From New Orleans, the great city where jazz was born, there arises a native son. His name is Calvin Johnson. As a saxophonist and composer, he inherited the legacy and traditions of New Orleans music from many noteworthy musicians who have come before him.  

Born into a rich and vibrant musical family, as well as city, Calvin was raised amongst the unique styles, rhythms, customs, cultures, and musical sensibilities of New Orleans. The grandson of saxophone/clarinet/arranger great George “Son” Johnson Sr., who taught many New Orleans legends such as Alvin Batiste, Kidd Jordan, Ellis Marsalis, and, Nat Perrilliat at the Grumswald School of Music. George Sr. also had sons who were musicians and carried on the legacy. One son, Ralph Johnson, went on to tour and record with Dr. John, Preservation Hall, the Neville Brothers, Fats Domino, and Jerry Butler to name a few.  

Calvin’s world was saturated with music from the very beginning. He studied the piano first, following in the footsteps of his older sister. At the age of eight, his Uncle Lionel gifted young Calvin a alto saxophone. From then on he engaged in weekly lessons, which continued with numerous uncles and cousins throughout the years. 

In addition to studying with members of his family, Calvin attended the Jazz and Heritage Foundation School of Music starting at age 10. It was here that he met longtime mentor and friend, Edward “Kidd” Jordan. The following year Calvin attended the annual Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp, where he currently serves as faculty. Calvin nurtured his musical education at the prestigious New Orleans public arts high school, the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA). After graduating from NOCCA, Calvin went on to study music and finance at the University of New Orleans.

Calvin has performed, recorded, and toured 4 continents with artists such as Harry Connick Jr, Aaron Neville, Mystikal, Mannie Fresh, Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and the Rebirth Brass Band. Currently Calvin leads his own band, Chapter Soul, a New Orleans funk band that showcases his writing, saxophone, and vocal skills. They can be heard in New Orleans every Thursday night at the Balcony Music Club on Esplanade Avenue.

Calvin is presently putting the finishing touches on his debut CD, entitled “Introducing Calvin Johnson, Jr.”. This album includes several original compositions as well as several jazz standards. It is scheduled to be released by Summer 2012. Chapter Soul’s first album, “Book One,” is also in the making. Furthermore, Calvin is producing an educational workshop series about New Orleans music. This program will be presented to students in the New Orleans public school system.