Legendary Calypsonian Mighty Sparrow Has Died

UNITED STATES – Legendary calypsonian Slinger Francisco, better known as the Mighty Sparrow, has died at the age of 91.

The Grenada-born, Trinidad-raised performer died peacefully in New York on Sunday following a brief illness, surrounded by loved ones.

Sparrow, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Caribbean music, enjoyed a career spanning more than seven decades and became internationally known for his distinctive voice, sharp wit and social and political commentary.

Known by many as the “Calypso King of the World,” he was also regarded as a mentor and inspiration to successive generations of Caribbean performers.

He went on to become one of calypso’s most decorated performers, winning Trinidad and Tobago’s Calypso King or Monarch title eight times, and the Carnival Road March competition on eight occasions.

He also won the Calypso King of Kings competition twice, in 1985 and 1988.

The family also said that in his final days, Sparrow had embraced Christianity, giving his life to Jesus Christ and being baptized into the Seventh-Day Adventist faith.