LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dr. Slinger Francisco upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition

WHEREAS, The history, the heritage, and the lives of the people of all
countries and all cultures are portrayed in their music and dance; the
art and act of sharing them enriches us altogether; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr.
Slinger Francisco upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition, to be celebrated on Saturday, May 21, 2011, in Brooklyn,
New York; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Slinger Francisco, better known in the calypso world as
"the Mighty Sparrow" and also known affectionately as "the Birdie" has
been a pioneer of the Caribbean musical art form of calypso for over 40
years; and
WHEREAS, Born in Grand Roy, a rural fishing village in Grenada, and
migrating to Trinidad and Tobago with his family when he was just a year
old, the Mighty Sparrow has entertained audiences in the Caribbean,
Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America; and
WHEREAS, At the tender age of 20, the Mighty Sparrow emerged as the
leading calypsonian in Trinidad and Tobago with his record-breaking 1956
hit "Jean and Dinah" and in 1958 became the only calypsonian to have a
triple win in the same year; the Mighty Sparrow has proven himself to be
the quintessential calypsonian par excellence with over 70 albums to his
credit and having won the coveted calypso monarch title a record 11
times and the people's road march eight times; and
WHEREAS, The Mighty Sparrow is the supreme serenader who possesses an
amazing ability to crown his music with showmanship and appeal; he has
made great contributions to the art form of calypso; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Slinger Francisco upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Slinger Francisco.