Eddie Calvert

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For other people with similar names, see Edward Calvert.

Albert Edward Calvert (born on 15 March 1922, in Preston, Lancashire, England - died on 7 August 1978 in South Africa) had his first United Kingdom number one instrumental single in 1954, Oh Mein Papa.

Eddie grew up in a family where the music of his local brass band featured highly. He was soon able to play a variety of instruments, and he was most accomplished on the trumpet. After World War II he graduated from playing as an amateur in brass bands to professional engagements with popular dance orchestras of the day, including Geraldo's, and he soon became renowned for the virtuosity of his performances. Following his exposure on TV with the Stanley Black Orchestra, an enthusiastic announcer introduced him as the 'Man With The Golden Trumpet' - an apt description that remained with him for the rest of his musical career.

Eddie's style was unusually individualistic, and he became a familiar musician on BBC radio and TV during the 1950s. He started to make records for the Columbia label and his records included two UK number ones, 'Oh Mein Papa' and, more than a year later, 'Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White'. He was the first British instrumentalist to achieve two number ones. The magnificent 'Oh Mein Papa', which also sold well in the USA, topped the UK singles chart for nine weeks (a British chart record}, and he received the first 'gold disc' awarded for a UK instrumental track.

Further chart entries were 'John And Julie', taken from the soundtrack of the movie, and 'Mandy', his last major hit. Other recordings included 'Stranger In Paradise' in 1955, 'The Man with the Golden Arm' in 1956, and 'Jealousy' in 1960.

As the music scene entered the less innocent age of the 1960s, Eddie's beautiful musical renditions became less appreciated by record buyers. By 1968 Eddie had become a little disillusioned by his dwindling fortunes and left Britain, making South Africa his home.

He died in 1978, aged 56.