Otis Calvin Keys

Otis Calvin Keys was born on February 6, 1942, in Omaha, Nebraska to Otis Keys and Ruby Rosetta Smith. Calvin made his transition on April 14, 2024, from a massive stroke. He was the eldest of four siblings, Victor Keys, Hugo Smith, Janice Smith, and Tracy Smith.

Calvin was a loving man, who exuded positivity. He was warm and generous soul. He accepted everyone as they were, never judgmental. He was a masterful storyteller who would capture your attention with engrossing details. A ten-minute radio interview could last for two hours.

Growing up he was surrounded by music, and at the early age of thirteen he picked up his uncle’s guitar, and at that moment he knew being a musician was his calling. Around the age of eighteen, Calvin began touring with different blues and jazz bands, travelling through the Midwest and the Chitlin Circuit. Calvin worked with Jazz and Blues masters, from Jimmy Smith to Ray Charles to Ahmad Jamal. His discography is extensive and includes over 17 records. In the 12 months preceding his death he was extremely proud and overjoyed to work on an album, The Near North Side, with producer Terrace Martin, whose father, Curly Martin, was also musician and grew up with Calvin in Omaha. At the time of his death, he was collaborating with producer Billy Osborne, a close friend and musician on an album of original music.

Music was not Calvin’s only love; he was a huge family man. He was married to his wife Maria Rosa for 48 years. Together they created a loving home in Oakland, not just for their children, but for anyone who needed a home. From cousins, to godchildren, to grandchildren, to friends- everyone knew the house on 9th avenue and that they were welcome at any point.

Calvin loved billiards, fishing and watching sports. You could catch him watching a Golden State Warriors game, golf, boxing, figure skating or football with a bowl of freshly popped white kernel popcorn in his lap. Let’s not forget his love (or passion) for cars from the Cadillacs, the yesteryear Mercedes to the new Mercedes -Calvin enjoyed riding in style. He took pride in being “dressed to the nines”.

Calvin is survived by his wife Maria Rosa Keys, his children: daughter Pamela Mayhue, son-in-law Edward Mayhue, son Kevin Brooks, youngest daughter Maria Carmela Martens, son-in-law Jurgen Martens; grandchildren, nieces, nephews, godchildren and a host of other relatives.

Calvin believed deeply in supporting the Black community and exposing youth to all music genres. The family asks that a if you wish to make a donation it can be made to Oakland Public Conservatory of Music (OPC), 3445 San Pablo Ave. Oakland, California, 94608, or a charity of choice.