Torrential rain and lightning forced the cancellation of the Mighty Sparrow's first live performance on US soil since 2019.
Scheduled for The Restart Stage, at prestigious Lincoln Center, New York City, New York on Tuesday, July 6, to celebrate Sparrow's 86th birthday, promoter Derek Parsons announced the cancellation on social media.
Sparrow, who turned 86 on July 9, has actually performed at the Lincoln Center several times previously. For his July 6 performance, his repertoire was hyped to include hits from his expansive catalogue like Saltfish, Jean & Dinah, Mr Walker, Both ah Dem and Drunk & Disorderly.
Born in Grand Roy, Grenada, Mighty Sparrow won the Trinidad & Tobago Calypso King title in 1956 at the age of 21. His winning song was Jean & Dinah. He captured this much-coveted title on seven subsequent occasions, the last time being 1992 when he sang Both of Them and Survival.
In the equally prestigious Road March competition, he won the title on eight occasions, the last time being 1984 with the ditty Doh Back Back.
On the eve of his birthday, PULSE BY BLOODLINE spoke to the Calypso King of the World as he relaxed in his New York apartment. In a jovial mood, Sparrow said: "At 86, I don't know what it feels like to be old. I ain't reach there as yet.
"I am approaching old age, but I ain't old.
"Maybe, when I reach 89?" he said with a chuckle.
Asked how he plans to spend his birthday, Sparrow said he expected several calls via Zoom, as well as phone calls and messages. He added that he would be visited by some of his children and grandchildren who reside in New York.
Saying that he regrets being prevented from doing the July 6 performance, Sparrow revealed that Wednesday, August 4 would be the new date for the Lincoln Center performance.
PULSE BY BLOODLINE wishes Mighty Sparrow many more years of good health