……Packed audience at Birdie’s Funeral in New York
By FRANCIS JOSEPH
Even in death, the Mighty Sparrow was a crowd-puller.
Sparrow, better known as Slinger Francisco, died in New York on September 27 at the age of 91.
On Sunday afternoon, his funeral service was held at the Royal Crown, 5507 Glenwood Road, Brooklyn, and what a turnout he got. Seats were at a premium inside the auditorium as persons of all walks of life who knew and heard of Sparrow wanted to be there.
Trinidad and Tobago was represented through this country’s ambassador to the United Nations, Dr Neil Parsan, and Mary Tang Yew, the acting Consul General at the Trinidad and Tobago Consulate in New York.
In his brief remarks, Dr Parsan said Sparrow’s achievements were never about fame, but about opening the doors for the art form. He added, “Our nation recognized his art form through the highest honour, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. But no medal could measure what the people gave him in return. Our affection, our admiration, and the songs we will continue to carry. To his family, you shared him with the nation, and the world,” Dr Parsan added.
Dr Parsan said the Mighty Sparrow has left the stage but his music remains, in the calypso tents, in Carnival, in our homes, and in our memories. “He didn’t ask for anything, all he asked for, was a stage. He sang his heart out.
One of Sparrow’s daughters, Michelle Francisco, in giving the vote of thanks, said her father’s voice and legacy will live on forever.
There was representation from US politicians at the funeral. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, said she was a friend of Sparrow, while State Senator Kevin Parker from the 21st District in Brooklyn, also spoke. Parker promised that when the Senate next meets in January, he would raise the life of Sparrow and invite the Francisco family to attend.
There was a calypsonian who goes by the name, Mighty Witty. Well, poor fella. He tried to sing one of Sparrow’s magical songs, “Federation”. But he would get a C for effort.
But Marcia Joseph delivered a wonderful rendition of “Amazing Grace” which captivated the audience. Another daughter, Gina Francisco, paid tribute to her father and drew sustained applause with her witty style.
Sparrow, born Grenada, grew up in Trinidad from the age of one. During his career, he was crowned Calypso Monarch eight times, Road March King eight times, and King of the World on two occasions.
Government, through the Minister of Culture and Community Development, Michelle Benjamin, announced a State-assisted funeral for Sparrow, also known as the Birdie. Sparrow’s widow, Margaret, and most of his children were present at the funeral, except for son Sancho, who is in Trinidad.
