JAY CALVERT - Professional Performing Songwriter, Country Genre
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Jay Calvert grew up with an appreciation of a variety of musical genres . . . rap, pop, R & B; but country music was not being played in his neighborhood circles. While Jay was still young, his parents decided to move closer to their birthplace of Brighton, Alabama, and they chose Atlanta, Georgia.
This move to the South strengthened Jay’s love of R &B as he became immersed in the Motown and R & B music flooding the Atlanta music scene at the time. Jay was not exposed to country music as a youth or teen in Atlanta, although he enjoyed more and more rock, pop and even metal sounds.
Calvert excelled in sports, especially as running back in football, even into his college years. It was through Jay’s football teammates at a college in South Georgia that he became enamored with country tunes and lyrics, specifically Alan Jackson’s “Don’t Rock the Jukebox”. This led to repeated trips to the record store for more albums of top country artists like Tim McGraw.
Transferring to Troy State University, Calvert began to experiment with songwriting and composing, remaining distinctly in the country music genre. Although it took almost twelve (12) years to build up the support, expertise and confidence to take his “show on the road” and perform in larger public venues, Calvert’s fans were all encouraging his work. He had found country music to be the most rewarding and heartfelt music he’d ever sung. Calvert summarized, “I like to tell simple stories in my music that ordinary-everyday people like me can understand, and hopefully everyone can relate to what I'm feeling or trying to express in my songs.”
As a finalist in the State of Georgia “Colgate Country Title Showdown,” Calvert will be competing for top prize in October 2006. For further information on this Finalist’s Competition, see www.jaycalvert.com or www.countryshowdown.com.
Calvert’s first CD is available, as well as downloadable tracks or ringtones, on CDBaby.com, BestBuy.com, Wal-mart Music, Sony Connect, NAPSTER, MP3tunes, MSN Music, and Verizon Music. With well-known Producer David Leonard at Reveal Audio, Calvert will be working on a second CD immediately.
Calvert is a BMI writer/affiliate, Georgia Music Industry Association member, and member of the Atlanta Society of Entertainers. For further information, booking availability and schedules, see www.jaycalvert.com or contact media@jaycalvert.com.
Jay Calvert
"I DON'T RECALL EVER HEARING A COUNTRY SONG UNTIL MY FRESHMAN YEAR IN COLLEGE" J. Calvert
NAME: JAY CALVERT
COUNTRY ARTIST-SINGER/SONGWRITER
*BMI WRITER/AFFILIATE*
*MEMBER OF THE GEORGIA MUSIC INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (GMIA)*
*MEMBER OF THE ATLANTA SOCIETY OF ENTERTAINERS*
I was born in Boston, Massachusetts and like every other inner city kid that could hear I loved "Rappers Delight" by the Sugar Hill Gang! I absorbed the sounds, the stories and the styles of the various rap artists that soon emerged. However, I also loved the show Sha Na Na". I also remember running around with my cousin Snoopy, singing songs like "Jesses' Girl" by Rick Springfield. But, no Country Music?
My parents decided to move closer to their birthplace of Brighton, Alabama; a small town inside of Bessemer Alabama, which is a small town inside of Birmingham Alabama. They chose Atlanta, Georgia. I like to think it was to get away from all that snow! I grew a love, respect and understanding for R&B to the sounds of Al Green, Marvin Gaye, The O'Jays, The Temptations, Gladys Night & The Pipps, Lenny Williams, Earth Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, and Areatha Franklin just to name a few. My dads' 8 track became my friend and even though I wasn't suppose to spin vinyl on my dads' two (2) Techniques (which we still have) I played the crackling records anyway. But, still no Country Music?
I went to a diversified high school in Dekalb County Georgia (Lakeside High School) that introduced me to more Pop, Soft Rock, Hard Rock and a little Metal. I excelled at most sports but football was my favorite. I was always one of the smallest on the team but seemed to have a knack for catching and carrying the "Pig Skin". Being one of the fastest on all the teams I've played for didn't hurt either. But it was while playing football in college that I was introduced to Country Music. After a typical hot and hard practice on the "Nat infested banks of "Beautiful Eagle Creek" at Georgia Southern University, Bubba Longrier (an offensive lineman) was singing Alan Jacksons' "Don't Rock The Jukebox" while walking past me in the locker room. My nickname at the time was "Jukebox" because I was always singing and knew all the latest songs. So I thought. I had taken a few good hits at practice that day and thought Bubba was picking fun at me. He explained that it was "Country Music" and continued to sing a few more lines of it. I immediately was curious and like a little kid that was told not to do something, soon after I ended up at a music store. I found Alan Jacksons' CD with "Don't Rock The Jukebox" on it. I also bought a cassette single with Tim Mcgraws' "Indian OUtlaw" and "Dont' Take The Girl". I was hooked! A beautiful union between a young man and Country Music was made never to be broken! Transferring to Troy State University in Troy, Alabama a year later only intensified my love and interest in Country Music!
However, I kept my love for Country Music to myself. I'd jot down a few concepts or a lyric or two in my head. I would slip sometimes and sing a little of my own creations at football practice or at the gym and someone would say, "that's a catchy tune" or "that sounds nice" and ask me "who sings it?" Hesitantly, I would tell them it's one I wrote and they would immediately tell me "you need to do something with it." I was more embarrassed than feeling appreciative that someone liked my sound.
This went on for years, twelve (12) to be exact. One morning, after night after night of cold sweats and tossing and turning, it was clear. Although I was employed in the legal field, an extremely talented football player and a small business owner, a higher pwoer wanted me to explore and use other talents that he gave me! I immediately started writing. I mean immediately! I got out of bed at 4:38am, found a pen and some paper and started writing! (I wrote "Here Soon", which is Track #2 on my "Clap Your Hands If You Love Country Music" CD)
I write simple lyrics of love for the heart, playful lyrics to make you smile, to more serious lyrics to make you think. I write lyrics for you to sing while driving your car or cleaning your house. Some people may look at me and think that I'm flashy, but the truth is I'm a simple man. I like to tell simple stories in my music that ordinary-everyday people like me can understand and hopefully relate to what I'm feeling or trying to express in my music.
MY OATH:
I promise to honor thy Father and thy Mother, to treat all people the way I would like to be treated, to be the best Daddy I can be, to be the best Husband I can be when the time comes (I know my future wife is out there somewhere) and to continue to grow in the spirit of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
AS FOR MY MUSIC:
I promise to love and respect Country Music as it has loved and respected me, to work hard on my song writing/singing ability for myself and my fans: past, present and future and above all...KEEP IT COUNTRY!
FOR YOUR GREATEST LISTENING PLEASURE:
I strongly recommend you "BUY" four (4) of my CD's! 1.) One while you're at home! 2.) One while you're at work! 3.) One while you're in your car or truck! And 4.) One for when you're fishin in your boat or fishin off the banks of your favorite fishin hole!
Thank you for considering adding me to your music collection!
God Bless!
Sincerely,
Your Brother In Music!
Jay Calvert