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Slinger Francisco, the legendary calypso singer better known as The Mighty Sparrow, died peacefully on September 27, 2026, in New York at the age of 91. His family confirmed the brief illness that led to his passing and said he was surrounded by loved ones.
Born on July 9, 1935, in Grenada, Francisco moved to Trinidad as a child and grew up in the Laventille district of Port of Spain. The island’s vibrant musical scene shaped his early love for calypso, a genre he would dominate for more than seven decades.
His breakthrough came in 1956 with the hit “Jean and Dinah,” a song that catapulted him onto the international stage. Over his career he amassed eight Calypso King/Monarch titles and eight Carnival Road March crowns, and recorded classics such as “Dan Is the Man,” “Congo Man,” “Slave,” and “Obeah Wedding.”
Prime Minister Kamla Persad‑Bissessar issued a heartfelt tribute, calling Sparrow a patriot and an ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago’s culture, and noting that his music had become the nation’s soundtrack.
Beyond his artistic achievements, the family highlighted his roles as husband, father, grandfather, great‑grandfather, and friend, and mentioned his recent baptism into the Seventh‑day Adventist faith. Tributes across the Caribbean underscore his lasting influence on music, humor, and social commentary.
