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 July 11, 1970) is an American musician, songwriter, and entertainer. He has been performing since 1995, mostly in the New York metropolitan area. Graham Clarke has given over 5,000 music shows for both kids and adults along the East Coast. People often describe his musical style as funny and a bit "off-center." He also publishes his own music.
Contents
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Graham Clarke was born in Teaneck, New Jersey, on July 11, 1970. He grew up in Dumont, New Jersey, and later in Oradell, New Jersey. When he was young, his older brother Tommy took guitar lessons. Graham was often in the room during these lessons. One time, when Graham was sick, his brother's music teacher noticed he was "screaming on key!"
A family story says the first song Graham learned to sing was "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard." This was a popular song his brother was learning on the guitar. Later, Graham went to St. Joseph Grammar School and Bergen Catholic High School. Since neither school had a music program, Graham taught himself how to play the guitar. He used his brother's old music books to learn.
Career Highlights
Starting as a Musician (1989-1996)
In 1988, Graham Clarke started college at Boston College. He performed at bars, clubs, and even in subway stations. He also sang with the Boston College Chorale. In 1991, he met his future wife, Peggy Clarke, at college.
After graduating in 1992, Graham moved to New Rochelle, New York. He worked as an English teacher for a while. In 1994, he started studying philosophy at Fordham University.
In 1995, Graham began helping his sister-in-law by taking care of her son, Blake. Blake loved it when Graham 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 teacher. She even gave him some Raffi music tapes to use. By the end of 1996, Graham was visiting over 20 schools and daycare centers every week. He also started performing at children's parties.
Becoming a Recording Artist (1997-Present)
In 1996, Graham decided to make his first album. He worked with John Reynolds to create Graham & Delores. This album was recorded in a former church and only featured Graham and his guitar. It was released in 1997 and sold over 1,000 copies at his local shows.
Graham & Cinnamon
In 1999, Graham released his second album, Graham & Cinnamon. This album had a much fuller sound, with more instruments. John Reynolds helped produce it again. This album even started getting played on local radio stations, like WPLJ's "Scott and Todd: The Big Show."
American Blue
Graham's album American Blue came out in June 2001. For this album, his brother Tommy Clarke helped with production. They recorded it in a studio in Port Chester, NY. One of the most famous songs on the album, "Fancy Pants," is a tribute to his music hero, David Bowie.
Many of Graham's songs are inspired by the kids he teaches in the Lower Hudson Valley. For example, he has said that "Jack, Jack, Jackson and Jason" are four real boys from one of his music classes. Graham often creates smart and interesting arrangements for his songs. For American Blue, he even mixed parts of Mozart's Requiem Mass into the Christmas carol "We Three Kings." The album also included his first a cappella song, "Old Lady Come from Brewster," where he used only his voice to make all the sounds.
After the September 11 attacks in 2001, Graham made an album completely dedicated to New York City. This album, called Acoustic New York, was released on the one-year anniversary of the attacks. In 2004, he released another album called FiVE.
Television and Video Work
While working on American Blue, Graham also started making videos for children. He created the "Quills Up!" video for the American Association of Poison Control Centers. He also provided music for the "Your Tiny" video series.
Graham even explored the idea of having his own children's TV show. He started working on a TV pilot, but the project didn't continue due to some difficult experiences in the TV industry and the economic challenges after the September 11 attacks.
Graham Clarke has often appeared as a guest on local TV stations like News 12 Networks. He frequently performs and sings with children during special holiday segments.
Giving Back to the Community
Graham Clarke has performed at many charity events. He has helped raise money for victims of the 2004 tsunami and for families affected by 9/11. He also performed weekly for 15 months at Blythedale Children's Hospital.
Every year, Graham donates performances to organizations like The Red Cross, Kids in Crisis, and many local charities, schools, and libraries.
Personal Life
Graham Clarke is married to Peggy Clarke, and they have a child named Zachary. They live in Somers, New York. Graham is also a dog lover and has included his dogs in some of his songs, like "Come on Up, Athena." He often sees his family, and all four Clarke brothers take an annual trip to a different city to watch a professional hockey game.
Graham is also a first cousin to the famous film composer Alan Silvestri.
Discography
- Graham & Delores (1997)
- Graham & Cinnamon (1999)
- American Blue (2001)
- Acoustic New York (2003)
- Five (2005)
- Hoggin' the Covers (2012)
Images for kids
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Graham Clarke in 2005 (holding Delores, one of his guitars)
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Performing in Mamaroneck in 1998
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In New York City, 2002
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Graham Clarke performing in Bedford, NY in 2003 holding his guitar, Cinnamon
