Graham Clarke (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Graham Clarke
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Graham Clarke in 2005 (holding Delores, one of his guitars)
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Graham Peter Clarke |
| Also known as | Graham the Music Man The Gruse |
| Born | July 11, 1970 Teaneck, New Jersey |
| Genres | Children's music, Acoustic music, popular music, rock, traditional music |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1995–present |
Graham Peter Clarke, born on July 11, 1970, is an American musician, songwriter, and entertainer. He has been performing since 1995, mostly in the New York metropolitan area. Clarke has given over 5,000 musical shows on the East Coast for both children and adults. People often describe his music style as funny and a bit unique. He creates and shares his own music.
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Graham Clarke's Early Life and Music Beginnings
Graham Clarke was born in Teaneck, New Jersey, on July 11, 1970. His parents were Lorain Maria Clarke and Thomas Michael "Moose" Clarke. Graham was the youngest of four brothers.
He spent his early childhood in Dumont, New Jersey. Graham often listened when his older brother, Tommy, took guitar lessons. His family tells a story that the first song Graham learned to sing was "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard." This was a popular song Tommy was learning on the guitar.
When Graham was seven, his family moved to Oradell. He went to St. Joseph Grammar School and later Bergen Catholic High School. Neither school had a music program. So, Graham taught himself how to play the guitar. He used his brother's old music books to learn.
Graham Clarke's Music Career Journey
Starting as a Musician (1989-1996)
In 1988, Graham Clarke started attending Boston College. He joined the school's Honors Program. While there, he performed music at bars and clubs. He also sang in subway stations. Graham also acted in plays and wrote comedy sketches. He traveled with the Boston College Chorale, singing different voice parts. In 1991, he met Peggy Amlung, who later became his wife.
After graduating in 1992, Clarke moved to New Rochelle, New York. He worked as an English teacher at Evander Childs High School in the Bronx. In 1994, he left teaching to study philosophy at Fordham University.
In 1995, Graham started helping his sister-in-law by caring for her son, Blake. He noticed how much Blake enjoyed it when he brought his guitar. His sister-in-law, who was a teacher, suggested he visit local nursery schools and daycare centers. She thought they might need a music specialist. She gave him some Raffi cassettes and other children's music. By the end of 1996, Clarke was visiting over 20 schools and daycare centers each week. He also performed at parties. From 1999, he focused on entertaining at children's parties.
Becoming a Recording Artist (1997-Present)
In 1996, Graham Clarke decided to make his first music album. He asked John Reynolds for help.
Graham & Delores Album
His first album, Graham & Delores, was recorded in 1997. It was made at Iona College using simple recording equipment. The album only featured Clarke and his guitar. There were no extra sounds added later. By 1998, he had sold over 1,000 copies of the album at his local shows.
Graham & Cinnamon Album
In 1999, Clarke released his second album, Graham & Cinnamon. This album had a more professional sound. John Reynolds helped with the production again. They recorded at a studio in Garfield, NJ. Many more instruments were used on this album, not just Graham's guitar. Reynolds played almost every instrument on the album besides Graham's guitar. Songs like "If I Live to Be 100" became popular. Clarke's music also started to be played on local radio stations.
American Blue Album
American Blue was released in June 2001. For this album, Clarke worked with his brother, Tommy Clarke, to produce it. They recorded it in Port Chester, NY. A special song on the album, "Fancy Pants," was a tribute to David Bowie. Many of Clarke's songs are inspired by the children he teaches music to. For example, "Jack, Jack, Jackson and Jason" are four real boys from one of his music classes.
Clarke also created a unique version of the Christmas carol "We Three Kings." He added parts from Mozart's Requiem Mass. The album also featured his first a cappella song. This was a new version of the Georgia Sea Island folksong "Old Lady Come from Brewster." He used only his voice to create all the sounds. The song "Sword and Shield" on the album is dedicated to his wife, Peggy.
After the events of September 11, 2001, Clarke made an album about New York. It was called Acoustic New York and was released on the first anniversary of the attacks. In 2004, Clarke released his album FiVE.
Television and Video Work
While making American Blue, Graham Clarke also started working on children's videos. He made a video called "Quills Up!" for the American Association of Poison Control Centers. He also provided music for the "Your Tiny" video series.
Clarke also explored the idea of having his own children's television show. He started working on a TV pilot with actor-writer Brian Reid. However, this project was stopped due to difficulties in the television industry and the economic problems after the September 11 attacks.
Clarke has often appeared as a guest on News 12 and other local TV stations. He frequently appears during holiday shows, singing with children.
Helping Others Through Music
Graham Clarke has performed at many benefit concerts for charities. These include helping victims of the 2004 tsunami and families affected by 9/11. He also performed weekly for 15 months at Blythedale Children's Hospital.
Clarke also donates performances every year to organizations like The Red Cross and Kids in Crisis. He supports many local charities, schools, and libraries.
Graham Clarke's Personal Life
Graham Clarke is married to Peggy Clarke. They got married on May 28, 1994. Peggy is currently a senior minister at Community Church of New York. They live in Somers, New York, and have a child named Zachary.
Graham enjoys spending time with his family. All four brothers take an annual trip to a different city to watch a professional hockey game. He loves dogs and has owned them his whole adult life. He even includes his dogs in some of his songs.
Graham Clarke's Music Albums
- Graham & Delores (1997)
- Graham & Cinnamon (1999)
- American Blue (2001)
- Acoustic New York (2003)
- Five (2005)
- Hoggin' the Covers (2012)
