Eddie Calvert

Between 1953 and 1958 he achieved seven instrumental hits on the UK Singles Chart, including the two chart-toppers "Oh, Mein Papa" in 1954 and "Cherry Pink (and Apple Blossom White)" in 1955.

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

[4] After the Second World War, invalided out of the Army, he borrowed money from his father to get his first job in a Manchester band [5] and graduated from playing as an amateur in brass bands to professional engagements with popular dance orchestras of the day, including Geraldo's plus Billy Ternent,[1] and he soon became renowned for the virtuosity of his performances.

Following his exposure on television 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.

[8] In 1956 he was invited by orchestra leader Norrie Paramor and their mutual friends Ruby Murray and Michael Holliday to record an extended-play single with four tracks.

Not all artistes were in favour of the proposals saying the board was acting with an 'iron hand', but Eddie insisted that he would stop at nothing to give Soweto the best in entertainment.

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