The Ferment Podcast - Conversations About Worship And Transformation
Religion & Spirituality:Christianity
Calvin Rodgers is a Chicago native and drummer who has been credited with revolutionizing the voice of gospel drumming. His parents realized at a very young age that Calvin shared their love for music and an even stronger love for the drums in particular. Both parents worked very hard to invest as much as they could into their son’s promising future. Around the age of 9, Calvin began shadowing his father, a well-known gospel musician, and songwriter, as his personal drummer. This afforded Calvin the opportunity of learning from some of gospel music’s most prolific songwriters, artists, and musicians. By the time he entered high school, he was traveling with GRAMMY-nominated choir master Ricky Dillard & New Generation. Around the same time, he became a part of the Ravinia Jazz Mentors program, spearheaded by jazz pianist, Ramsey Lewis. Upon graduating high school, Calvin began touring with Lewis and learning his way around the studio. While recording a radio commercial for Rice A Roni, Calvin met R&B crooner, R. Kelly. Kelly invited Calvin to join his band for his upcoming world tour, TP2. Upon completion of that tour, Calvin decided to place his focus on becoming a recording drummer. He also began finding his voice as an arranger and a producer. With over 200 live/studio albums listed to his credit, he has also recorded and toured with artists such as R.Kelly, Ramsey Lewis, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Dionne Warwick, Destiny's Child, Ronald Isley, Ernie Isley, Avant, Jonathan Butler, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Fred Hammond, Yolanda Adams, Israel Houghton, Donald Lawrence, John P. Kee, Tommy Simms, Tamela Mann, and many, many others. Though quite accomplished, Calvin continues to push himself in all areas while making sure to sow into the next generation through mentoring and private lessons.
In this episode of The Ferment, Calvin and Adam talk about the church as a safe space to raise up musicians and the necessity of continuing to expose yourself to new styles and skillsets to become a well-rounded player. Calvin also gives some solid advice about bringing yourself humbly into unfamiliar gig environments so as to be in service to the songs and the intention of those who hired you while also offering what makes you unique. The conversation touches on investing in upcoming players, staying true to your roots, encouragement for the Vineyard Movement, and Calvin’s personal fermentation process. You won’t want to miss it!
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