Calvin Earl
Calvin Earl | |
|---|---|
 Calvin Earl | |
| Background information | |
| Born | Gatesville, North Carolina,U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz, R & B, Folk and African American Spirituals |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, Guitarist, and Songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, Acoustic Guitar |
| Labels | Back to Basics Records |
| Website | calvinearl |
Calvin Earlis an American singer, musician, storyteller and documentary film maker specializing in the history ofAfrican American Spirituals.[1]His passion for the preservation of the spirituals led him to lobby for the introduction of twin resolutions (H. Res. 120 and S. Res 69) in theUnited States Congressin 2007, to honor American slaves for their contribution to the American nation and recognize the African American Spiritual as a National Treasure.[2][3][4]He is referred to in the legislation as a “noted performer & educator of theAfrican American Spirituals".Because of his successful efforts in the passage of the legislation, Earl became affectionately known as the" Ambassador of the African American Spirituals ".[citation needed]He has recorded two albums of spirituals (for Back to Basics Records), includingGratitude[5]which is sold at American historical sites includingMonticello,Mount Vernon,Jamestown,and theJimmy Carter National Historic Sitein Plains, Georgia.
Early life[edit]
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Calvin Earl was born in a sharecropper cabin on the Glen Lillie Farm in Gatesville, NC. Earl began playing guitar at the age of 7 at his hometown church. A naturally talented musician, he soon began to travel to different churches and school venues in several surrounding counties inNorth CarolinaandVirginia.Considered a musical prodigy[by whom?]at the age of 9, his frequent performances on local Christian radio stations in Virginia and in his home state of North Carolina brought him to the attention of gospel musicianMahalia Jackson.He performed with her and many othergospel singersincludingThe Blind Boys of Alabama,Shirley Caesar,James Cleveland,The Mighty Clouds of Joy,and theDixie Hummingbirdsthroughout his childhood and teen years.James Brownwanted to take him on the road as a guitarist for his band, but Earl's parents turned down the offer along with all the other offers for their youngest son.
Career[edit]
In 1972–1974 while serving stateside in the military (US Army Corps of Engineers,Fort Ord, California) during theVietnam War,Earl formed aR & Bband in 1973 named the "Elements of Peace".[citation needed]The band performed at Military Officer's clubs, nightclubs in theMontereyandSan Francisco Bayareas, and at special events. At the end of his military service they disbanded and Earl attended community college on theGI BillinMonterey, California.In late 1991, he formed another band, "Calvin Earl and His Big Band Sound". In 1991 at the annualLong Beach Blues Festivalhe was invited to perform with The Blind Boys of Alabama.[citation needed]In the Spring of 1992, he presented his first solo performance at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship inOjai, California.
Earl joined several artist rosters at Community Works Theater To Go NYC an organization building community through art and education, Urban Stages an award-winning Off Broadway production company and NY State Performers & Programs for public libraries. He also joined the New Jersey Council for the Humanities – Horizons Speaker Bureau roster.[citation needed]
In 1999 he debuted his show "The Spirit Behind The Spirituals" at the Children's Storefront School in Harlem.
2007 United States Congressional Historic Twin Resolutions[edit]
In 2006, Earl askedSenator Robert Menendezto introduce legislation on the Senate floor to honor the American slaves for their contributions to the American nation, and recognize theAfrican American Spiritualas a National Treasure.[6][7]
Earl managed to persuadeCongresswoman Rosa DeLauroto sponsor the twin resolution, while other co-sponsors included CongresswomanCarolyn Maloney(NY), CongressmanDanny K. Davis(IL) and CongressmanJohn Lewis(GA). He also enlisted the help of scholars includingDr. Henry Louis Gates Jr–Harvard University,Dr. Cornel West-Princeton University,Dr Clement Price – Rudgers University, Dr.Dorothy I. Height(1912–2010)- former Chair & President EmeritaNational Council of Negro Womenand the NAACP. On February 7, 2007, the House passed H. Res 120, and on February 17, 2007, the Senate passed S. Res 69.[2]
-
President Barack Obama -
Senator Robert Menendez -
Senator Elizabeth Dole -
Congressman John Lewis -
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro -
Dr. Dorothy I. Height
Honors and awards[edit]
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- 2006– United States Senate Certificate of Appreciation for "distinctive service to our nation and the State of New Jersey”
- 2008– George W. Bush – Presidential Proclamation – "celebrating the extraordinary talents and creativity of African-American singers, musicians and composers whose achievements have enriched our culture and enhances our lives.”
- 2000– Certificate of Appreciation Sisulu Children's Academy
- 2003– Certificate of Appreciation Upward Bound Program, Salem State University
- 2012– The Negro Spirituals Heritage Keeper Award, Friend of the Negro Spirituals, San Francisco CA
References[edit]
- ^ "Calvin Earl talks about the African American Spirituals".Blues.GR Blog.
- ^ab "S. Res 69 A resolution recognizing the African American Spirituals as a National Treasure".
- ^"Recognizing the African American Spiritual as a National Treasure".Capitolwords.Archived fromthe originalon August 12, 2014.RetrievedAugust 6,2014.
- ^ Cottman, Michael H. (October 10, 2006)."African-American Spirituals to be Recognized as 'National Treasure' by Congress"(PDF).
- ^ "Gratitude".Black Gospel Blog.
- ^ "Senator Robert Menendez introduces resolution honoring the African-American Spiritual".Robert Menendez.
- ^ "Recognizing the African American Spiritual as a National Treasure".Congressman Albio Sires (NJ).