Mr. Calvin Coolidge " CALVINO" Adams

Calvin Coolidge Adams was born to Dave and Leila Adams in Mulga, Alabama on September 6,1943. He was the youngest of nine children born into this union.

He received his primary education at Mulga Elementary School. Upon completion of his early educational requirements, he attended Westfield High School. While in high school, Calvin became interested in music and asked his father to buy him a guitar. His father agreed that if he granted his request, he had to be serious about playing the instrument. Calvin promised that he would. Without any formal training, not only did Calvin teach himself how to play the guitar; he mastered the instrument turning a hobby into a career in music.

Calvin became relatively well known in Alabama, and the surrounding areas eventually landing jobs playing for prominent white families during a time when segregation was at an all-time high in the south. He and a friend who called himself “Shelly the Playboy” formed a group and played for school dances in white neighborhoods. Calvin was so good at playing that sometimes he and Shelly would have to run off because of the frenzy his playing caused with the kids who attended their concerts. It was then that Calvin created his stage persona and changed his performing name to “CALVINO”.

It didn’t take long for his talents to open opportunities for him to play on a larger scale. He caught the attention of several blues artist who were famous on what was known as the “Chitlin Circuit.” These artists included B.B. King, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Ted Taylor, to name a few. Whenever they would come to town to do a concert, they would send for Calvino to play guitar. This led to even greater exposure and opportunities.

One of his biggest breaks came when the “King of Soul” Mr. Sam Cooke asked Calvin to be the opening act for him. After opening for Sam Cooke, Calvin was asked to open for other Blues legends Ted Taylor, B.B. King, and Bobby “Blue” Band. He eventually became the band leader and started touring with several prominent musicians all over the world.

After carving out a career as a musician, Calvin was drafted into the United States Army on October 12, 1967. He was assigned to the 585th Transportation Company, U. S. Army Pacific Command (USA RPAC). It wasn’t long before he was sent to serve his country in Vietnam working as a truck driver. He served 1 year, 9 months Active Duty with the U.S. Army. He attained the rank of Private First Class (PFC/E-3) before receiving an Honorable Discharge at Ft. Gordon, GA on July 11th , 1969.

As a result of his meritorious service, he received the National Defensive Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/device 1960, 2 O/S Bars.

Upon returning from Vietnam, Calvin resumed his music career until his health prevented him from playing.

On July 1, 2022, he departed this world to reunite with his parents, Mama Leila and Papa Dave; his sisters, Beatrice (“Bea”), Essie (“S.C.”), Catherine (“Cat”), and his brothers, David (“Moon”), Isaac (“Ike”), Charles (“Pro”), and Melvin in Heaven.

He leaves to cherish his memory, a loving sister, Mrs. Carrie Speed, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.