In this special edition of Before the First Bell Rings, Dr. Andrea A. Bussue pauses to remember The Mighty Sparrow—not simply as a calypso icon, but as a storyteller, social commentator and master of language whose music became part of her own journey from childhood to college and beyond.

Introduced to Sparrow's music by her mother, Andrea first heard and sang his calypsos as a child, long before she understood the satire, double entendre and social and political commentary beneath the lyrics.

Years later, while studying at the College of the Virgin Islands, now the University of the Virgin Islands, she chose calypso for an English research paper and began analyzing the music she had grown up hearing.

That experience changed the way she listened.

Sparrow was more than entertainment. His calypso was literature, social history and cultural commentary.

This deeply personal tribute follows a simple journey:

I heard Sparrow.
I sang Sparrow.
I studied Sparrow.
I understood Sparrow.
And today, I remember Sparrow.

A reflection on memory, music, scholarship and the enduring cultural legacy of the Mighty Sparrow.

🎙️ Before the First Bell Rings
Dr. Andrea A. Bussue
Encouraging hearts. Inspiring minds. Transforming schools.

"If today's episode encouraged you, don't keep the encouragement to yourself. Encouragement grows when it's shared. Please LIKE, FOLLOW, SHARE and SUBSCRIBE Before the First Bell Rings. Until next time... keep encouraging hearts, inspiring minds, and transforming schools. I'm Dr. Andrea Bussue. Have a wonderful day."