Vino Louden, born in the small town of Hayti, Missouri travelled to Chicago, IL at an early age with his mother. By the time he was an adolescent Calvin was completely smitten by the Blues. After High School, Vino played many of the Blues clubs Chicago had to offer at the time: The High Chaparral, The Grand Ballroom, & The Skyway Lounge to name a few. Working with various acts such as Roscoe Jackson, Mighty Joe Young, & Machine Company allowed Vino to develop his undeniable stage presence. Soon thereafter, Blues Icon ‘Soulman' Otis Clay took Vino under his wing to his first ventures playing the Blues around the world. Vino became Koko’s final band leader & musical director for her ‘Blues Machine’ for over 18 years.