September 28, 2026
Legendary calypsonian Slinger Francisco, known worldwide as the Mighty Sparrow, has died at the age of 91.
His family says the Grenada-born artiste died peacefully in New York on Sunday following a brief illness, surrounded by relatives.
Born in Grand Roy, Grenada, in 1935, Sparrow moved to Trinidad and Tobago as a child and became one of calypso’s most celebrated performers. His breakthrough came with the 1956 classic “Jean and Dinah.”
Known as the “Calypso King of the World,” Sparrow recorded hundreds of songs during a career spanning more than six decades, including classics such as “Congo Man,” “Mr. Walker” and “The Lizard.”
He received numerous honours for his contribution to Caribbean culture and is remembered as one of the most influential figures in the history of calypso music.
