By the age of twelve, Carvin began playing professionally and won what would be the first of five consecutive Texas rudimental championships.

Carvin's career has included two years as a staff drummer with Motown Records, as well as studio and television work on the West Coast.

Joining Freddie Hubbard's band in 1973, Carvin moved to New York City, where he gained a reputation as one of the most formidable drummers on the jazz scene.

In addition to leading his own bands, Carvin has played and recorded with Dizzy Gillespie, Dexter Gordon, Jackie McLean, Hank Jones, McCoy Tyner, Illinois Jacquet, Pharoah Sanders, Bobby Hutcherson, James Moody, Hampton Hawes, Ruth Brown, Johnny Hartman, Abbey Lincoln, Jimmy Smith, Hugh Masekela, Alice Coltrane, Cecil Taylor, Charles Brown, Terumasa Hino, Bobby Watson, Billy Bang, and many others.

With Billy Bang With Henry Franklin With Hampton Hawes With Terumasa Hino With Hannibal Lokumbe With Lonnie Liston Smith With Dakota Staton With others