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, who is proficient in a variety of styles, has kept to a largely gospel-oriented musical course, working with many well-known professional gospel artists.

A resident of Winston-Salem, NC, he counts his years on the road as his greatest professional achievement and responsible for instilling in him both discipline and endurance. His touring schedule has taken him all across the US, Europe, Africa and Korea.

As a drummer,Calvin has performed and / or recorded with a great variety of artists covering a wide range of musical styles such as John P. Kee and the New Life Community Choir,Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin, Shirley Caesar, Dorothy Norwood, Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers, Lejeune Thompson, Hezekiah Walker, Rodney Bryant, Rodnie Posey, Bishop T.D. Jakes Potter’s House Mass Choir, The Philadelphia Mass Choir, CeCe Winans, Rance Allen, Walter Hawkins, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Karen Clark Sheard, Twinkie Clark, Richard Smallwood, Mandisa, Michael W. Smith, Avalon, Natalie Grant, Sandi Patti, Tarolyn Ramsey, Montel Thomas and the New York State Soul Winners Mass Choir, Men of Standard, Byron Cage, Stephanie Mills, Patti La Belle, Mike Phillips, Brian Simpson, Michael Manson, David Dyson, Lonnie Liston Smith, and many more.

Besides his work as a drummer, Calvin is also involved as a writer and producer. He has four music projects – Makin’ Moves (2020), Good Vibes (2015), Sticks Of Praise (1999) and Soul Rhythms (2005). He has two DVD projects as well – Diligent Hands (2004) and Rhythmic Inspiration (2007).

He endorses Tama Drums, Remo Drumheads, Sabian Cymbals and Vic Firth Drumsticks.

Calvin is currently the drummer for TMF (The Music Forever), formerly of the legendary R&B soul band Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. When not on the road, Calvin enjoys spending time with family, as well as recording drums for clients in his home studio.

Calvin’s Grammy Award

Calvin was awarded a GRAMMY in 2005 for his participation as a musician on “Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs” by Donnie McClurkin.

Calvin was awarded a GRAMMY in 2005 for his participation as a musician on “Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs” by Donnie McClurkin.