Eddie Calvert facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eddie Calvert
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Albert Edward Calvert |
| Also known as | Richard Bryce |
| Born | 15 March 1922 Preston, Lancashire, England |
| Died | 7 August 1978 (aged 56) Rivonia, Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Genres | Easy listening |
| Instruments | Trumpet |
| Years active | 1951–1978 |
| Labels | Columbia, Melodisc, His Master's Voice |
Eddie Calvert, born Albert Edward Calvert (March 15, 1922 – August 7, 1978), was a famous English trumpet player. He was very successful in the 1950s. Between 1953 and 1958, he had seven instrumental songs hit the UK Singles Chart. Two of his biggest hits were "Oh, Mein Papa" (1953) and "Cherry Pink (and Apple Blossom White)" (1955), which both reached number one.
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Meet Eddie Calvert: The Man with the Golden Trumpet
Eddie Calvert was born in Preston, Lancashire, England. He grew up in a musical family. His local brass band played a big part in his early life. Eddie quickly learned to play many instruments. But he was best at the trumpet. When he was just 11, he joined the Preston Town Silver Band.
After the Second World War, Eddie left the Army. He borrowed money from his father. This helped him get his first job in a band in Manchester. He moved from playing as a hobby to performing professionally. He played with popular dance orchestras of his time. These included famous bands like Geraldo's. Soon, he became known for his amazing trumpet skills.
Becoming the "Man with the Golden Trumpet"
Eddie Calvert appeared on television with the Stanley Black Orchestra. An excited announcer introduced him. They called him the "Man with the Golden Trumpet." This perfect description stayed with him for his whole music career.
Eddie's trumpet style was very unique. He became a well-known musician on BBC Radio and TV in the 1950s. He first recorded music around 1949–1951. Later, he started recording for EMI's Columbia label.
Eddie's Chart-Topping Success
Eddie Calvert had two songs reach number one in the UK. These were "Oh, Mein Papa" and "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White." He was the first British musician who played an instrument to have two number one hits.
"Oh, Mein Papa" stayed at the top of the UK Singles Chart for nine weeks. This was a record for the UK charts at the time. He also received the first gold disc for a UK instrumental song. A gold disc means a record sold a lot of copies. His music also did well in the United States. "Oh, Mein Papa" reached number 6 on the Billboard charts there.
Other popular songs by Eddie included "John and Julie." This song was from the film John and Juliet. "Mandy" was another one of his big hits. He also recorded "Stranger in Paradise" (1955) and "Jealousy" (1960). Eddie also helped write the song "My Son, My Son." This song was a hit for Vera Lynn in 1954.
In 1956, Eddie worked with orchestra leader Norrie Paramor. They recorded a special extended-play single. It had four songs. Eddie played "Silent Night." On another song, he teamed up with singers Ruby Murray and Michael Holliday. They sang a version of "Good Luck, Good Health, God Bless You." This record was popular in Australia and South Africa.
A New Chapter in South Africa
As music changed in the 1960s, Eddie's style became less popular. New bands like the Beatles and rock n' roll music took over. By 1968, Eddie decided to leave the UK. After a world tour that included stops in Africa, he made South Africa his new home.
He continued to perform there. He also visited Rhodesia often. He kept recording music for the local audience. He even made a special version of "Amazing Grace." He called it "Amazing Race" for Rhodesia.
In 1974, Eddie took on a new role. He became a main promoter for a cultural board in South Africa. His goal was to make entertainment better in Soweto. He wanted to improve music venues and book top artists. He also wanted to make sure promoters treated artists fairly. He said he would work hard to give Soweto the best entertainment. Eddie also supported many causes that brought people together. He performed at a charity concert for a children's charity.
Eddie Calvert passed away on August 7, 1978. He had a heart attack at his home in Rivonia, Johannesburg. He was 56 years old.
Eddie's Top Hits
Here are some of Eddie Calvert's songs that made it onto the UK singles chart:
- "Oh, Mein Papa" (No. 1) – 1953
- "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White" (No.1) – 1955
- "Stranger in Paradise" (No. 14) – 1955
- "John and Julie" (No. 6) – 1955
- "Zambesi" (No.13) – 1956
- "Mandy (La Panse)" (No. 9) – 1958
- "Little Serenade" (No. 28) – 1958
Want to Learn More?
- List of artists who reached number one on the UK Singles Chart
- List of people from Preston
- UK Singles Chart records
