate the life of Cyrus Busby
Samantha Nicholson (right), who looked up to Busby as a father, and USSA president Keith Marcelle after the memorial service
Samantha Nicholson (right), who looked up to Busby as a father, and USSA president Keith Marcelle after the memorial service

Cyrus Busby originally hailed from Gonzales in Trinidad & Tobago and later on made his home in New York. His health was challenged in the last few years, and as a result his presence on the New York pan scene was much reduced. This past September 21st he suffered three strokes, and then passed away September 30.

Following the memorial service, the celebration of the life of Cyrus Busby continued at the Canarsie-panyard of D’Radoes Steel Orchestra.

Leave a comment in the WST forum


Mouse over (above) and click the ‘i’ for info on images
Find more photos like this on When Steel Talks