Al Cromwell, born in 1938 in Phinneys Cove, Nova Scotia, was a brilliant musician in the Toronto blues and folk scene. During the 1960s and 70s, he performed at Steeles Tavern, the Horseshoe Tavern, The Purple Onion, and other Kensington Market and Yorkville venues. His Nova Scotian heritage influenced his blues, folk, and spiritual beliefs. He learnt these from his father and applied them to his actions later in life.

In 1963, he played during the beginning of the Mariposa Folk Festival. He rose to prominence as a blues musician in the 1980s, working with Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee, and Josh White. From there, he routinely played in clubs around the city until the early 1990s. Unfortunately, Cromwell died in 1995 and was honoured as a memorial member of the Porcupine Awards Hall of Fame after his death.

An award in the Folk/Blues category was established in his honour.