From Humble Roots as a Self-Taught Musician to Community Advocate, Chev Lovett’s Rise to Success

 

 

From Humming in the Pew to Center Stage: A Musical Genesis

Chevalier Lovett’s story, as shared with Betsy Gardner on the B Student Podcast, is a masterclass in passion, perseverance and the transformative power of community. As Chief Impact and Advocacy Officer at 26Health, an accomplished musician, and a proud father, Chev’s path hasn’t followed a linear script. In fact, it began with humble, self-taught roots -- from self-taught musician to community advocate, Chev's rise to success is a testament to hard work and being ready when opportunity knocks.

Growing up in the black church, Chev’s earliest musical education was entirely by ear -- a tradition steeped in cultural richness that, ironically, left him unable to read music until age 16. Spring breaks weren’t for travel or parties; they were spent tinkering with his sister’s keyboard and slowly decoding hymns from an old instruction book. “Within two weeks, I was learning slowly how to even play through hymns,” Lovett recalls. Even as a high school sophomore, music was not just a pastime, but a lifeline.

This raw talent didn’t go unnoticed. Teachers and mentors were quick to push him to grow, encouraging him to tackle music theory and the “mathematics” of music. What followed were competitions won, scholarships earned and eventually, a full ride to the University of Hartford’s prestigious Hartt School of Music. “I never thought I was going to go to college,” Chev admits. His achievement underscores just how transformative the combined forces of hard work and community support can be.

The Power of Presence: More Than What You Wear

Beyond the rehearsal halls and concert stages, Chev learned that presence matters -- a lesson with resonance for leaders in any industry. Betsy draws a parallel between stage performance and executive presence, noting, “You walk into a room and people know that you’re there … it can be an energy, how you carry yourself, how you sit, how you walk.”

For Chev, presence is an intentional practice, rooted in experience as often being the only person of color in a room. He acknowledges that sometimes, it takes a pep talk and a conscious straightening of the spine to own his seat at the table. Over time, that practice builds the kind of presence that inspires confidence, signals approachability and breaks down invisible barriers.

Style, too, plays its part. With choices that are as intentional as his advocacy -- a lapel flower to honor his nephew and the rule to “dress for the job you want” -- Chev’s visual presence tells a story of self-assurance, artistry, and the value of personal branding. “What makes this world so beautiful is that we’re all different,” he reflects. He sees brand not as a look, but as the outward expression of what is most genuine within you -- whether that’s a signature accessory or the warmth of your hug.

Building Bridges: Community, Equity and Belonging

Lovett’s journey illustrates the subtle, crucial work of bridge-building. Raised at the intersection of segregation and integration in Winter Park, Florida, he moved from the Meadows -- a low-income community where college felt out of reach for many -- to Hannibal Square, a stone’s throw from resources that shaped his trajectory.

But making space isn’t just about physical proximity; it’s about intentional partnership. “It takes a community,” Chev notes, explaining that responsibility for inclusion lies not just with those who historically haven’t belonged, but with the whole village.

This bridge-building manifests in candid relationships, in being the first to extend hospitality or vulnerability, and in small gestures -- inviting new friends across literal and figurative train tracks. Authentic, difficult conversations, Chev and Betsy agree, are the “path forward out of the divisiveness” fracturing today’s world.

Lessons in Resilience: Finding a Way, Lighting the Path

If there is a thread tying together Chev’s narrative, it is resilience -- the craft of “finding a way” even when the path isn’t clearly marked. Whether cobbling together piano lessons, securing sponsorships for college flights, or navigating the complexities of building a family through IVF and adoption, Chev is animated by grit, gratitude and openness to help.

He reminds listeners that success is “when opportunity meets the moment of preparation.” It’s not luck, but readiness to say “yes” to the angels among us and to work hard when opportunity knocks.

Final Thoughts: Presence, Possibility and Paying It Forward

Chevalier Lovett’s journey offers inspiration beyond music and advocacy. It’s a blueprint for harnessing talent, curating authentic presence, building equitable community and leaning into resilience. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a business leader or anyone seeking to carve a unique path, Chev’s story encourages us to show up fully, embrace our individuality, and -- perhaps most importantly -- leave the drawbridge down for those coming after us.

As he so eloquently summed up, “You can have it all. Just not at the same time. But if you put your heart into it, you can figure out how to do it all -- and you can have it.”