Jimi Calhoun
Jimi is a former world class bassist who performed with several popular acts in the 1970s such as, Creation, Dr. John, Rare Earth, Parliament-Funkedelic, Brian Auger, Clifford Coulter, Mel Brown, and Buddy Miles and many others.
Jimi’s spiritual odyssey began with baptism in an American Baptist Church. Following the music years he took ordination with a Pentecostal denomination named The Foursquare Church. For several years he attended a Presbyterian Church followed by reception into the Anglican Church. Jimi’s unique ministry skillset results from an admixture of historical Christianity and today’s spiritual sensibilities.
A gifted storyteller and popular speaker he has made numerous television appearances on NBC, CBS, ABC and others, in addition to hosting his own weekly radio program.
He is co-chair of Community Dreams, an Austin-based nonprofit serving urban youth, and a member of the Austin Interfaith Inclusion Network, which serves people living with disabilities. He is on the boards of the Interfaith Arts Council, Humanitarians in the Arts, The Pecan Street Association, and the Exnihilo Art Center in Deadman’s Cay, the Bahamas.
His latest book is Border Dance: A Study in Contrasts and Conflict and How to Resolve Them.
“This is a gem of a book. With a huge historical sweep, Jimi Calhoun shows the power of dance and music to break down the barriers which threaten our common humanity. From his own experience he challenges us to root out the deeply grounded evil of racism which poisons all too much of our world. Border Dance should be required reading for all religious and civic leaders whose attitudes and actions affect us all.”
Rev. Dr. Iain Whyte, author of Scotland and the abolition of Black Slavery, 1756—1838
Previous works include:
- Funknology: A Synthesis of Art, Science, and Being
- The Sounds of Love and Grace: Ten Sounds that Will Save the World
- A Story of Rhythm and Grace: What the Church Can Learn from Rock and Roll about Healing the Racial Divide
- The Art of God: Reflections on Music, Diversity, and the Beauty in You
For more information on where he will be speaking next, visit www.jimicalhoun.com