The calypso king of the world, the Mighty Sparrow, landed in Barbados yesterday and got emotional as he prepared for a grand show at the Gymnasium on Saturday.
Sparrow, also known as The Birdie, was met by longtime friend and nine-time Calypso Monarch Gabby, Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley, and calypso tent manager Eleanor Rice on his arrival at the Grantley Adams International Airport.
Rice said it was most fitting that after The Birdie’s recent recovery from a stroke that he should be honoured in this, the 40th year of Crop Over.
And the calypso icon wept as Rice recounted the initial contact she made with him.
“I was sitting in the car and I said ‘let me call right now’ and when I did he answered . . . I want to be a part of Dr Sparrow’s life . . . he is going to sing even if we put him to sit and sing,” she said. (RJ)
