Heavenly Master Records

MIKE CALHOUN

Mike Calhoun has accomplished greatness in music for over 30 years. A founding member of the Grammy award wining “Dazz Band”, the singer / composer and guitarist from Cleveland, Ohio has committed himself to music that magnifies God. Mike Calhoun was influenced by many stellar rock guitar players that came out of the late sixties/early seventies such as Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, Jeff beck, Eric Clapton, Phil Keaggy (Glass Harp) and Joe Walsh (James Gang, Eagles). This musical influence equipped Mike Calhoun to be a founding father of the Grammy Award-Winning Dazz Band.

The groups unique blend of R&B, Jazz, Pop and Funk dazzled audiences across the country from 1978 to 1987. Originally Kinsman Dazz signed with Twentieth Century Fox Records where Mike was mentored by the likes of Marvin Gaye and Phillip Bailey (Earth Wind and Fire). The group eventually moved to Motown Records where Mike Had the experience of working with Steve Wonder and other great talents that were part of the Motown stable. While Mike’s guitar playing has always stood out, he was also one of the primary songwriters for the Dazz Band. He wrote hits like “invitation to Love”, co-wrote “Knock Knock”, Shake it Up”, and Freaky Loving” and continued to pump out quality material over the years.

Mike Calhoun left the Dazz Band before their breakup to sign with MCA Records but was still being managed by Dazz Band manager Joe Simone until Joe’s death. In 1985 Joe Bendo, Tim Larose and George Cappellini helped Mike sign a deal along with lead singer Juan Lively forming the group Voyeur. Michael & Ike Wiley (from the Dazz Band) joined him on the album. When Juan joined the Dazz Band, the contract ended after one album.

Mike Calhoun did return to the Dazz Band for one more album “Joy Stick” and then went to tour with the group Identity, a reggae band signed with Mango Island Records. Mike toured with Identity for three years.

Mike Calhoun returned to Cleveland in 1992 to write and help produce an album for Cozette Morgan (R&B, Pop) the got rave reviews in Europe and Asia. In 1997, Mike then toured with The Travis Haddix Blues Band for two years.

Mike Calhoun was presented with a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Platinum Membership in 1994 at the opening of the facility and played in the Allstar Band formed by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the “Topping off” Ceremony. He was awarded for his song writing & playing with the Dazz Band.

Mie Calhoun left Cleveland and was showcased in a club in Louisville, Ky. Owned by Jerry green. He was inspired during this time to start his own band. So in 2002 he returned back to Cleveland where he wrote and produced his first solo CD “In Blue”. “In Blue” is an electric project with elements of rock, funk, rap, jazz, blues and even a few gospel tunes that give tribute to his spiritual roots. “In Blue” was released on Little Fish Records. In 2007, Blues Legend Travis Haddix has sincere-released “In Blue” on his Wann Sonn label. He was also featured on Soul-Patrol’s historic album that also has appearances by Public Enemy, The Dells & Chico Hamilton. Mike (Kid Funkadelic) Hampton calls Mike a funk pioneer.