Smithsonian Folkways King Sparrows Calypso Carnival

Smithsonian Folkways Recordings is the nonprofit record label of the Smithsonian Institution the national museum of the United States. They are dedicated to supporting cultural diversity and increased understanding among peoples through the documentation preservation and dissemination of sound. Folkways Records believe that musical and cultural diversity contributes to the vitality and quality of life throughout the world. Through the dissemination of audio recordings and educational materials Folkways Records seek to strengthen people s engagement with their own cultural heritage and to enhance their awareness and appreciation of the cultural heritage of others. Our mission is the legacy of Moses Asch who founded Folkways Records in 1948 to document "people s music " spoken word instruction and sounds from around the world. The Smithsonian acquired Folkways from the Asch estate in 1987 and Smithsonian Folkways Recordings has continued the Folkways commitment to cultural diversity education increased understanding and lively engagement with the world of sound. Calypso King Mighty Sparrow (nee Slinger Francisco) is known for provocative and often bawdy lyrics at one point describing rival Lord Melody s face as "ugly...like a crocodile." Beyond this professional rivalry Sparrow jokes about politics ("I am very sorry for the poor little puppy in the Russian Satellite [Sputnik]") and women ("darling you are the one I love you are my turtle dove"). Three songs from this recording were reissued in 2000 on Calypso Awakening from the Emory Cook Collection (SFW40453): "Teresa " "Reply to Melody" and "Paye."- SKU: ZX99SFR0414

Smithsonian Folkways King Sparrows Calypso Carnival