Calypso legend Mighty Sparrow dies at 91

Slinger Francisco, who performed under the name Mighty Sparrow, died on Sunday in New York at age 91. His family said in a statement that he passed away peacefully, surrounded by relatives, following a brief illness, without giving further details.

The family described him as an institution in entertainment, admired for his skill and finesse as a singer, songwriter and mentor, and beloved by many. The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians' Organisation said he would be remembered as a defining voice of Caribbean culture, a master storyteller and a towering figure who helped carry calypso music from Trinidad and Tobago to audiences around the world.

From Grenada to global stages

Francisco was born in July 1935 in the coastal town of Grand Roy, Grenada. As a toddler, he moved with his parents to Trinidad and Tobago in 1937 — the birthplace of calypso music, where his stage name and persona as the Mighty Sparrow later took shape.

His breakthrough came with the 1956 hit "Jean and Dinah." He went on to record numerous other popular songs, including "Both of Them," "Congo Man," "Mr. Walker" and "The Lizard." Over a career spanning six decades, Francisco, also affectionately known as Birdie, recorded hundreds of songs and performed in many countries, including at New York's Madison Square Garden.

Dr Rudolph Ottley, a Trinidadian cultural historian and author, said Mighty Sparrow was the supreme entertainer, a cultural revolutionary and one of the world's greatest calypsonians, whose lifelong goal was to advance the art form.

Trinidad and Tobago honoured Francisco with national awards during his career, and in 1987 the University of the West Indies awarded him an honorary doctorate of letters.