Calvin Leavy

about

Calvin Leavy (April 20, 1940 – June 6, 2010) was an African American soul blues and electric blues singer and guitarist. He had a hit single in 1970, when "Cummins Prison Farm" peaked at number 40 on the US Billboard R&B chart, and stayed in the chart for five weeks. More locally, it was number one on the chart of the Memphis, Tennessee based radio station, WDIA. Later in his life, Leavy became the first person indicted under the 1988 Drug Kingpin Law, and he subsequently died in prison. Biography Calvin James Leavy was born in Scott, Pulaski County, Arkansas, United States. He was the youngest son of fifteen children, and started singing in his church choir. By his adolescence, Leavy sang with various gospel ensembles in Little Rock. He formed the Leavy Brothers Band in 1954, and they were popular locally, before relocating to Fresno, California. By the end of 1968, they moved back to Little Rock, and played at local clubs. Through this work, Leavy was offered recording time in E&M Studios in Little Rock. As well as a cover version of "Tennessee Waltz", the group recorded the song "Cummins Prison Farm", which was written by Bill Cole. Leavy used the prison experiences of one of his brothers to expand the lyrical content. It was originally issued on Soul Beat Records, and underwent subsequent national distribution via Blue Fox Records, that label's first release. "Cummins Prison Farm", reached number 40 on the Billboard R&B chart. Recorded in one take, it was one of 27 blu

top songs

albums

My Guitar Wants To Kill Your Mama

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The Blues At Christmas 2 (The Blues Collection)

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Blues Guitar Masters CD2

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Slow Blues - 25 Rare Blues Tracks

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All American Vintage Rhythm and Blues

Cummins Prison Farm / Brought You to the City

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Sun Records - Memphis Blues

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Southern Soul Showcase

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Aquarium Drunkard Presents: Mirage - A Mixtape

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The Blues At Christmas II: The Very Best Of The Blues

The Best of Calvin Leavy

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Cummins Prison Farm

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