About Me
CHRIS VAN CLEAVE is one of the most prolific and eclectic composers on today’s music scene. His compositions number nearly a thousand and include folk, rock, country, jazz, R&B, reggae and musical theater. His songs poetically portray a heartfelt record of experiences, observations, and encouragement for the human spirit. His expressive voice has been praised as one of the richest among contemporary singers.
In addition to his initial major label releases on Paramount Records with Laura Branigan and Walker Daniels (original lead in Hair), Van Cleave has independently produced eight albums: Christmas Presence, Journeys With The Heart In Mind, Stalkin’ A Country Smile, See Beyond, Beyond…See Beyond, Rise Above, Troubadour Knight (a multi-media musical performed as a one-man show in the completion of his Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of Virginia, and The Davidson Affair (the score for a rock-gospel musical premiered at the Wells Theatre in Norfolk followed by performances in England and Holland).
As a singer-songwriter-guitarist, Van Cleave has performed in most of the United States (including Hawaii), the Virgin Islands, Great Britain, Norway, Canada, and The Netherlands. He has opened for Kansas, Poco, Eric Burdon, Leon Russell, and Buckwheat Zydeco. As a recording artist and songwriter, he has collaborated with many, including Suzi Quatro, Jim McCarty (Yardbirds), and Barry Mason (writer of hits for Tom Jones and Englebert Humperdink).
As an actor-singer, Van Cleave starred in national tours of Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar, performing in major theaters, coliseums, and concert venues throughout the United States, Canada, and Great Britain. He also played leading roles in Chess and Les Miserables in London West End theaters and has been featured in numerous American regional productions. Chris has also had featured roles in television and film productions including Killing Kennedy, The Secret Lives of Charles Lindbergh, and The Untold Stories of the Navy Seals.
He is currently producing a documentary project Not Forgotten which focuses on the over 1600 unaccounted-for Americans from the Vietnam War of which his father ( a fighter pilot shot down over Laos in 1969) is one of those cases. Chris’ song by the same title was recently performed in the NYC Veterans Day Parade and in Americas, GA at The Ride Home for the largest gathering of former POW’s and MIA’s living today.
My Interests
Helping raise consciousness and healing through the performing arts, singing, songwriting, script writing, poetry, playing guitar, collaborating with other artists, photography, graphic design, painting and artwork, punning and being playful with friends, cooking, living in a peaceful, natural environment, being of service.
