Mighty Panther (1921- 2001)

Native to Trinidad, Mighty Panther is a… Read Full Bio ↴Mighty Panther (1921- 2001)

Native to Trinidad, Mighty Panther is a legend of Trinidadian calypso music. He has shared the stage with numerous calypsonians including "Charmer", aka Louis Farrakhan (leader of the Nation of Islam).

The Mighty Panther, Vernon Joseph Roberts, was born in Trinidad on November 24, 1921. He was one of six calypsonians who were chosen to sing for Princess Margaret at the Governor's House during her visit to Trinidad in 1956; the others were Sir Galba, Mighty Dictator, Mighty Spitfire, Lord Melody, and Lord Viper. About two years later, Panther left Trinidad for the USA and performed in various clubs around all 50 states. He returned to New York, USA, in the early-1970s and became active in the West Indian community, later turning to social work when his singing career ended. He was frequently the Master of Ceremonies at shows held before the annual Labor Day Carnival in Brooklyn, New York. In 2001, he teamed up with fellow calypsonian King Wellington for a calypso poetry performance at the People's Poetry Gathering held in Greenwich Village, New York, from March 30 to April 1