Mighty Sparrow, the Grenadian-born Trinidadian calypso legend, died on September 27, 2026, at age 91. His passing leaves a void in the Caribbean music scene that few will fill. Born Slinger Francisco in Grand Roy, Grenada, on July 9, 1935, he began singing in 1949 and quickly rose to prominence in Trinidad and Tobago.
Known for his sharp lyrics and commanding stage presence, Sparrow became a fixture at Carnival every year for more than five decades. He was widely called the “Calypso King of the World,” a title he earned through a record-breaking eight victories in the Trinidad Carnival Road March competition.