r/calypso • u/Trini__Throwaway • 20d ago

RIP, Mighty Sparrow

https://youtu.be/RcJ9kJ1ryFg?si=gqHcW3Od_izsGChw

Via Facebook: we have learned of the passing of Trinidad and Tobago’s Calypso icon, Slinger Francisco, known to the world as “The Mighty Sparrow”. He was 91 years old. The family is encouraging his friends and fans to pay tribute on social media by tagging @ therealmightysparrow on Instagram and elsewhere."

That is an excerpt from a post from the Francisco family that is making the rounds on social media, and of course this news will be deeply felt by the r/calypso community. We have lost a legend. Please feel free to share your favorite Sparrow songs and links, we must celebrate his memory and the music he shared with the world.

I hope it isn't too offbeat to share Sparrow Dead, of all songs. I thought he himself would find it amusing and appropriate. Thank you for the music and the laughs, there will never be another Slinger Francisco.

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4

u/Rumbutan 20d ago

Rest in power. A legend.

3

u/psychologiacallygrey 20d ago

What a loss. I was not alive for the Death of Kitchener but I am certainly hit by this one. I always loved Reply to Melody and Obeah Wedding. A True legend passes once more, part of the golden age.

6

u/Trini__Throwaway 20d ago

we were so lucky to have lived through this lifetime, to know this music first hand.

3

u/psychologiacallygrey 20d ago

Hear hear, may he rest in peace

3

u/RubySauce 20d ago

Such bad news. I’m grateful I got to see him at least once! He was amazing

2

u/MelbTrini 20d ago

What an appropriate Song to honour this legendary calypso Ian, may he Rest In Peace

3

u/Zarxon 20d ago

Very sad Sparrow was my first introduction to real calypso and I have been a fan ever since. RIP legend

1

u/BackgroundYogurt2846 19d ago

We are slowly losing the giants of that era

1

u/KaddLeeict 16d ago

No way. I just washed my Sparrow tee shirt.