Calypso legend Slinger Francisco, known worldwide as the Mighty Sparrow, died in New York yesterday at the age of 91, his daughter Karen Francisco announced.
In a Facebook post, Francisco said her father died peacefully surrounded by family after a brief illness.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Trinidad and Tobago’s Calypso icon,” she wrote. She described him as an institution in entertainment, admired for his singing, songwriting and mentorship, and remembered him as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, partner and friend.
Francisco also said that her father had been baptised into the Seventh-day Adventist faith before his death. The family asked for privacy while it prepares a gathering to celebrate his life, and invited friends and fans to post tributes on social media by tagging @therealmightysparrow.
Trinidad and Tobago broadcaster CNC3 subsequently reported his death, citing the family’s statement. It described Sparrow as a performer whose decades-long career helped bring calypso to audiences beyond the Caribbean.
Born in Grenada and raised in Trinidad, Sparrow became one of calypso’s most recognisable voices. He spent a crucial period of his career in Guyana. His songs drew on politics, social life and relationships, often delivered with the wit and commanding stage presence for which he was known. His death is a major loss to Trinidad and Tobago and to the wider Caribbean music community.
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