When Steel Talks extends condolences to the family and friends of Singing Sandra (Sandra Des Vignes-Millington)
SINGING SANDRA
REAL NAME: Sandra Des Vignes
DATE OF BIRTH: 1957
PLACE OF BIRTH: East Dry River, Port-of-Spain
EDUCATION: ...
CAREER: Sandra won the 1999 Calypso Crown with "Song for Healing" and "Voices from the Ghetto." She became part of history when Sanelle Dempster won the Road March title the same year. It was the first time in the history of calypso competition that both titles were won by female singers. She again won the Calypso Crown in 2003 with "For Whom the Bells Toll?" and "Ancient Rhythms." She placed 3rd in the 2005 Calypso Monarch competition with "Clean Heart" and "Judge Me Not." She placed 2nd in the 2006 Calypso Monarch competition with "Equal Justice" and "Too Much Ashes in the Urn."
Born in East Dry River, and raised in Morvant, DesVignes sang and acted as a child, including performances in 'Best Village' productions. She left school at the age of fifteen, taking on a succession of low-paid jobs.
She was approached in 1984 by calypsonian Dr. Zhivago to perform two of his songs, and the following year was recruited to Mighty Sparrow's Youth Brigade tent at the carnival. She won the National Calypso Queen title in 1987. She went on to win the Carifesta Monarch and Calypso Queen of the World titles in 1992. She performed at the Reggae Sunsplash festival in 1992, and subsequently formed the group United Sisters along with Lady B, Tigress, and Marvellous Marva. Sandra continued to perform as a solo artist and won the 'Best Nation Building Song' award, along with a $5,000 prize, at the 1997 carnival for the song "One Destiny One Heart".
She became only the second woman to win Trinidad's Calypso Monarch title, winning in 1999 with the songs "Song for Healing" and "Voices from the Ghetto". She finished in third place in 2000 and fifth in 2001. In 2003 she won the title for a second time, with "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and "Ancient Rhythm", winning a Honda Civic car and a $70,000 cash prize, becoming the first female calypsonian to win the title twice.
Replies
Calypso World Pays Tribute To Singing Sandra At Memorial Service
Thank you for your sweet songs / calypsos. RIP.
Sweet Journey Home, Singing Sandra, sing for all of us in that space called Heaven.
I will miss the sweetness and clarity of your voice and the powerful messages you send as you speak truth. Rst in Peace.
Thank you Singing Sandra for leaving a legacy which enshrines a woman's empowerment. Rest in Song!
REST IN PEACE, SINGING SANDRA
Rest in peace, one of my favourite calypsonians. Deepest condolences to the family of Singing Sandra. I was so happy to meet her in person a few years ago and tell her how much I appreciated her performances.
All for You- by Singing Sandra R.I.P
Playlist:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJMmc7XsWKaAVKOpP20sooiF8P5grEEZu