Dr. Slinger Francisco, AKA “The Mighty Sparrow,” is known the world over as the Calypso King of The world. Born July 9, 1935, in the fishing village of Grand Roy, Grenada, he relocated to Trinidad W.I. in 1937. He started singing in the choir at New Town Boys RC School and at age 14 joined a steel band comprised of neighbourhood boys.
He was given his performing name “Little Sparrow” during his early career as a calypsonian, on account of his energetic stage performances. His first performance as a professional calypso singer came in 1954 with the song The Parrot and the Monkey, and he went on to have such hits as Jean and Dinah, The Queen’s Canary, Yankees Gone; and who would forget Mae Mae, The Lizard, The Big Bamboo, and many more great hits. He won Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival Road March competition eight times, Calypso King/Monarch eight times, and has twice captured the Calypso King of Kings Title.
Dr. Slinger Francisco, AKA ‘The Mighty Sparrow’
Sparrow’s career expands over forty years during which he has won many awards and honours. He has been very successful in England, the USA and the world over. In 1977 he embarked on a tour of West Africa, during which he was given the honorary Yoruba title, Chief Omo Wale of Ikoyi. His works cover every imaginable topic from humour, history, social and political commentary, to science and necromancy - and are the basis of which he was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Letters from The University of the West Indies. He was also awarded Trinidad and Tobago’s highest award ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’ (ORTT).
Provided by Michael Marcano