Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago — Calypso icon Linda McCartha Monica Sandy-Lewis, affectionately known to the world as Calypso Rose, is celebrating a remarkable milestone as she turned 85 years old on April 27. Recognized globally as the “Queen of Calypso,” Rose’s groundbreaking career spans over six decades, during which she shattered barriers as the first woman to win both the Calypso Monarch and the Road March titles. Her pioneering spirit, powerful lyrics, and magnetic performances have made her an enduring symbol of Caribbean pride and global musical excellence.
Although no longer actively performing, Calypso Rose remains a vibrant and revered figure in the music world. Speaking with Newsday, Rose shared that she woke up on her birthday feeling strong and uplifted. “I woke up very good this morning, with good strength and everything,” she said joyfully. She added that she planned to celebrate the day “in God’s name,” with her aide helping her prepare for a special party later in the evening.
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Her nephew, Lance Pierre, confirmed in a phone interview that Rose is doing well and excited about reaching this milestone. “She is doing well and pretty excited about turning 85 years old,” Pierre said, noting that there were some special surprises planned to mark the occasion.
Pierre reflected on her decision to step back from the stage after a minor medical procedure last year. “Back in October of last year, she was supposed to perform with Machel (Montano) at the Apollo. About a week or two before the show, the battery in her pacemaker needed changing. After that, she decided to cancel future performances to focus on relaxing and enjoying life,” he explained.
Rose, however, remains deeply connected to her musical roots. She revealed that her son, Derek Parsons, had gifted her a collection of her calypsoes for the occasion, and she continues to write new material. Notably, she composed a song for young Tobagonian performer Nataki Thompson as recently as October 2024 and has a completed, unreleased album from 2019.
Birthday greetings flooded in from early morning, a testament to her beloved status across generations and continents.
After returning to Tobago in 2024, where the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) honored her by renaming a street in her honor, Rose has embraced a well-earned period of rest. “She felt really, really good about that, about being able to go home and relax a bit,” Pierre shared.
Calypso Rose’s legacy has only grown in recent years. In 2016, she reached a new, global digital audience through her Far From Home album, collaborating with Machel Montano and earning the prestigious French Grammy, Victoires de la Musique, for World Music Album of the Year. In 2019, she made history again as the oldest performer ever to grace the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival stage.
Offering words of wisdom to younger artists, Rose encouraged aspiring performers to have faith in themselves. “Trust in your belief — that will take you where you want to go,” she advised.
At 85, Calypso Rose stands not just as a musical legend but as a living symbol of perseverance, cultural pride, and creative brilliance — still inspiring, still writing, and still shining brightly.
