‘Calypso King of the World’ Mighty Sparrow Dies at 91

Slinger Francisco, better known as the Mighty Sparrow and widely known as the “Calypso King of the World,” has died at age 91, his family announced.

Francisco died peacefully in New York on Sunday, September 27, surrounded by his family, following a brief illness. His family described him as an institution in the entertainment industry who was admired for his work as a singer, songwriter and mentor.

CARICOM described Sparrow as one of the region’s most acclaimed and accomplished calypsonians, writing, “His music tapped into the rhythms and sentiments of the region, providing insightful and incisive social and political commentary in an art form unique to the Caribbean experience.”

Prime Minister of St. Lucia and CARICOM Chairman Philip J. Pierre said Sparrow gave the Caribbean “a voice that was unmistakably our own,” adding that his music captured the struggles, triumphs and experiences of generations of West Indians.

Born in Grand Roy, Grenada, in July 1935, Francisco moved with his family to Trinidad and Tobago in 1937. It was there that he adopted the stage name Mighty Sparrow and began a career that would span more than 60 years.

Sparrow’s breakthrough came in 1956 with “Jean and Dinah”, which brought him recognition in the calypso world. His songs, including “Both of Them”, “Congo Man” and “Mr. Walker”, addressed social issues, relationships and everyday Caribbean life.

Sparrow also brought international recognition to calypso, performing for audiences across the Caribbean, Europe and the United States, including at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

According to CARICOM, Sparrow wrote more than 500 calypsos and recorded upwards of 70 albums. He won multiple Calypso Monarch and Road March titles in Trinidad and Tobago and was twice named the Calypso King of Kings.