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Growing up in church, on the south side of Chicago, Calvin developed a love for music, at an early age. But an undeniable passion for the drums, shortly after that. His father, a well known musician/songwriter in the gospel community, noticed his sons drive immediately. It was then that he decided that he would pour into him, as much as possible. Calvin continued sharpening and honing his skills, and was playing on a professional level by age 8. He began studying jazz and world music, in high school. In his junior year, he entered the Jazz Mentors program, headed by jazz pioneer and Chicago native Ramsey Lewis. Ramsey and the other mentors took a huge liking to Calvin immediately. He began playing with Ramsey on the side. And upon graduating, he became a member of Ramsey's superstar group "Urban Knights". This group had been the home to such greats as the late Grover Washington Jr., Victor Bailey and Najee. As well as having been produced by Maurice White(Earth, Wind& Fire), the drum chairs had been held by Omar Hakim(Madonna, Joe Sample) and Sonny Emory(Bruce Hornsby, Earth, Wind& Fire). This union brought about several relationships and career oppotunities. Calvin began working in Chicago at various jingle house, playing drums on radio and television spots. Calvin also kept busy with gospel artist Ricky Dillard, John P. Kee and other local gospel artist. In 2000, while recording a radio commercial at Chicago Recording Company studio, he met R. Kelly. Kelly sent his music director over to recruit Calvin for their upcoming tour. Calvin toured the U.S. and Europe for a year and a half with Kelly. After taking a short break, Calvin decided to focus more on recording, which had quickly become a very strong passion. He went to work for various producers and artist such as Donald Lawrence, Tommie Simms and Sanchez Harley. Working with these producers placed Calvin on many GRAMMY, Stellar and Dove Award nominated and winning projects. In 2004, Calvin accepted a position with gospel heavyweight Fred Hammond. Calvin toured with Hammond for a year. And after several administrative changes, was promoted to musical director. This was a challenge Calvin welcomed, and gladly accepted. With Calvin as his music director, Fred Hammond produced his first Grammy Award winning album, Free To Worship. Calvin lead the band on several tracks and also lent his hand in arranging the smash single, This Is The Day. While Hammond continues to be Calvin's main priority, he still enjoys working with many different artist and producers, as a sideman. But has now also found himself in the producers chair. His first project as a producer earned Mark Hubbard & U.V.F.C. their first Gospel Stellar Award, for Traditional Album of the Year. Calvin has gone on to produce for many artist, including Vashawn Mitchell and Isaiah Thomas. Calvin is now in the midst of recording his first solo album, which is due out by the end of 2008.
CALVIN RODGERS HAS PERFORMED/RECORDED WITH:
: R. KELLY, AVANT, CHAKA KHAN, ARETHA FRANKLIN, DIONNE WARWICK, PATTI LABELLE, DAVE HOLLISTER, RAMSEY LEWIS, URBAN KNIGHTS, TOMMIE SIMMS, DAVE KOZ, EARL KLUGH, OSCAR LOPEZ, KENNY GARRET, STEVE COLE, MIKE MANSON, FRED HAMMOND, SMOKIE NORFUL, MARY MARY, HEZEKIAH WALKER, BYRON CAGE, JOHN P. KEE, PAUL MORTON, PERCY BADY, RICHARD SMALLWOOD, MARTHA MUNIZZI, VICKI YOHE, DORINDA CLARK-COLE, KAREN CLARK-SHEARD, KIM BURRELL, DONALD LAWRENCE, DANIEL WEATHERSPOON, CEDRIC THOMPSON, MARVIN SAPP, NEW DIRECTION, RICKY DILLARD, RIZEN, THE SINGLETONS, VASHAWN MITCHELL, MARK HUBBARD,
Calvin Endorses:Yamaha DrumsPromark SticksSabian CymbalsDynasty Custom Drums Snare Drums
MAJOR INFLUENCES
