Calvin Richardson Biography

Calvin Richardson

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Like many of his contemporaries, R&B artist Calvin Richardson seeks inspiration from other R&B eras, from classic soul to '90s hip-hop. Richardson's diverse sources of inspiration contribute to his versatility as a performer. In some songs, he sounds like a retro-soul singer. In others, he has a modern, hip-hop heavy sound. Richardson is, without a doubt, an incredibly gifted and talented performer, but he hasn't yet received the success and recognition he so rightfully deserves.

Early Life

Calvin Richardson was born December 16, 1976, in Monroe, N.C. The fifth of nine children, he experienced a very musical upbringing. His mother led a gospel group called The Willing Wonders, and he served as their youngest member. When he wasn't performing, he was listening to soul and funk artists like Bobby Womack, Sam Cooke, Donny Hathaway, and Otis Redding.

He met longtime friends Cedric "K-Ci" and Joel "JoJo" Hailey through the North Carolina gospel circuit. The brothers went on to form the popular '90s R&B group Jodeci, and they later performed as the duo K-Ci & JoJo.

Early Career

When Jodeci made it to the mainstream, Richardson was inspired to form his own urban contemporary group called Undacova. Their song "Love Slave" appeared on the soundtrack to the 1995 film "New Jersey Drive," but the group didn't last long. They never even released an album. Richardson pursued a solo career instead and landed a deal with Uptown/Universal. His first solo album, Country Boy, was released in 1999 and featured the singles "True Love," featuring Chico DeBarge and "I'll Take Her," featuring K-Ci Hailey. Despite the fact that the album sold 100,000 copies, proving Richardson was a promising act, Uptown/Universal dropped him.

Rebound

Richardson rebounded and signed a contract with Hollywood Records. In 2003 he released his second album, 2:35 PM, named for the time his son Souljah was born. It featured the minor hit "Keep On Pushin'" and a solo version of the song "More Than a Woman." He originally performed the song as a duet with Angie Stone on her album Mahogany Soul.

Sales for 2:35 were less than pleasing, so Richardson transferred to Shanachie Records and issued When Love Comes in 2008. The following year he was asked to record a tribute album for soul singer Bobby Womack that coincided with his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The album,  Facts of Life: The Soul of Bobby Womack, earned a Grammy nomination.

Today

In 2010 he released America's Most Wanted, which included the lead single "You're So Amazing," followed by I Am Calvin in 2014. The album spawned the popular single "Hearsay." Since issuing I Am Calvin, Richardson has performed sporadically.

Popular Songs

  • "You're So Amazing" 
  • "Keep On Pushin'"
  • "Hearsay" 
  • "More Than a Woman"
  • "We Gon' Love Tonite" 

Discography

  • Country Boy (1999)
  • 2:35 PM (2003)
  • When Love Comes (2008)
  • Facts of Life: The Soul of Bobby Womack (2009)
  • America's Most Wanted (2010)
  • I Am Calvin (2014)