Calvin Richardson

(Photo Credit: Daniel Coston)

Nicknamed the ‘prince of soul’ Calvin Richardson was born in Monroe, North Carolina in December 1976, the fifth of nine children. he had a strong musical upbringing—his mother sang in the gospel group, the Wondering Souls, and he grew up listening to secular soul music and funk.

Inspired by the likes of legendary artists such as Bobby Womack, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding , and Donny Hathaway, Calvin Richardson formed the urban contemporary group Undacova. They signed with Tommy Boy Records in the early 90s and their song “love slave” was featured on the soundtrack for the 1995 movie “New Jersey Drive.”

Richardson launched his solo career a few years later, signing with Uptown/Universal records and releasing his debut album “Country Boy” in 1999. He then signed with Hollywood records and released the album “2:35 p.m” in 2003. the moniker “The Soul Prince” hit home with Richardson’s R&B hit “Keep On Pushin” which he wrote and produced. He recorded “More Than a Woman,” a duet with Angie Stone, after she heard his demo, for her 2001 album, Mahogany Soul. He released his version of the song on his 2:35 p.m. album.

The song was featured on the “Deliver Us From Eva” movie soundtrack. His third album, When Love Comes, was released in 2008 on Shanachie Records. In
2009, Richardson saw more success via the Charlie Wilson rendition of Calvin’s co-write with Babyface, “There Goes My Baby” for which he won an ASCAP writer of the year award in 2009.

That same year, Richardson paid homage to one of his greatest influences with Facts of Life: The Soul of Bobby Womack. His tribute to Bobby Womack coincided with
Womack’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The album garnered two GRAMMY nominations, one which for his duet with Ann Nesby.

Richardson’s single, ”You’re So Amazing,” was the lead single on his 2010 album, America’s Most Wanted. Richardson signed with Eric Benet’s Jordan House Records, and released the 2014 album I Am Calvin.

In 2017, Richardson reunited with the Shanachie Entertainment label to release his seventh studio album, All or Nothing.

Hearsay

Treat Her Right

If Your Thinking About Leaving

Can’t Let Go

Calvin Richardson on Suite Jazz Series

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