Graham Clarke
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Graham Peter Clarke (born July 11, 1970) is an American singer, songwriter and guitarist.
His albums of original music address children without condescension or inordinately sweet lyrics. In the spirit of 60s and 70s folk music, his songs are surprisingly political, gently suggesting that all people, especially children, have the potential for creating peaceful communities and finding creative solutions for socio-political problems. His respect for children and their ability to understand the world has placed him among the top children's musicians.
Clarke was born into an Italian-Irish family in Dumont, New Jersey who soon moved to Oradell, New Jersey. Clarke taught himself how to play guitar as a teenager primarily by imitating his oldest brother Thomas Clarke, a singer and guitarist. He attended Boston College where he graduated with an Honor’s Bachelor’s degree in English and Philosophy. He continued his studies in Philosophy by entering the Fordham University doctoral program. While pursuing his doctorate, he started working as a musician and became successful so quickly that he left the program after earning a Master's degree.
At the beginning of his musical career he performed at birthday parties, libraries and bookstores in Westchester County, NY. But in 1997 Clarke's music broke new ground internationally after he released his first album Graham & Delores. The album found its way to Argentina and later to Japan and South Korea to be used as a way to teach English in primary schools. Now Clarke performs at venues throughout New York City and much of the East Coast.
After being approached by a television network executive mother, Clarke has begun a TV pilot with actor, writer Brian Reid and Cannes award-winning animator Jon Magner. He is married to artist Peggy Clarke and lives in Somers, New York.
[edit] Discography
- Graham & Delores (1997)
- Graham & Cinnamon (1999)
- American Blue (2001)
- Acoustic New York (2003)
- Five (2005)
