Calvin Earl facts for kids

Quick facts for kids 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
Instruments	Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Labels	Back to Basics Records

Calvin Earl is an American singer, musician, and storyteller. He is known for his work with African American Spirituals, which are special songs created by enslaved African Americans. Calvin Earl believes these songs are very important to American history and culture. He worked hard to get the United States Congress to officially recognize these spirituals as a "National Treasure." Because of his efforts, people sometimes call him the "Ambassador of the African American Spirituals." He has recorded albums of these songs, and they are sold at famous historical places like Monticello and Mount Vernon.

Calvin Earl's Early Life

Calvin Earl was born in a small cabin on a farm in Gatesville, North Carolina. He started playing guitar at his hometown church when he was just seven years old. He was a natural musician and soon began traveling to perform at churches and schools in North Carolina and Virginia.

By the age of nine, Calvin Earl was considered a very talented musician. He often performed on local Christian radio stations. His performances caught the attention of famous gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. He performed with her and many other gospel singers throughout his childhood and teenage years. Some of these groups included The Blind Boys of Alabama and The Mighty Clouds of Joy.

Calvin Earl's Musical Journey

Calvin Earl and His Big Band Sound

In the early 1970s, Calvin Earl served in the US Army Corps of Engineers during the Vietnam War. While in the military, he formed an R & B band called "Elements of Peace" in 1973. The band performed at military clubs and other venues in California. After his military service, the band broke up.

In 1991, he formed another band called "Calvin Earl and His Big Band Sound." He was invited to perform with The Blind Boys of Alabama at the annual Long Beach Blues Festival. In 1992, he gave his first solo performance in Ojai, California.

Calvin Earl also joined several groups that use art and education to help communities. He became part of programs that bring performers to public libraries and other organizations. In 1999, he launched his show "The Spirit Behind The Spirituals" at a school in Harlem, New York.

Working with Congress for Spirituals

In 2006, Calvin Earl asked Senator Robert Menendez to introduce a special law in the Senate. This law would honor American slaves for their important contributions to the nation. It would also recognize the African American Spiritual as a National Treasure.

Calvin Earl also convinced Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro to support a similar law in the House of Representatives. Other members of Congress, like John Lewis, also helped. He also got help from important scholars and leaders, including Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. from Harvard University and Dr. Dorothy I. Height.

Because of Calvin Earl's hard work, both laws were passed by Congress in February 2007. This was a big step in recognizing the importance of African American Spirituals.

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  President Barack Obama

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  Senator Robert Menendez

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  Senator Elizabeth Dole

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  Congressman John Lewis

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  Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro

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  Dr. Dorothy I. Height

Honors and Awards

Calvin Earl has received several awards and honors for his work:

• 2006 – He received a Certificate of Appreciation from the United States Senate for his "distinctive service to our nation."
• 2008 – He was recognized in a Presidential Proclamation by President George W. Bush. This proclamation celebrated the amazing talents of African American singers and musicians.
• 2000 – He received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Sisulu Children's Academy.
• 2003 – He received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Upward Bound Program at Salem State University.
• 2012 – He was given The Negro Spirituals Heritage Keeper Award in San Francisco, California.