Episode 4 | Calvin Nowell • Singer | Author | Manager

Webster's Dictionary defines the word "potential" as - capable of being, but not yet in existence. This definition alone can best describe the life-journey of Calvin Nowell. Pursuing purpose and destiny has been the path Calvin Nowell has taken for most of his life. Knowing it was there but not understanding how to manifest it was the question he asked for years. Eventually, he decided to start somewhere.

On this path, there were a few obstacles that presented itself. One of the biggest hurdles Calvin has overcome was his struggle with his weight. Calvin unfortunately weighed over 450lbs. At six foot four he was displaying a 60-inch waist and a coat size of 64/66L. Although he weighed a lot physically, the emotional weight seemed to outweigh the pounds. Fear and insecurity were the driving forces behind his struggle. However, there was always an inner knowing that he wasn't going to be overweight if given the chance to record a CD. After losing over 215lbs and many layers of emotional weight, Calvin has started somewhere on the journey to share his experience with everyone. "I always felt that God told me that he would bless whatever I put my hands to, but I had the problem of not putting my hands to anything.

At the core of the title cut, "Start Somewhere", co-written and produced with veteran producer Mark Heimmerman, the theme of procrastination runs throughout the song. "It is a message that I believe every person can benefit from. I have a real desire to see people lose the weight that is holding them back, whether it is physical, spiritual, or emotional. We all have an appetite out of control that is ultimately weighing us down Hebrews 12:1 says it best, "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." "One thing that I tell people is that I lost the weight from the inside out and not the outside out in." With a heart and passion for pursuing the presence of God, a deeper relationship with Christ was the only way out of Nowell's struggle.

What seemed to be his misery has amazingly evolved into ministry. Calvin began leading worship throughout his journey and has developed a special knack for worship. With the musical influences from Fred Hammond, India.Arie, Michael W. Smith, CeCe Winans, Calvin has developed a unique cross-cultural sound. Since the door of "potential" has been opened, Calvin is a gifted singer/songwriter living in Franklin, TN. All of the songs from Start Somewhere were co-written and co-produced by Calvin. He has toured and recorded with some of today's top artists and worship leaders including, Michael W. Smith, Nicole C. Mullen, Israel Houghton, Katinas, Livingston Taylor, Helen Baylor, Vicky Yohe, Geron Davis, and Lynda Randle. Calvin has appeared on many television and video outlets including, ABC's Good Morning America, TBN's "Praise The Lord", TCT Alive, Pax TV, The Dove Awards, Michael W. Smith's Worship DVD.

Outside of music, Calvin is a professional motivational speaker and workshop facilitator. Calvin has appeared on national television shows with Dr. Don Colbert (Celebrity health professional/author) as his special guest. Calvin has spoken at major corporate arena events highlighting his weigh loss testimony. Calvin has received endorsements from other celebrities, such NBA player, Allan Houston; National recording artist, Kirk Whalum; National recording artist, Nicole C. Mullen, Producers Mark Heimmerman (dc Talk, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant) and Chris Harris (CeCe Winans, Jaci Velasquez, Anointed), and Evangelist/motivational speaker, James Ryle (Board Founder of Promise Keepers).

Start Somewhere, his debut EP mixes heartfelt worship with elements of Pop and RB. Nowell consistently proves to be one of the few worship leader/songwriter in modern times with the ability to cross multiple music genres and generations while retaining true authenticity at each one. "There are many styles of music that I write and sing. However, I choose to display the various different sounds but use the same theme of worship." This project features the mainstream inspirational song, "Truth and Start Somewhere", worship ballads, "Unrestrained and Open My Heart" as well as Calvin's personal testimony that has inspired millions. There's only one quote that can best sum up Calvin's journey and it is from St. Francis of Assisi, "Start with what's necessary, then what's possible, and suddenly you're doing the impossible." Start Somewhere and change the weigh you are!

We had the privilege of sitting down with Calvin and listening to his incredible story and where his journey has brought him thus far. He's an extremely gifted and talented individual with a personality that lights up a room. We are grateful to call him a friend and excited for the new projects he's working on!

To find out more information about Calvin Nowell visit:

www.calvinnowell.com

www.facebook.com/calvinnowellmusic

www.twitter.com/calvinnowell