Carl Graves
Carl Graves is a musician hailing from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He was born on December 13th, 1948, and has had a prolific music career, particularly in the 1970s. Graves is well known for his work as a backup vocalist and keyboardist with the band Oingo Boingo from 1986 to 1993, a time during which he contributed significantly to the band's musical output.
Graves received formal musical training at the esteemed Royal Toronto Conservatory of Music, which laid the foundation for his musical abilities. Additionally, he pursued studies in jazz, which further enriched his musical style. Throughout his career, he has been associated with various musical groups and has attained hits that have marked his presence in the industry.
Aside from his contributions to Oingo Boingo, Graves was also a member of Skylark, a band that included notable musicians like David Foster. His versatility as a musician has been evident through his participation in various musical projects and genres.
With the success of Skylark and his growing reputation as a dynamic performer, Carl embarked on a solo career, recording an album with A&M Records. His hit singles included "Baby, Hang Up The Phone" and "Heart Be still." His best selling single "Baby, Hang Up The Phone" was not included on his album for some reason.
Graves is also recognized for his work in film soundtracks, lending his voice to projects such as "George of the Jungle" (1997), "McFarland, USA" (2015), and "Dr. Otto and the Riddle of the Gloom Beam" (1985)
Carl Graves
A2 Don't Throw It All Away
A3 My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)
A4 How Can I Be A Man
A5 Baby Don't Knock
B1 Welcome Home
B2 You're Gonna Be All Alone
B3 Be Tender With My Love
B4 Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
B5 That's The Way Love Is
Bonus track: Baby, Hang Up The Phone
(not included on original album)
Label: A&M Records – SP 3410
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1975
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Released in 1975 (often associated with 1976 due to international distribution and singles), Carl Graves is the self-titled solo debut of the former Skylark vocalist. The album is widely regarded as a high-quality example of mid-70s blue-eyed soul and R&B, distinguished by its polished A&M Records production and a roster of legendary session musicians.
Graves' vocal style is frequently described as smooth and soulful, drawing comparisons to contemporary R&B stars while maintaining a pop-accessible edge.
The album is notable for several successful singles and cover versions of soul classics:
"Heart Be Still": A standout track that became a major R&B hit; it also received popular "Special Disco Mixes" in 1976.
"Baby Don't Knock": Another key single that showcased the album's radio-ready soul sound.
The album features reinterpretations of Motown and soul staples, including "My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)," "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do," and "That's The Way Love Is".
The album's enduring reputation is partly due to its elite session lineup, including: Guitars: Ray Parker Jr. and Larry Carlton; Keyboards/Piano: Joe Sample and Robbie Buchanan; Bass: Wilton Felder; Horns: Tom Scott and Plas Johnson.
Reviewers and collectors highlight the album’s sophisticated arrangements, which blend disco-flecked rhythms with lush soul orchestration.
On Discogs, the album maintains a high average rating of 4.06/5 from users, with recent market interest showing a median price of $10.00 as of early 2026.