Born and raised in Houston's historic Fifth Ward, Calvin was a pioneer of Big Band Blues. He first picked up the trumpet at age 13 while growing up in the Sawdust Alley area of Fifth Ward. He attended Texas Southern University after graduating from Phyllis Wheatley High School. Calvin was a true performer at heart. He first joined a traveling vaudeville show and was a local star at Houston's Eldorado Ballroom. In 1953, he became the premier trumpeter for B. B. King. Owens was also a developing talent and session player for Peacock Recording Company. He recorded with many Blues players such as T-Bone Walker, Amos Milburn, Gloria Edwards, Junior Parker, Big Joe Turner, Johnny Copeland, Otis Clay, Arnett Cobb, Wilton Felder, David "Fathead" Newman, and Ray Charles. From 1978 to 1984, Owens was the arranger, conductor, and bandleader for B. B. King. He was also the trumpet soloist on King's 1984 Grammy Award winning album, Jazz `n' Blues. Owens has to his credit ten solo albums and numerous collaborations. A provocative performer and flamboyant creator, Calvin Owens leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Sarah Owens, children, Calvin (Stephanie) Owens, Jr., Anita Owens, Gary Owens, Rodney (Barbara) Owens, Steven (Sheron) Owens, and Regina Johnson. He also leaves to cherish his memory a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and loved ones.
Born and raised in Houston's historic Fifth Ward, Calvin was a pioneer of Big Band Blues. He first picked up the trumpet at age 13 while growing up in the Sawdust Alley area of Fifth Ward. He attended Texas Southern University after graduating from Phyllis Wheatley High School. Calvin was a true performer at heart. He first joined a traveling vaudeville show and was a local star at Houston's Eldorado Ballroom. In 1953, he became the premier trumpeter for B. B. King. Owens was also a developing talent and session player for Peacock Recording Company. He recorded with many Blues players such as T-Bone Walker, Amos Milburn, Gloria Edwards, Junior Parker, Big Joe Turner, Johnny Copeland, Otis Clay, Arnett Cobb, Wilton Felder, David "Fathead" Newman, and Ray Charles. From 1978 to 1984, Owens was the arranger, conductor, and bandleader for B. B. King. He was also the trumpet soloist on King's 1984 Grammy Award winning album, Jazz `n' Blues. Owens has to his credit ten solo albums and numerous collaborations. A provocative performer and flamboyant creator, Calvin Owens leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Sarah Owens, children, Calvin (Stephanie) Owens, Jr., Anita Owens, Gary Owens, Rodney (Barbara) Owens, Steven (Sheron) Owens, and Regina Johnson. He also leaves to cherish his memory a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and loved ones.
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