Where I’m Coming From
Compiled by Forrest Preece
Craig Calvert, Bandleader, Murphy‘s In-Laws
- What’s something about you that not many people know?
In 1977, I co-wrote the music for a three-act ballet with the other members of my band, St Elmo’s Fire. The world premiere of ‘Caliban’ was commissioned and performed by the Houston Ballet and debuted at Jones Hall, in Houston, TX. St Elmo’s Fire played live, on stage, during every performance of the rock ballet. The capacity crowds were primarily made up of blue hairs and long hairs.
- What was your first job?
Working as a stocker at Foley’s department store in Houston, while waiting for a future bandmate to graduate from high school. The job wasn’t a good fit for me. My immediate boss referred to me as ‘the main troublemaker’. I kind of took pride in that. Anyway, it didn’t last long because after she received a diploma, we formed the band Wheatfield, and I never worked again.
- If you could have dinner with three people – dead or alive, at any time in history—who would they be?
Only three? That’s tough, but at this moment, I’ll pick Leonardo Di Vinci, Ernest Shackleton, and Melinda French Gates. There would certainly be plenty of topics we could discuss over dinner.
- If you had to pick three musicians for a playlist, who would they be?
This is even more difficult than the last question because I love so many genres of music. If you’ll allow me, I’ll pick three musicians from three genres. Peter Gabriel, Annie Lennox and Prince for my pop playlist, Count Basie, Ray Charles and Jimmy Webb in my American Songbook genre, and Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris and Hank Williams would round out my country playlist.
- Favorite book and TV show?
My current favorite book is The Little Liar by Mitch Albom and favorite TV show is The Sopranos.
- Most powerful movie you have seen?
Schindler’s List. Hands down.
- Favorite place in Austin?Barton Springs pool. Unfortunately, I don’t get there much anymore, but it is the crown jewel of our city.
- Favorite restaurant and watering hole
For a casual meal, Matt’s El Rancho but for fine dining, my favorite restaurant is Red Ash. It will probably come as no surprise to you that Donn’s Depot is my favorite haunt. I mean, who doesn’t like Donn’s Depot?
- What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Like any other kid, I suppose I wanted to be a fireman or policeman, but that all changed in February of 1964, when the Beatles debuted on the Ed Sullivan Show. After that, in spite of being encouraged to focus on more practical professions, the die was cast.
- Which living person do you most admire?
Volodymyr Zelensky for his courage, tenacity, and love for his country. - What makes you happy?
Being with family and friends and traveling, of course, but playing music lifts me up.
- Best advice you ever received?
My father used to tell me, “There’s no accounting for taste.” He was right.
