Calvin Earl

Calvin Earl

Calvin Earl
Background information
Birth name Calvin Earl Square
Born (1952-01-16)16 January 1952
Gatesville, North Carolina, U.S.
Genres

African-American Spirituals
American History & Cultural heritage preservation
21st Century Spirituals

gospel
Occupation(s) Singer, Speaker, Songwriter and filmmaker
Instruments Vocals, guitar, percussion, piano
Labels Back to Basics Records
Website calvinearl.com

Calvin Earl, (January 16, 1952), is a performing artist, musician, storyteller and documentary film maker specializing in the history of African 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 the United States Congress in 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 the African 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". He has recorded two albums of spirituals(for Back to Basics Records), including Gratitude[5] which is sold at American historical sites including Monticello, Mount Vernon, Jamestown, and the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site in Plains, Georgia.

Early life

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 in North Carolina and Virginia. Considered a musical prodigy 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 musician Mahalia Jackson. He performed with her and many other gospel singers including The Blind Boys of Alabama, Shirley Caesar, James Cleveland, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, and the Dixie Hummingbirds throughout his childhood and teen years. James Brown wanted 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

Calvin Earl and His Big Band Sound

In 1972–1974 while serving stateside in the military (US Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Ord, CA) during the Vietnam War, Earl formed a R & B band in 1973 named the "Elements of Peace". The band performed at Military Officer's clubs, nightclubs in the Monterey and San Francisco Bay areas, and at special events. At the end of his military service they disbanded and Earl attended community college on the GI Bill in Monterey, California. In late 1991, he formed another band, "Calvin Earl and His Big Band Sound". In 1991 at the annual Long Beach Blues Festival he was invited to perform with The Blind Boys of Alabama. In the Spring of 1992, he presented his first solo performance at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Ojai, 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.

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

In 2006, Earl asked Senator Robert Menendez to introduce legislation on the Senate floor to honor the American slaves for their contributions to the American nation, and recognize the African American Spiritual as a National Treasure.[6][7]

Earl managed to pusuade Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro to sponsor the twin resolution, while other co-sponsors included Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (NY), Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL) and Congressman John Lewis (GA). He also enlisted the help of scholars including Dr. 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 Emerita National Council of Negro Women and the NAACP. On February 7, 2007 the House passed H. Res 120 & February 17, 2007 the Senate passed S. Res 69.[2]

Honors & Awards

References

  1. ↑ "Calvin Earl talks about the African American Spirituals". Blues. GR Blog.
  2. 1 2 "S. Res 69 A resolution recognizing the African American Spirituals as a National Treasure".
  3. ↑ "Recognizing the African American Spiritual as a National Treasure". Capitolwords.
  4. ↑ Cottman, Michael H. (10 October 2006). "African-American Spirituals to be Recognized as 'National Treasure' by Congress" (PDF).
  5. ↑ "Gratitude". Black Gospel Blog.
  6. ↑ "Senator Robert Menendez introduces resolution honoring the African-American Spiritual". Robert Menendez.
  7. ↑ "Recognizing the African American Spiritual as a National Treasure". Congressman Albio Sires (NJ).
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