Known to the world as the Calypso King, the Mighty Sparrow is still enjoying his musical career that has spanned over 40 years. Known to his family in Grenada and Trinidad as Slinger Fransisco, he has made them proud by defeating every competitor to his musician’s throne.
Beginning the journey St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Boys’ Choir, this is where his initial involvement into the world of music began. Influenced by a broad spectrum of jazz musicians and early calypsonians, he emerged at the age of 20 with his all too famous hit, Jean and Dinah- an entertaining melody which sprouted from the 1956 vocals of Harry Belafonte, the Yankees Gone. Over the years, Sparrow introduced a diverse, new-aged culture for the Trinidad and Tobago mas. It was from this tune that the Carnival Development Committee was born, endorsed by Dr. Eric Williams.
Creating the foundation for Trinidad carnival, Sparrow continued on his journey; also becoming famous in 1958 for winning the Road March( Carnival Parade Music Contest) Competition three times in the same year.
Some of the more popular hits include Federation (1959), May May (1960) and Congo Man (1965)- which can be heard in Caribbean fetes throughout the world to this day.
From 1966 to 1996, he continued to prove his reign as the Calypso King, paving the way for many a generation of younger artists- becoming a true inspiration to Caribbean artists. Especially with his 1976 hit, Saltfish; a song which still wafts through many kitchens on a Sunday morning. With an award collection spanning almost 50 years, Sparrow continued to climb the ladder of success while becoming the most popular caypsonian of all time. He demonstrated year after year, with his social commentaries that the calypsonian is really the eyes and ears of the people. Sparrow continued to define the true meaning of “The Calypso King of the World. In 1992 with Both of Them, Crown Heights Justice and Man will Survive. All making a big impact in the Caribbean and the United States.
Now in 2008, The Mighty Sparrow, continues to rule the Calypso/Soca world with his voice, lyrics and melodies. He is demonstrating once more that he is the King. Perhaps passing his crown to the newer generation voice, Machel Montano, who has done a modern day cover of Congo Man, and has also shared a stage with the King.
Written by Jamie Jaggernauth.
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