Very few Dominicans who grew up in the 1970s and ’80s can forget the uplifting melody of “I Am the Vine” or the distinctive voice of its creator, Ignatius Alexander. This beloved song continues to resonate in Roman Catholic church services across the island and has been performed and recorded by numerous choirs and soloists.
“I Am the Vine, You Are the Branches,” along with other cherished compositions such as “Blessed Are You, Lord of All” and “Come to the Table of The Lord My Friends,” forms a significant part of the rich musical legacy left by Ignatius. Tragically, he passed away on January 21, 2025, in Arizona, USA, following a brief illness.
Born on April 9, 1944, in Colihaut, Ignatius—affectionately known as “Iggie”—was a gifted singer, songwriter, guitarist, and concert performer. His educational journey began at Saint Mary’s Academy in Roseau, where he not only studied but later taught. He also imparted his knowledge at a school in Antigua and was a dedicated Christian Brother of the Roman Catholic Church. His love for Saint Mary’s Academy inspired him to organize a benefit concert in 1984 to raise funds for the construction of the Saint Mary’s Primary School.
Ignatius pursued higher education at Iona College in New Rochelle, New York, and Fordham University in New York City. His academic endeavors paved the way for a fulfilling career as a foreign language teacher, including Latin, and an international educational tour guide. Remarkably, he was fluent in five languages in addition to English.
During his college years, Ignatius joined forces with four other talented Roman Catholic youths to form a musical group called “The 10:15,” named after the train departure time from their base in the Bronx to New Rochelle. The group released three albums before disbanding: *The 10:15* (1970), *Making Tracks* (1972), and *Songs of the Father* (1974). Their most notable hits included “I Am the Vine,” featured on their debut album, and “Blessed Are You,” from *Making Tracks*.
After the group’s dissolution, Ignatius embarked on a successful solo career, performing at concerts and various events, including weddings and funerals. His versatility allowed him to sing in multiple languages, and he occasionally collaborated in a two-member group called Burgundy. Later, he teamed up with his nephew, the former Dominica Junior, Roadmarch, Independence, and Calypso King, King Shakey, to form the duo Ed Schaeker & Ignatius. Together, they released two albums—*Optimistic Wanderers* (1991) and *To Life* (1993). Their final performance together took place in St. Paul, Minnesota, in September 2009.
Ignatius eventually settled in Minneapolis, Minnesota, before moving to Goodyear, Arizona, where he passed away. He is survived by his wife, Yvonne; his children and grandchildren; siblings, including former Dominica Roadmarch and Calypso King, De Rabbit; various nephews and nieces; and a wide circle of family, friends, and fans.
His melodious voice, the enchanting tunes from his 12-string acoustic guitar, and his banjo will be deeply missed.
May Iggie rest in peace, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
You can listen below to the first album and one song on the second album that Ignatius did with “10:15”.
SMA CRADLE OF GREAT MUSICIANS!
I join the St Mary’s Academy (SMA) Alumni community in expressing sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ignatius, Alexander.
SMA has certainly been the Cradle of Great Musicians, Calypsonians, Steelband Players, Song writers & Entertainers.
To list those I know of:
Monsignor Jnolewis
Ignatius Alexander
Gordon Henderson-Exile 1
Jeff Joseph- Grammacks
Shelly Alfred-Signal Band
Pat & Greville Patrice -Liquid Ice
Tim Durand
Connel Phillip & Bros -WCK
Eddie Martin- Swinging Stars
Pat Aaron ( to be confirmed)
Athie Martin Steel Pan legend
Jefferson Destouche-Bells Combo
Gustav LaRocque –
I leave it to Ian Jackson & others to continue the list………
Norris Prevost (SMA 1960-1964)
Truly a delightful person to be in Community with. Always joyful and uplifting words exchanged. May He rest in Peace. Michael Connolly CFC
My Sympathy to the family. I sang that song I am the vine many times in church and still do every now and then. it is very sad that we only hear of these great Dominicans when they pass away. The greatest wealth of a nation is its people, their shared gifts and the generation they motivate to continue that gift and see value in themselves. Dominica has so many bright talented people. Sail on sir Dominica is the vine and we are is branches.
Indeed, a great Dominican with a golden voice. Grateful for the inspirational songs he has left us, some of which we continue to use in our liturgy. Sympathies to his family and friends. May he rest in eternal peace
Did you say roman catholic?
Oh boy. Some people don’t even want to fix back the ugly church imposed on them with slavery and abuse, strictly due to the misery they have learned that church, romans, and ‘religion’ on a whole represent to us.
RIP Iggy, let Garvey know we are still here, some never learned, keeping us back!
What a beautiful tribute to someone whose music has brought such vitality and meaning to our Catholic liturgies. Sincere condolences to the family and loved ones. May they find comfort in the memories and melodies. Sounds like a musical family with a range of talent, both religious and secular.
May his soul rest in peace. May angels welcome him home.
My sincere condolences to the family of Ignatius Alexander. We worked as teachers at the SMA and were students at Iona University in New Rochelle, New York. He was always a captivating vocal talent and guitarist.
May he Rest in Peace
Vans LeBlanc