LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Slinger Francisco upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition by Dee Vee International
Productions

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to publicly recognize
those extraordinary individuals who have made contributions to the
success and progress of society in the course of their professions; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Slinger Francisco upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by Dee Vee International Productions on Friday, July 9,
2010; and
WHEREAS, This special day is the 75th Birthday Awards Ceremony for
Slinger Francisco "The Mighty Sparrow"; it will be held at Brooklyn
Borough Hall, Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Born in Grenada on July 9, 1935, The Mighty Sparrow is best
known to be one of the most popular Calypsonians ever; and
WHEREAS, Slinger Francisco, better known as The Mighty Sparrow is one
of the most popular Calypsonians ever with a career that spans over 40
years and counting; he was born in Gran Roi, Grenada, and his family
migrated to his adopted homeland, Trinidad, when he was a year old; and
WHEREAS, Slinger Francisco attended the New Town Boys School where he
was selected to sing in the boys choir of St. Patrick's Catholic Church;
the harmonics of the Gregorian Chants and the Plainsongs of the church
that were embedded in him would later affect the depth and intensity of
his compositions; he would become the head choirboy who sang baritone
and tenor in Latin in the church; and
WHEREAS, Sparrow was also influenced by American street quartets, pop
tunes and the early calypsos of Lord Melody, Lord Kitchener, Lord Chris-
to, Lord Invader of Rum and Coca Cola fame, and the Mighty Spoiler, to
name a few; and
WHEREAS, At the young age of 20, Sparrow emerged and released the
first in a long line of hits "Jean and Dinah"; in 1958, he became the
only calypsonian to have had a triple win in the same year during the
Road March Competition; and
WHEREAS, One of the calypsos was titled P.A.Y.E. (Pay As You Earn), a
song that enabled the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, to understand the
importance and significance of paying taxes; and
WHEREAS, Sparrow's musical understanding and vocal technique are
complimented by his lyrical wit; his songs are full of clever double
entendres revealing something new every time your hear them; and
WHEREAS, Sparrow received the honorary title of Chief of the Yorubas
in Nigeria; he was also bestowed the title of "Cultural Ambassador of
Grenada," given an Honorary doctorate from the University of the West
Indies and was also bestowed the title of: Order Of Caribbean Communi-
cation "OCC"; and
WHEREAS, In 1986, Mayor Ed Koch of New York City proclaimed March
18th, "Mighty Sparrow Day"; and
WHEREAS, The Mighty Sparrow is an 11-time Calypso Monarch and has won
the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Road March Competition eight times; he
continues to record music and tour the world; and
WHEREAS, The Mighty Sparrow's distinguished record merits the recogni-
tion and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Slinger Francisco upon the occasion of his designation for

special recognition by Dee Vee International Productions; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Slinger "The Mighty Sparrow" Francisco.