Biography
Clary Croft lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia and is a performer, author, folklore researcher, recording artist and producer. The Encyclopaedia of Music in Canada has recognized Clary’s contribution to Maritime folklore studies and his ongoing research into the traditional music of the Maritime provinces. He is best known for his continuing work with the collection of his late mentor, Dr. Helen Creighton, the Nova Scotian born, internationally renowned Canadian folklore pioneer. In addition to working with Dr. Creighton for the last fifteen years of her life, Clary was also responsible for cataloguing her collection at the Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management. Because of this work, he has been called, “the acknowledged master of one of the richest repertoires in Canada.” Halifax Mail Star Clary has enjoyed success as a recording artist and song writer. Several of his works have been arranged for choral and solo performance. His first book, Chocolates, Tattoos and Mayflowers, was a best seller and his biography, Helen Creighton: Canada’s First Lady of Folklore, has been called “an important book which should sit on ... everyone's shelf who is interested in Canada." Appleseed Quarterly Clary’s Celebrate! The History and Folklore of Holidays in Nova Scotia is now part of the Nova Scotia school curriculum. His book, Nova Scotia Moments was a collection of items from his daily features on Halifax’s Information Radio Station and Maritime Momentsis an extension of these pieces that includes the larger, Maritime audience. Clary’s narratives have been called "an easygoing style of writing that makes you feel like you're having a kitchen table conversation with him ...”. Halifax Herald His latest book, A Maritimer’s Miscellany has consistently been on the Nova Scotia best sellers list and is already into its second pressing. Born: November 12, 1950 in Sherbrooke, Nova Scotia Professional Career1968-1970: Founding member of The Privateers - Canada’s Only Professional Folk Chorus. 1970-1973: Sing-a-long Jubilee, CBC Television 1971-1974: Clary Croft and the Musical Friends 1973-1984: Sherbrooke Village Restoration. Folklore research and interpretation 1974-1978: Troubadour: Clipper Cay Restaurant, Halifax 1985-2000: Elderhostel and Elderlearner Instructor 1986-2003: Contract Archivist, Nova Scotia Archives and Record Management for Helen Creighton And Mary Black Fonds 1998-2003: CBC Radio Mainstreet 2003-2007: Information Radio: daily contributor |
