Craver has played roles from musician to owner of a number of bands through the years - like Cannonball, Shagtime and The Men of Distinction. Today, however, he is concentrating on his solo career and sounds better than ever. (For an extra-special treat, catch Craver as he occasionally performs with Shaggie Maggie.)
Influences
Bill Deal & The Rhondels; the early Embers; The Magnificent Men
Paul Craver is a vocalist in his own right. The best way to learn what this artist sounds like is to - well - listen to his music. The 10-time Carolina Beach Music Award winner and Hall of Fame member lends class and a trademark smoothness to any song he sings - from covers of soul and R&B to his own work.
The music bug bit Ripete Records recording artist Paul Craver at an early age. A native of Greensboro, NC, he entered high school - trumpet in tow - and quickly joined the school band. After graduation, he took his place in the United States Military and served in Vietnam.
In the meantime, Craver found himself more and more attracted to the sounds of Rhythm & Blues. One of his favorite nightspots in those days was the famed Castaways Club, where he attended performances by well-known bands like the Embers, Bill Deal and the Rhondells and the Magnificent Men.
In 1972, Craver joined a group called Medium Cool and from his very first gig with the group, no one could keep him away from the microphone. He - and everyone who heard him - knew from that point on that the entertainer had found his calling. Before long, Craver joined another band, Cannonball, and with the group recorded "You Keep Telling Me Yes" which went on to become a Carolina Beach Music classic. The tune was the hottest thing around Ocean Drive in 1972, at which time Craver took over Cannonball and kept the group performing over the next few years.
Craver got an offer he couldn't pass up in 1978 when Bill Griffin (Castaways) and Bobby Tomlinson (Embers) recruited him to reconstruct the O'Kaysions, (I'm A Girl Watcher), now known as the Fabulous Kays. Having completed that task, Craver moved to Columbia, SC, in 1981, where he teamed up with Willis Blume to form Shagtime, a band producing a number of Carolina Beach hits in the latter part of the 1980s.including "Mr. Beach." Craver sang lead vocals on the project, and the single became a defining milestone in his career. After several years with Shagtime, Craver moved on to partner with Tony Davis. The two revived the Kruze Band, resulting in recordings like "Shoo Do Foo Foo Ooh" which was included on the Shag Yer Blooz Away, Vol. 2 Ripete compilation as well as Salt Air, a various artists release from Quickhouse Productions.
Returning to Shagtime, Craver stood as the group's leader until 1993, when the Men of Distinction band was formed. That group - with Craver singing lead vocals on singles like "It Won't Be This Way Always," "Brand New Me," "Anna," "Don't Be Afraid," and "Uptown" on its three CD projects - earned four Carolina Beach Music Awards for its efforts.
Craver has a history of his own in terms of the CBMA's with a string of nominations and a good number of wins. He was a 2002 inductee into the organization's Beach Music Hall of Fame, . and once he released Let the Music Play - his first solo project - Which was Solo CD of the year as well as the honor of male vocalist of the year, the honors kept coming in 2003 with two wins. The artist also earned awards for his 2004 sophomore release – Where Ever Love Is Found - as well as the 2006 Macon, Memphis & Muscle Shoals. All three cd's were awarded cd of the year at the carolina beach music awards. In 2007, he received Smoothie of the Year for "Emperor of My Baby's Heart," released on KHP Music's Keep On Shaggin compilation in Which has become an international hit as well.
In March 2008, Craver retired from the Men of Distinction and is now devoting more time to his solo career and deejay opportunities.
Hey Just dropping in to say hello and let you know about my Next Show April 25th at The Carolina Entertainment Complex in Marion SC. 1548 Hwy 501 south There will be a ton of great events fpr all ages and B-E-E-R!!!COWGIRLS!!!!Cowboys!!!COWBOYS!!!Horse races!!!Venders!!! Just $ 3 to get and just $5 to attend the after party with us Southern Blue and Kaorake fun with Dj Ray ray. Camping available Drop me a line anytime. Jeff For more info on venue and events at next show go to http://myspace.com/carolinaentertainmentcomplex or call 843-617-3344 0r 843-464-0693 or Click on the banner below href="http://myspace.com/carolinaentertainmentcomplex">..
The Carolina's #1 Horn Band, Bull City Syndicate, appears at the Carolina Lounge, in Wilmington - April 2nd, and at 2001 Nightclub, in Myrtle Beach - April 3rd & 4th. Playing tunes from their own critically-acclaimed CD, and the best of Earth Wind & Fire, Tower of Power, Chicago, Blood Sweat & Tears . . . And more!
NOT the same old (yawn!) club set. Oh, you'll be able to dance, but you'll also have a great time if all you want to do is listen! Check out their originals and horn band tributes here:
Thanks man but you know how hard it is to get any where in the music biz haha got any connections to any booking agents in SC I used to play there last summer PURA VIDA
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![justmegan [NEW SONG!]](http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/21/s_64e517f9f81e4a57832a648d179d015a.jpg)
