Deacon Earl, also known as Swervin' Ervin, was born and raised in Lansing, MI. The son of a preacher who grew up with gospel music in the home he ventured into the blues in his twenties. Since then he has been playing Mississippi influenced blues with roots in gospel around the Lansing, MI area, performing in bands and as a solo performer. He plays electric and acoustic guitars, bass, banjo, lap steel, harmonica, keys and the ukulele as well as toying with other instruments. He also mixes in a few reggae covers and originals during his performances. His main influences are Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Lightnin' Hopkins and Deacon Arnold.