Calvin Owens

Calvin Owens (April 23, 1929 – February 21, 2008) was an American trumpeter, composer, bandleader, and record producer whose genre-crossing career spanned over six decades. A central figure in the Houston music scene, Owens collaborated with major blues and jazz artists, led his own orchestra, and founded the independent record label, Sawdust Alley Records. He is best remembered for two separate stints as B. B. King's bandleader, extensive recording work with Houston's Peacock Records, and his late-career founding of Sawdust Alley Records.

Early life and education Owens was born in Houston, Texas, and raised in the city's Fifth Ward neighborhood, an area nicknamed Sawdust Alley due to the presence of a nearby mill. Raised by his mother, a New Orleans native, and his adoptive father, Sam Owens, he developed an early interest in music, especially after hearing stories of Louis Armstrong. He began playing trumpet at age 13 and studied under the Houston music educator Samuel H. Harris. He graduated from Phillis Wheatley High School in 1949.

1950s: Early career and first tenure with B. B. King After high school, Owens joined Leonard Duncan and His Harlem Revue and later toured with the Brown Skin Models Revue. He became a fixture at Houston venues such as Sid's Ranch, the Casino, and the Eldorado Ballroom, backing acts including Big Mama Thornton and Big Joe Turner.

In 1953, Owens joined the band of B. B. King, becoming King's first music director. He toured extensively with King until 1957 and arranged several tracks during this period. Owens also worked for Peacock Records as audio and recording director, contributing to the label's golden era.

1960s - 1970s: Session work and regional prominence Following his departure from King's band, Owens remained active in Houston as a session musician and arranger. He played with Otis Turner's band and performed with numerous blues and jazz musicians including Junior Parker, Amos Milburn, Gloria Edwards, Arnett Cobb, and David "Fathead" Newman. He also worked at Peacock Records, helping to develop local talent.

During this period Owens also recorded under his own name. His instrumental recording "The Cat," released with The Fascinators on Houston's Ovide label , was later included on the compilation Texas Soul '69 . In a later interview, Owens recalled that the piece began as a rhythmic groove before he added horn arrangements and eventually commissioned lyrics for a later version. His playing was recognized for its power and range — "always first trumpet," in the words of guitarist Texas Johnny Brown.

Later that year, Owens left the band, citing artistic differences and burnout. He moved to Brussels, Belgium, where he married Sarah Send, adopted a sober and vegetarian lifestyle, and began developing his own compositions and big band projects. following surgery for liver cancer.