Conversation with Calvin Bonds

I have known Calvin for a handful of years or more now (how time flies), and he's always been a gracious friend. A Grammy listed singer and accomplished actor, as well as being a leadership consulting coach about to complete his doctorate degree, and a wonderful Christian young man. Here's our conversation.

Calvin, where do we start? You seem to be so diversified; I guess the easiest way would be to start with your passion. What are you passionate about? What do you have a heart for?

Hahahaha…You remind me of that voice in the back of my head that says pick one thing and stick to it why don’t ya! I must say it has been quite the journey diving in so many different arenas, but my overarching God-given passion is helping people through love.  Under that umbrella you will find entertainment, leadership and business, and education.

I remember a while ago I saw a picture of you on the Grammy Awards Red carpet…..So you are a songwriter, and a singer? How do readers get a chance to explore your musical talents?

 I am a member of the National Academy of Arts and Sciences (NARAS) where I wrote three songs that made the Grammy Entry List for international acclaimed artist, Frankie DeCarlos. 

My songs include:

“Changing Colors” (Album Title-Frankie DeCarlos/2008)

“Loves Empire” (Album Title- Empire/2011)

“A Sunrise” (Album Title-9/2013)

Frankie DeCarlos and Calvin Bonds on Grammy Awards Red carpet

You can find my songs on Itunes, Amazon, and other major music purchasing platforms. You can an also buy them from Frankie DeCarlos Store

I am also an opera singer. I had the pleasure of studying opera in Pisa Italy for a couple of summers and I have been performing opera and spirituals every since then when time allows.

Opera? Wow! Black Pavarotti? *Smile*. What sort of operatic voice do you have? For none operatic aficionados, who are you comparable to? (I hate comparism, but here I am doing it. Hahaha.

Hahaha I am a baritone/bass.  Pavarotti is indeed one of my favorite singers.  I’m intrigued by his passion for singing

What arias do you do?

I’ve done songs like Lasciatemi morire, Amarilli mia bella, Caro Mio Ben. I also sing spirituals like Wade in the Water, and Go Down Moses.

I’m going to go out on a limb and say you’ve explored acting as well. Can you talk about your acting opportunities and endeavors?

Sure Kenneth, I have a background in acting and modeling. I moved to Los Angeles for acting and got my break booking a national Pizza Hut commercial. Since then, I have been on shows like America’s Next Top Model, It’s Christmas (movie), Days of Our Lives (soap opera), The Story of Jonah (movie), Addicted to Blood (Movie) and a host of other things.

Someone saw me working out in the gym one day in Los Angeles and asked me to be in their fashion show. I was SOOO skeptical about that. I took a chance and it actually launched my modeling career. I have had the pleasure of runway modeling in various fashion shows in the United States and Africa.

Ah! Supermodel you. Lol. How did you get involved in the Hollywood scene, and what would you tell a young aspiring actor?

I got involved with Hollywood through being persistent. And that’s what I would tell aspiring actors.  Be persistent and keep God in front of everything you do! Your life depends on it in this industry.

Now that we have your aesthetic and artistic ventures out of the way, lets talk about your leadership training. You’re a consultant in this? I am venturing out to say your educational background legitimizes you in this field…..

Hahaha yessir Kenneth! I am Global Leadership Training Consultant and Coach specializing in Organizational Development. Through using unique ways of creating a safe environment for transparency and creative expression, I have been humbly fortunate to help advance organizations around the world including United States, China, Hong Kong, Nigeria, and Mexico.

A diverse background in education grounds my position in leadership. I graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Music from LeMoyne-Owen College. I have an Executive Masters in Business Administration from Irvine University, graduating as valedictorian. I went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from University of Phoenix with a Masters in Education in Adult Education and Corporate Training. And I am completing my Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (Business) from Pepperdine University in Malibu California.

Very impressive. Does your consulting agency have a website readers can visit to learn more, and maybe contract your services?

Thanks Kenneth, I can be contacted on Bonds Storytelling. I am also on all of the major social media sites

Has this always been your heart? Have you always known this was the route you were going to travel?

I had no idea that I would take this path.  God is truly directing me on my journey.  That’s the only way I know when to go right or left, keep straight or take a different path.  Having a relationship with God helps make the impossible possible.

For someone still trying to make sense of their route in life, their lane or their path…..how would you encourage them to find their path?

I would encourage them to seek God in fasting and prayer.  I would also say take an inner look at those things that you like to do or that you feel strongly about. Ask yourself, “How do I make those things careers?” After prayer and research…GO FOR IT!!!

Hmm…..Fasting and prayer. It appears you have a very personal and intimate relationship with God. Care to elaborate on how this came about? How did you discover this relationship, and become so grounded in it?

Sure, it would be my pleasure. This relationship came from being out here in Hollywood starting in 2002 not knowing anyone. I couldn’t depend on anyone but God.  All I could remember was the teachings I received back in Memphis from my mother and my church. Everything I learned was put to the test, because the devil tried to attack me in so many ways. Because of those many dark moments I am closer to God. God met in my breaking points and He’s been with me every since.

Life obviously hasn’t always been rosy with you. Would you care to discuss lessons you have learned from the trials life has spurned you?

I would be honored to. I learned that you cannot put your trust in people. I have been burned so many times and it’s nothing BUT GOD that has helped me to forgive and continue loving. Another lesson is to become an entrepreneur. Working for someone can always be limiting in some shape form or fashion. And you are not promised to have a job the next day.  Get your own stuff going. Get multiple streams of income and learn how to work smarter and not harder.

For someone who thinks being successful in Hollywood and having a personal and committed relationship with God are contrary, how would you address this?

God cares about everyone group of people, including Hollywood. He cares so much until he sent Jesus to die for Hollywood. If you know Jesus, and you are pursuing a career in Hollywood, then go for it. Be successful and become a voice. I am a living witness that souls can be won for Christ by being a light in Hollywood

Part of what inspires me about you is your social involvement. How did you or do you get involved in social causes, and what motivates you to keep on giving?

I got involved I social issues as a result of my own life. I grew up in the hood and it was only by the grace of God that I didn’t end up drugs, in a gang, or even dead.  I saw and experienced so much as a young African American man that I had to do something. Now my plight is to give people of color the things that I didn’t have growing up.

At this point in your life, where do you see yourself going from here?

My goal is to love more.  When this phase of life is over, I will be a willing vessel to do whatever God has next for me. I wish I had a linear answer but I don’t. I am okay with that as long as God is leading.

What do you think about the fellow in California who won part of the $1.6 billion powerball? And I hear in CA, you don’t have to pay taxes on lottery wins, unlike in other states.

I hope he pays his tithes! Hahaha! I do hope he spends some of his money to help people.

According to the California Lottery Winners Handbook, winnings are completely exempt from state and local taxes. Federal Taxes average between 25 to 30 percent. However, in 2013, federal taxes in California went up to 39 percent. I said all of that to say, the IRS is going to get their COINZ no matter what…Hahaha!!! My advice would be for winners to look into charitable donations and tax advantaged accounts

Rofl!! You’re right, Uncle Sam don’t play! He sho nuff gets his coinz!
Any last words you would love to share?

Keep God first and create your own destiny. You only get one chance at this life.  Make it count through love.

How do readers connect with you?

Readers may Google me, “Calvin Bonds” for my social media platforms on Facebook, Linkedin, IMDB, personal websites, etc.

Thanks for giving me a voice through this platform.