Senate Resolution No. 406

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the death of Sandra DesVignes, Mother of
the Calypso, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of her community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those musical geniuses whose commitment and creative talents
have contributed to the entertainment and cultural enrichment of their
community and the entire State of New York; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved this day to memorialize the
inspired life and career of Sandra DesVignes of Trinidad, who died on
Thursday, January 28, 2021, at the age of 64; and

WHEREAS, Born in 1957 in East Dry River and raised in Morvant,
Trinidad, Sandra DesVignes began singing and performing in various small
productions from an early age, earning the nickname, Singing Sandra; and

WHEREAS, Growing up in a poor family and facing many hardships
through her younger years, Sandra DesVignes overcame much adversity and
in 1984 she was approached by calypsonian Dr. Zhivago to perform two of
his songs; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, the following year Sandra DesVignes was
recruited to Mighty Sparrow's Youth Brigade tent at the carnival; her
exceptional musical talent, persistence and hard work resulted in her
winning the National Calypso Queen in 1987; and

WHEREAS, From that moment on, Sandra DesVignes' career accelerated
at an exponential rate; she went on to perform at the Reggae Sunsplash
Festival in 1992, and won both the Carifesta Monarch and Calypso Queen
of the World titles that same year; and

WHEREAS, Sandra DesVignes distinguished herself in her profession
and by her sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of her community; and

WHEREAS, For decades, Sandra DesVignes not only entertained national
and international audiences with her many calypsos, but was also
respected as an educator via her songs; long before, "Time's Up" and "Me
Too" movements took root, her songs embraced the women's movement and
provided women with the rallying call for dignity; and

WHEREAS, Later, Sandra DesVignes formed the group United Sisters
along with Lady B, Tigress, and Marvellous Marva, all while continuing
perform as a solo artist; she consequently won the Best Nation Building
Song Award at the 1997 carnival for the song "One Destiny One Heart";
and

WHEREAS, The recipient of many awards and accolades throughout her
illustrious career in music, Sandra DesVignes was the second woman to
win Trinidad's Calypso Monarch title in 1999, and then again in 2003;
additionally, she made history once more to become the only female
Calypso artist to ever win the Calypso Monarch title twice; and


WHEREAS, The many accomplishments and sincere benevolence of Sandra
DesVignes will shine on through her family's vivid and happy memories;
her insight and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light
and hope to the countless lives she touched; and

WHEREAS, Sandra DesVignes' dedication to her music leaves an
indelible legacy of inspiration which will long endure the passage of
time and will remain as a comforting memory to her family, friends and
countless fans; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Sandra DesVignes, and express its deepest condolences
to her family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Sandra DesVignes.