The Mighty Sparrow, ‘Calypso King of the World,’ Has Passed Away at 91
The legendary “Calypso King of the World,” born in Grenada and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, leaves behind a monumental legacy spanning more than seven decades after passing away following a brief illness
Calypso icon The Mighty Sparrow dies at 91
Calypso legend The Mighty Sparrow, one of the Caribbean’s most influential musical figures, has died at age 91.
Born Slinger Francisco in Grand Roy, Grenada, in 1935 and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, Sparrow became a defining figure in calypso and was widely celebrated as the “Calypso King of the World.”
He died peacefully in New York on Sunday, September 27, following a brief illness and surrounded by loved ones, according to his family.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Trinidad and Tobago’s calypso icon, Slinger Francisco, known to the world as ‘The Mighty Sparrow’,” his family said in a statement.
Sparrow captured his first Calypso King title in 1956 with the classic “Jean and Dinah,” launching a remarkable career that spanned more than seven decades and produced hundreds of recordings addressing politics, social issues, relationships and everyday Caribbean life.
His family also shared that before his passing, Sparrow had given his life to Jesus Christ and was baptised in the Seventh-day Adventist faith.
Plans are being made for a public celebration of his life, while fans have been encouraged to share tributes through his official social media account.
Sparrow leaves behind an enduring legacy as one of the central figures in the development and international recognition of calypso and Caribbean music.
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