Detroit Radio Legend Dies Age 72: Who Was Ken Calvert?
This article provides information about the recently deceased American politician Ken Calvert.
Ken Calvert, born Kenneth Stanton Calvert, was a prominent American businessman and politician who served as the U.S. representative for California’s 41st congressional district, as well as the 44th, 42nd, and 43rd districts, since 1993. A member of the Republican Party, he represented the Inland Empire region of Southern California.
Born in Corona, California, to Marceline Hamblen and Ira D. Calvert Jr., Ken Calvert continued to reside in Corona throughout his life. He entered politics after joining the congressional campaign of former state Assemblyman Victor Veysey in 1970, working as an intern in Veysey’s Washington, D.C., office after a successful 1972 campaign. Calvert graduated from Corona High School in 1971 and went on to earn an Associate of Arts degree from Chaffey Community College in 1973 and a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Diego State University in 1975.
After completing his education, Calvert managed his family’s restaurant, the Jolly Fox, for five years before venturing into the real estate industry. He later founded and ran Ken Calvert Real Properties before entering Congress.
Ken Calvert initially ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982 but narrowly lost the Republican primary. He continued to be actively involved in Republican Party leadership in Riverside County until his successful election to the House in 1992. Calvert faced various challengers in subsequent elections, successfully winning and maintaining his seat until his recent reelection in 2022.
In addition to his political career, the article touches on a controversial incident in 1993, when Calvert was found with a prostitute in his car by police officers in Corona. Despite initial denial, he later admitted to engaging in inappropriate behavior, although no charges were filed due to a lack of evidence.
The article concludes by mentioning the recent death of Ken Calvert, who, in an unexpected turn, is identified as Detroit radio legend Ken Calvert. His wife confirmed his passing at the age of 72, highlighting his 45-year career in radio and his role as the public address announcer for the Detroit Pistons during the Bad Boys era for 16 years.
