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Calypso Icon Mighty Sparrow Dies at 91

Mighty Sparrow, the calypsonian whose voice and wit carried Caribbean music around the world, has died at 91.

He passed away peacefully in New York on Sunday after a short illness, with family by his side.

In a statement, his loved ones confirmed the loss of "Trinidad and Tobago's Calypso icon, Slinger Francisco, known to the world as The Mighty Sparrow."

They remembered him as an institution in entertainment, admired for his skill and finesse as a singer, songwriter and mentor, and beloved by many. He was also a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, life partner and friend.

Sparrow's career stretched over more than seven decades, and he is widely seen as one of Caribbean music's most influential figures. His distinctive voice, sharp wit and commentary on social and political matters brought him international recognition.

Born in Grenada in 1935, he moved to Trinidad as a small child. His lively stage shows earned him the nickname Little Sparrow, which he later upgraded to the Mighty Sparrow.

By the mid-1950s he had become one of Trinidad and Tobago's leading calypsonians. His first major hit, Jean and Dinah, won him the Calypso Monarch in 1956 and dealt with the social shifts that came after US military bases in Trinidad closed.

He went on to become one of calypso's most decorated performers, taking Trinidad and Tobago's Calypso Monarch title eight times. He also won the Calypso King of Kings competition twice, in 1985 and 1988.

Often called the Calypso King of the World, Sparrow served as a mentor and inspiration to generations of Caribbean performers who followed.

Affectionately known as Birdie, he recorded hundreds of songs and performed across the globe, including at New York City's Madison Square Garden.

Photo: Cover Media
Source: Muzland
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