 Calvin's
Biography
When Calvin was growing up, there was little doubt about what career he would
choose, because his talent manifested itself early.
As a toddler, Calvin used to beat on pots and pans with a confident rhythm,
a playful foreshadowing of his chosen profession. At age five, he received his
first drum set. When he was twelve, he recorded an album with the Napper Singers,
a gospel group comprised of his mother and aunts. He began touring with them
while still in his teens. Performing in the jazz band and local jazz groups dominated
his high school years.
Today Calvin, a self-taught drummer, is proficient in a variety of styles,
but prefers gospel, contemporary Christian and contemporary jazz.
His musical influences come from all facets of business—Commissioned,
Spyra Gyra, Najee, Michael White, Ricky Lawson, Michael Bland, Dennis Chambers,
Steve Smith, Dave Weckl, John Robinson, Joel Smith, Guy and the Yellowjackets
are on the list.
A resident of Winston-Salem, NC, along with his wife, Keva, he counts his
years on the road as his greatest professional achievement and responsible for
instilling in him both discipline and endurance.
As a drummer for famed gospel singer John P. Kee and the New Life Community
Choir, Calvin has toured the country and performed in such stellar venues as
Madison Square Garden, The Apollo Theater, Detroit’s Cobo Arena, Billboard
Awards (Hollywood, CA), The Dove Awards, James Brown’s Birthday Bash and
several tapings of Bobby Jones Gospel Show (airs Sundays on BET). Among the other
artists and producers, he has worked and recorded with are Donnie McClurkin,
Kirk Franklin, Shirley Caesar, Dorothy Norwood, Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City
Singers, Cedric Thompson, Kevin Bond, Lejeune Thompson, Rodney Bryant, Rodnie
Posey, Betty Griffin Keller, Tarolyn Ramsey, Montel Thomas and the New York State
Soul Winners Mass Choir, Men of Standard and several commercial spots for Soundtrax
Studios (Raleigh, NC). Calvin has also produced an instrumental CD entitled “Sticks
of Praise,” as well as his first instructional video entitled “Diligent
Hands”. He endorses Yamaha Drums, Sabian Cymbals and Vater Drumsticks.
Calvin is currently working, as well as recording with, up and coming artists
and nationally established acts. He is also the assistant musical director and
drummer at Greater Cleveland Avenue Christian Church in Winston-Salem, NC.
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