Born in Philadelphia, Owens began studying the piano at the age of 6 at the Settlement Music School.
During his senior year at Central High, he entered the pre-college program at Temple University's Boyer College of Music and Dance where he began studying singing seriously with George Massey.
[1] After graduating with a master's degree from Curtis, Owens joined the young artist program at the Houston Grand Opera where he made his debut as Ramfis in Aida.
A Flowering Tree recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra on the Nonesuch label is available on CD.
[2] In September 2010 Owens played Alberich in the Met's new production of Wagner’s Ring Cycle.