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Earl "King Mellowman" Clarke was born in Detroit Michigan and has been into music for as long as he can remember.. The first people to recognize this musical child prodigy were his parents, Dolores M. Prophet, former alto and lead soloist for the Lucille Lemon Gospel Chorus, and Cyril L. Clarke. His father was the originator of two oustanding male singing groups, The Majestics and the Contours. "King Mellowman" is a multi talented, superbly accomplished musician whose musical versatility goes well beyond his chronological years. If you ask him what his preference is, he will surely respond that his heart and soul is overtaken by Reggae and Calypso sounds.
He is also accomplished on several musical instruments such as piano, guitar, bass, drums and a range of others. While he displays a magnificent vocal range, he has never been formally trained in music theory or vocal composition. According to his parents, " he was singing before he was talking."
King Mellowman has performed with a number of bands in and around the City of Detroit; among these are The King David Reggae Band, Ako -Ben, Bandulu, Unit Ten, Level Vibes, Tropical Connection, The Detroit All-star Reggae band, The Nomads, The Baysics, Jonab, Trindidad Tripoli Steel Band, The Roots Renegades, Reggae Ambassadors, Roots Vibrations and Universal Xpression. He has been acknowledged by his peers as the one African-American musical talent who lifted Reggae and Calypso music to the level of recognition and appreciation that it experiences today in the Detroit metro area. It has been said that as a solo artist King Mellowman is responsible for putting this form of music on the map in Detroit.
He has performed as an opening act for such luminaries as:EEKA-Mouse, Sister Carol, Mutabaruka,(The Dub Poet),Arrow (Soca King), Shabba Ranks, and has had a candid interview with Winston (King Yellowman) Foster who is his idol and with whom he hopes to record with soon. He has contributed to studio performances for reggae sensation Frankie Paul, Josey Wales, Horace Andy, Sassafras, and Derrick Irie. Rap Group A.W.O.L. has also had their achievements in the studio enhanced by the assistance of Mellow. He has also collaborated with the Mighty Sparrow and was a backup performer for Calypso Rose.
King Mellowman is a three time Metro Times Award winner. A five time Source Award winner, an a two time Detroit Music Award Nominee. His current C.D.'s are " Hell is not my home",(The single), One Vibe, King Mellow man E.P. style and the just released " King Mellowman ,Well Versatile".
His style embraces both dance hall and cultural reggae. As soon as you can, take a musical trip with Mellow; it's one you are sure to return to time and time again.
