Calvin Rodgers breaks down the five records that influenced his playing

Welcome back to Drummers on Drumming. This is another installment of Big Fat Five—the series where I sit down with my favorite drummers and ask them to break down the five records that shaped how they approach the kit.

This week, I’m joined by the legendary Calvin Rodgers. His playing has helped define modern gospel drumming through his work with Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, and John P. Kee. And speaking of John P. Kee—Calvin’s performance on "Rain On Us" has come up again and again in other drummers’ Big Fat Fives. I had to ask him about it, and his story doesn’t disappoint.

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Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit.

CALVIN'S BIG FAT FIVE:

Artist – Walter Hawkins
Album – Love Alive II
Release Year – 1978
Key Track(s) – “Until I Found The Lord”
Drummer – Joel Smith

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Artist – Hezekiah Walker
Album – Oh Lord We Praise You
Release Year – 1991
Key Track(s) – “Oh Lord We Praise You,” “He’s Sweet I Know,” “Walk In The Light”
Drummer – Gerald Heyward

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Artist – Babyface
Album – Unplugged
Release Year – 1997
Key Track(s) – “Whip Appeal,” “I’ll Make Love To You”
Drummer – Ricky Lawson

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Artist – Dave Weckl
Album – Synergy
Release Year – 1999
Key Track(s) – “High Life,” “Cultural Concurrence,” “Tower 99”
Drummer – Dave Weckl

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Artist – Kirk Franklin
Album – The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin
Release Year – 2002
Key Track(s) – “Hossana,” “Don’t Cry,” “Brighter Day”
Drummer – Terry Baker

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Honorable Mention
Artist – Mint Condition
Album – Definition Of A Band
Release Year – 1996
Key Track(s) – “Intro,” “Let Me Be The One,” “Raise Up,” “Sometimes”
Drummers – Stokely Williams, Chris Dave

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