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Paul Craver
DISCOGRAPHY
Keep On Shaggin'
Macon, Memphis, Muscle Shoals
Mason, Memphis, & Musle Shoals
Coast To Coast Let's Dance
The Emperor
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Paul Craver
Paul Craver grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina where he learned to play the trumpet at an early age and joined the school band. After a few years of going to the famed Castaways Club to see groups like the Embers and Bill Deal and the Rhondels, he realized his passion for R & B music. Paul joined a group called Medium Cool in 1972 and at that very first gig; he couldn't stay away from the microphone. He knew from that point on what he wanted to do. Joining Cannonball in 1972, he was there when the beach classic "You Keep Telling Me Yes" was recorded. It was the hottest tune going at Ocean Drive Beach, S.C. at that time. He took over the group and kept them performing for several years.
In 1978, Paul was asked by Bill Griffin of the Castaways and Bobby Tomlinson of the Embers to put back together the O'Kaysions, now known as the Fabulous Kays. He moved to Columbia, South Carolina in 1981, hooked up with Willis Blume, and was instrumental in forming Shagtime, which had several beach hits in the '80's. The most notable recording with Shagtime was "Mr. Beach" on which Paul sang lead. After several years, he left to team up with Tony Davis and put back together the Kruze Band. During that period they recorded 'Shoo Do Foo Foo Ooh' which was included on the "Shag Yer Blooz Away, Vol. 2" Ripete Records Compilation and also featured on "Salt Air", a various artists release from Quickhouse Productions. Paul soon returned to Shagtime and headed up the group until 1993, when the Men of Distinction was formed. With the Men, Paul has provided lead vocals on "It Won't Be This Way Always", "Brand New Me", "Anna", as well as "Don't Be Afraid" from the Men's latest CD “Down South Jukin’”, which was named Blues Album of The Year at the 2003 Carolina Beach Music Awards.
Paul was nominated at the Carolina Beach Music Awards for Male Vocalist of the year in 2001, and was inducted into the Beach Music Hall of Fame in 2002. In 2003 Paul had the distinctive honor of winning The Male Vocalist of The Year award and also recorded his first solo CD entitled " Let The Music Play" which also took home the honors of Solo CD of The Year. In 2004, Paul recorded his second solo CD entitled “Wherever Love Is Found”, which again was named Solo CD of The Year at The Carolina Beach Music Awards. Paul’s latest recording “Macon, Memphis, and Muscle Shoals” was released in 2006, and once again, was named Solo CD of The Year at The Carolina Beach Music Awards.
Whether performing as a solo artist or fronting his band The Men of Distinction, Paul Craver is the consummate entertainment professional.
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ARTISTS of CASHBOX MAGAZINE, INC.