Al Cromwell
Canadian musician (1938–1995)
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Alan Cromwell (1938 – 28 September 1995) was a Canadian blues and folk musician who was active on the folk scene in Toronto, during the 1960s and 1970s, where he performed at Steele's Tavern,[1] the Horseshoe Tavern, The Purple Onion and various venues in Kensington Market and Yorkville, Toronto.[2][better source needed][3] From Phinneys Cove, Nova Scotia, he learned spirituals, blues, and folk songs from his father, Norman Cromwell.[4][2][better source needed]
Al Cromwell | |
|---|---|
 Cromwell, c. 1963 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | 1938 |
| Died | September 28, 1995 (aged 56–57) |
| Genres | |
| Occupations | Singer, instrumentalist |
| Years active | 1963–1995 |
Cromwell performed during the early years of the Mariposa Folk Festival, notably in 1963.[4][5]
In the 1980s, Cromwell became better known as a blues player, playing with Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee and Josh White.[6][failed verification] He continued to be a regular live performer in Toronto throughout the 1980s and 1990s in jazz and folk clubs. He is included on the live album Grossman's Live issued in 1987.[7][better source needed][8][better source needed]
Cromwell died in Toronto on September 28, 1995.[9][10] He was posthumously inducted as a memorial member of the Porcupine Awards Hall of Fame.[11] An award was established in his name in the Folk/Blues category in the same year.