Calvin Owens

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Calvin Owens (April 23, 1929 – February 21, 2008) was an American blues trumpeter, bandleader, and composer/arranger.[1] Owens grew up in Houston's Fifth Ward neighborhood and was influenced by Louis Armstrong.[2] At various times, Owens worked alongside B.B. King, Pete Mayes, T-Bone Walker, Amos Milburn, David "Fathead" Newman, Arnett Cobb, Junior Parker, Otis Turner, Willie Nelson and Johnny Bush.[3]

Early life and career[]

The son of Blanche Ware and Sam Owens; Owen's mother, who was from New Orleans, related to Calvin her memories of Louis Armstrong playing in the jazz city when she was a young teenager. Having become fascinated with the instrument, Owens worked odd jobs and saved enough money to buy his first instrument at the age of 13.[2]

Owens graduated from Phillis Wheatley High School in 1949 but had, by that time, already started playing professionally.[4]

Collaborations with B.B. King and others[]

Having played professionally in Houston, including at the Eldorado from 1950-1953 as well as being the audio and recording director for Peacock Records, Owens was hired by B. B. King in two periods — from 1953 until 1957 and later from 1978 to 1984.[2] During his long career, Owens variously worked alongside Pete Mayes, T-Bone Walker, Amos Milburn, David "Fathead" Newman, Arnett Cobb, Junior Parker, Otis Turner, Willie Nelson and Johnny Bush.[3]

Death[]

Sometimes known as the Maestro, Owens died on February 21, 2008, from renal failure, at the age of 78.[3]

References[]

  1. ^ Skelly, Richard. "Artist Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 2020-11-28.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b c Colin Larkin, ed. (1995). The Guinness Who's Who of Blues (Second ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 286. ISBN 0-85112-673-1.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b c "The Dead Rock Stars Club 2008 January to June". Thedeadrockstarsclub.com. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  4. ^ Govenar, Alan (2008). Texas Blues: The Rise of a Contemporary Sound. Texas A&M University Press. p. 274. ISBN 9781585446056.
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