Mighty Sparrow - Calypso as Mother music.

Summary

The Mighty Sparrow, a legendary calypso artist, achieved international fame starting in Guyana and sweeping through Trinidad and Tobago. He arrived in New York at 21, seeking opportunities and eventually won the Calypso Crown seven times. His 1978 album with Jamaica's Barony propelled him to European stardom, and his cover of 'Only a Fool Breaks His Own Heart' went gold in Holland. Despite his global success, Sparrow remains deeply connected to Trinidad, where he continues to create music influenced by a variety of genres. His contributions to music earned him an honorary doctorate, and he is an inspiration to many, particularly those of West Indian heritage.

Takeaways

• 🎤 The Mighty Sparrow sought an international breakthrough in his career, achieving fame in Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and across the Caribbean.
• 🌟 He moved to New York at the age of 21 or 22, eager to experiment and explore, and quickly became part of the vibrant entertainment scene.
• 🏆 The Mighty Sparrow won the Calypso Crown seven times in a row, establishing himself as a legendary figure in the United States.
• 🌍 His reputation as a calypsonian spread to Europe, where he topped the charts with an album featuring Jamaica's Barony and the Dragonair.
• 🏅 His cover of Arthur Price's 'Only a Fool Breaks His Own Heart' went gold in Holland, demonstrating his international appeal.
• 🏛 In 1977, he was honored with the title of Chief Omali of UI in Nigeria, and various states in the US declared a day in his honor.
• 💖 The Mighty Sparrow became a source of inspiration, especially for those of West Indian heritage in the United States.
• 🎵 Despite his success, he never asked for money but sought opportunities and introductions to influential people in the industry.
• 🎼 His overseas experiences exposed him to a range of musical influences, which he incorporated into his work.
• 🎶 Calypso remained the foundation of his music, even as he experimented with Latin American rhythms, reggae, and other forms.
• 🏫 Recognizing his contributions to music, the University of the West Indies awarded him an honorary doctorate in 1987.

Q & A

What was the Mighty Sparrow's initial experience upon arriving in New York?

Upon arriving in New York, the Mighty Sparrow was initially welcomed with open arms, but his family intervened, providing him with an apartment and studio space, which he found to be a stark contrast to the lifestyle he was initially experiencing.

What was the Mighty Sparrow's primary goal when he met Harry Belafonte?

The Mighty Sparrow's primary goal was not to ask for money but to have Belafonte open doors for him, introduce him to influential people, and help him get jobs in the industry.

How many times did the Mighty Sparrow win the Calypso Crown consecutively?

The Mighty Sparrow won the Calypso Crown a record seven consecutive times.

What achievement did the Mighty Sparrow have in Europe in 1978?

In 1978, an album with Jamaica's Byron Lee and the Dragonaires propelled the Mighty Sparrow to the top of the European charts. His cover of Arthur Price's 'Only a Fool Breaks His Own Heart' went gold in Holland and remained on the charts for six months.

What did the Mighty Sparrow receive from the Nigerians in 1977?

In 1977, the Nigerians honored the Mighty Sparrow by naming him Chief Omali of UI.

How did the Mighty Sparrow's overseas experiences influence his music?

The Mighty Sparrow's overseas experiences exposed him to a range of musical influences, and foreign audiences also had an impact on his material, leading to a more diverse and enriched musical style.

What is the Mighty Sparrow's view on the popularity of reggae compared to calypso?

The Mighty Sparrow acknowledges that reggae is more popular than calypso, but he doesn't worry about it, as he believes calypso, being the mother music, has influenced many other genres, including reggae.

What honorary degree did the Mighty Sparrow receive from the University of the West Indies?

The Mighty Sparrow, despite never making it to high school, was given an honorary doctorate by the University of the West Indies in 1987.

How does the Mighty Sparrow describe his relationship with his audience?

The Mighty Sparrow describes his relationship with his audience as a love affair, indicating a deep connection and affection.

What does the Mighty Sparrow consider the fountainhead of his creativity?

Trinidad remains the wellspring of the Mighty Sparrow's creativity, with composers like Winston Dein contributing to his immortal hits.

How did the Mighty Sparrow's international success impact his identity?

The Mighty Sparrow's international success led him to identify as a 'Triny Jew,' proudly calling himself a Trinidadian even in front of Jamaican audiences.