Calypso Rose (1940–)

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Calypso Rose (1940–)

Trinidadian calypso singer and feminist. Name variations: McArtha Linda Sandy-Lewis; McArtha Lewis (also seen as McCartha and McArthur [named for Douglas MacArthur]). Born April 27, 1940, in Bethel, Tobago; attended San Juan Government School.

At 9, was sent to live with an aunt in Tobago; attended school in Trinidad; began career at the Original Young Brigade Tent (1957); won Road March Crown with "Tempo" (1977), the 1st female calypsonian to win the national title; won the Calypso Crown for "Her Majesty" and "I Thank Thee" and Road March title for "Soca Jam" (both 1978), the 1st calypsonian to win both crowns in the same year; known as the "Calypso Queen of the World." Received British Empire Medal (1975), Citizens of Liberia Humanitarian award (1986), Sunshine Award (1989), and Trinidad & Tobago Humming Bird Gold Medal (for Culture, 2000).