13 Facts About Eddie Calvert

Albert Edward Calvert was an English trumpeter successful in the 1950s.

Eddie Calvert was born in Preston, Lancashire, England and grew up in a family where the music of his local brass band featured highly.

Eddie Calvert was able to play a variety of instruments but was most accomplished on the trumpet.

Eddie Calvert's style was unusually individualistic, and he became a familiar musician on BBC Radio and TV during the 1950s.

Eddie Calvert was the first British instrumentalist to achieve two number ones.

Eddie Calvert co-wrote the song "My Son, My Son", which was a hit for Vera Lynn in 1954.

Eddie Calvert played "Silent Night" and on another track he, Murray and Holliday teamed up in a version of "Good Luck, Good Health, God Bless You".

Eddie Calvert continued to perform there, and was a regular visitor to Rhodesia.

Eddie Calvert continued to record for the local market and performed a version of "Amazing Grace", retitled "Amazing Race", specially adapted for Rhodesia.

In 1974 Eddie Calvert became Chief promoter for the Cultural Section of the West Rand Bantu Affairs Administration Board.

Eddie Calvert's mission was to improve the entertainment scene in Soweto, improving the venues, booking top talent and ensuring promoters acted fairly.

Eddie Calvert supported many multi-racial causes, including performing at a charity fundraising concert for the Drakensberg children's charity.

On 7 August 1978, Eddie Calvert collapsed and died of a heart attack in the bathroom of his home in Rivonia, Johannesburg.