20TH ANNUAL RHYTHM & BLUES FOUNDATION'S PIONEER AWARDS SHOW
It is indeed a rare occasion when an event exceeds expectations. The cream of the R&B crop recently congregated at
Philadelphia's Kimmel Center Verizon Hall to honor not only legends, but more importantly, those overlooked throughout the
genre's rich history. The occasion was the Rhythm & Blues Foundation's 20th Anniversary, as well as its 15th Pioneer Awards
Show Gala.
Co-hosted by former Pioneer Award honorees Dionne Warwick, Bonnie Raitt, and Jerry Butler, along with Emmy winner Wayne
Brady, the evening's festivities kicked off with a musical montage, culminating in Pioneer Awards handed to Bill Withers,
Teena Marie, R&B/blues singer Sugar Pie DeSanto, Kool & The Gang, the Whispers, and Motown session superstars the
Funk Brothers. Chaka Khan received the Foundation's "Lifetime Achievement Award"; former Stax and Motown Records executive
Al Bell received the Ahmet Ertegun Leadership Award, newly named for the late Atlantic Records founder; and the Legacy Award
was given to the family of soul legend Donny Hathaway.
The evening kicked off with a seven-minute overture, conducted by Musical Director Bill Jolly and his orchestra musically
telling the story of Rhythm and Blues development through--the drum, cotton field chants, gospel, jazz, blues, R&B, doo-wop,
rock, soul, funk, hip-hop, rap, and neo-soul. Visual montages included Clara Ward, the Dixie Hummingbirds, B.B. King and others.
During the big band segment, Raitt broke ranks with pop and the blues to sing the jazzy "In the Mood," as Duke Ellington,
Cab Calloway and Count Basie's images weaved in and out. Butler and Warwick sang their signature songs, "For Your Precious
Love" and "Walk On By," respectively. And Brady flashed his versatility with electrifying renditions of James Brown's "It's
a Man's World" and "Sex Machine."
R&B Foundation's Chairman Kendall Minter and Executive Director Patty Wilson Aden welcomed the Pioneer Awards audience
and highlighted the Foundation's 20 year mission.
Former Spinner G.C. Cameron sang his "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" (later made popular by Boyz II Men), to
an accompanying video of Isaac Hayes, Ertegun, Brown, and others who passed away over the past two years; Public Enemy's Chuck
D covered rap and hip-hop, and included PE anthem "Fight the Power"; Kenny Lattimore and Brady sang a Donny Hathaway segment
that included a raucous turn with "The Ghetto"; The Funk Brothers were accompanied by Kindred the Family Soul on a Motown
medley: Neo-soul superstar Anthony Hamilton performed "I Can't Let Go," with an ensemble of Gary "U.S." Bonds, Mabel John,
Maxine Brown, Chuck Jackson, Kindred Family of Soul, Vivian Green, Jaguar Wright, Stax session guitarist Steve Cropper, Steve
Jordan, Jean Wright, Betty Wright, Bunny Sigler, Warwick, Butler, Brady, Raitt and many others. And that was just the first
20 minutes!
This special evening featured performances by honorees Bill Withers, DeSanto, the Whispers, Khan, Marie, the Funk Brothers
and 76-year-old DeSanto, who stole the show when she performed "I Wanna Know" and threw in an amazingly limber forward flip
that won her a standing ovation. The surprise of the evening was a rare appearance by the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin,
who presented a "Lifetime Achievement Award" to a tearful and grateful Chaka Khan. The finale, "I'll Take You There" turned
into a once in a lifetime reunion music fest that included the aforementioned performers as well as the Dixie Cups, Martha
Reeves & the Vandellas, Kim Weston and John Oats.
The Rhythm & Blues Foundation was founded in 1988 with the intention of preserving the genre's historical and cultural
importance, as well as providing a helping hand to those in need. Respect was the over-riding sentiment, as tears and hugs
flowed freely from the stage.
Black Prairie Blues Honors Clearwater, King & Bell
By Brinda Fuller Willis, Ph.D.
Jackson Advocate Contributing Writer
And Then There Were Three….. Mississippi Blues Trail
Markers that celebrated and honored Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater, Carey Bell, and Willie King, all legends of the
Black Prairie region in Macon, Mississippi on August 19, 2008 along with approximately 200 hundred blues fans, industry personnel,
and blues patrons.
Macon, Mississippi paid homage to three international
blues icons and many other famous musicians that lived and worked the Black Prairie. The ceremony crowd was welcomed by Mr.
Brian Wilson, executive director of the Noxubee County Alliance and greeted by the mayor of Macon, Bob Boykin who presented
proclamations from the City of Macon to the recipients and or their family members. Scott Baretta, Mississippi Blues Trail
research coordinator, provided an explanation of the marker.
Greetings and remarks were given by Eddy
Clearwater, Willie King and Steve Bell represented his father the late Carey Bell. Mr. Alex Thomas, Heritage Trails Program
Manager with the Mississippi Development Authority Tourism Division remarked about his journey of discovery since the beginning
of the project that will eventually see approximately 150 markers seated throughout Mississippi noting the legacy and history
of America’s Music in the Birthplace of the Blues.
Mr. William Oliver, president of the Noxubee
County Board of Supervisors and Laura Beth Wilson, Miss Noxubee County Hospitality lead the unveiling of the Maker at the
corner of Green & Jefferson in downtown Macon. Entertainment was provided by the honorees with a barbeque reception that
immediately followed the ceremony.
“I’m so proud to have the opportunity
to be back in Macon with my childhood friends and fans for such an occasion as this,” said Eddy Clearwater during his
remarks as he accepted his proclamation for the City of Macon.
According Blues Trail Marker research notes,
the roots of blues and gospel music run deep in the African American culture of the of the Black Prairies region. Several
performers born near Macon in Noxubee County, including Eddy Clearwater, Carey Bell and Jesse Fortune, went on to achieve
renown in Chicago blues, while other, such as Brother Joe May and Robert Blair, became gospel singing stars. Prairie Point
near the Mississippi-Alabama state line, Willie King kindled a new blues movement as the “political prophet” of
the juke joints.
Noxubee County, with the highest percentage
of African American population of any county in eastern Mississippi, has much in common with the Delta, including a legacy
of cotton, blues and economic struggle. In antebellum days when slaves sang spirituals and work songs on the cotton plantations,
those with musical talent also played fiddle or banjo as entertainers at white social affairs. This musical tradition carried
over into the 20th century, when a number of African American string bands were active in the county, playing for
both white and black audiences. These included the Duck Brothers (Charlie, Albert, and Vandy Duck), the Salt and Pepper Shakers
(Perie, Doc, and Preston Spiller), and the Nickerson (featuring fiddler Booger Nickerson).
Another Macon fiddler, Houston H. Harrington,
guided a branch of what would become one of the most prolific families in the blues. Harrington married Perie Spiller’s
daughter, Hilda and moved to Chicago, where their sons, Joe and Vernon formed a blues band. His nephew, Eddy Harrington, is
well known on the international blues circuit as Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater, famed for his flamboyant stage act
as “The Chief” attired in an American Indian headdress, was born just east of Macon on January 10, 1935.
Yet another product who attained worldwide
fame after moving to Chicago was harmonica virtuoso, Carey Bell, whose real surname was also Harrington. Bell, born Nov. 14,
1936 played with Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, and many others. Bell fathered a brood of blues musicians, including renowned
guitarist, Lurrie Bell and harmonica protégé, Steve Bell. Carey Bell died on May 6, 2007. Vocalist, Jesse Fortune, who was
born near Macon on February 28, 1930 also embarked on a lengthy blues career in Chicago in the 1950s.
Big Jo Williams, one of the most prominent
blues-recording artists from the Black Prairies, came from Crawford, Mississippi to perform in Noxubee County at times. Guitarist
Elijah Brown, a friend of Williams was born in Macon. Williams (1903-1982) and fellow bluesman John Wesley Macon (c.1923-1973),
known as “Mr. Shortstuff,” both died in Macon.
Guitarist Willie King, born in Grass Hill,
east of Macon, on March 18, 1943 and his band have carried on the local blues tradition with performances at juke joints,
house parties, and festivals. In 2000 King began to draw widespread acclaim for his recordings of politically-themed “Struggling
Songs,” an outgrowth of his activities in Civil Rights Era in Pickens County, Alabama. Several members of King’s
band, The Liberators, also hail from Macon including Willie James Williams, Willie Lee Halbert, and Johnnie B. Smith. Other
performers active on the local music scene around Brooksville have included Robert Earl Greathree and Brown Sugar.
Eddy Clearwater can be seen in and around
the Chicago area and on tour throughout the world. Willie King frequently plays at the famous 930 Blues Café in Jackson, Mississippi.
Steve Bell tours with Jesse Robinson & the 500-lb. Blues Band as a featured harmonica specialist in Mississippi and at
numerous national and international blues festivals.
For information regard upcoming Blues Trail
Marker events visit www.MSBluesTrail.org
The Master of the BLUES”
He did
not know what had hit him.He was going about his performance as usual when a
show stopping moment stunned him, an honor that he will no doubt remember and cherish forever.On Saturday Night (February 9th) during the 4th Annual
Dallas Blues Festival 2008, Mr. Bobby “Blue” Bland received the ultimate compliment from a lady who stopped the
show.Mrs. Nancy Johnson (after Saturday Night, could possibly be considered
his biggest fan) of Corsicana, Texas fulfilled one of her dreams and displayed how talented she really is, did an amazing
thing by honoring him by dubbing him with the new title-“Master of the Blues” and also presenting him with a Trophy
of all Trophies.It was a custom designed Trophy just for Mr. Bland that had
been in the making by Mrs. Johnson for over 2 years.He was elated to receive
the new title.
I was
truly amazed and stunned as others were too in attendance.It was before a sold
out crowd to witness this Historic event.Mrs. Nancy Johnson was elevated to
a celebrity status before and afterwards, because of her giving nature.She has
honored various coaches and teachers, and entertainers for their contributions to history, and loving the Blues, Bobby “Blue”
Bland was no exception.She designed and patented the special award for the occasion.The ultimate Trophy was almost as tall as Mrs. Johnson.For the last few years “Momma Nancy” Johnson as I affectionately call her, had been telling
me about this design of hers and we talked about her getting her design patented, and I gave her a patent attorneys name to
get the ball rolling.That was about 2 years ago.A lot of love and appreciation was put into that specially designed Trophy just for Mr. Bland, the “Master of
The Blues” again as he was so aptly dubbed by Mrs. Johnson. The time had
finally come for her to put it all together from her original sketch.
The whole
concept and vision for the Trophy to honor Mr. Bland was centered around his first hit with Duke Records -the seminal Texas shuffle "Farther
On Up The Road", which went to number 1 on the R&B charts in 1957.The 45
centered on top of the Trophy Cup signified that number 1 single. In the 50s and early 60s, Bobby "Blue" Bland was one of
the main creators of the modern soul-blues sound.Mr. Bland’s style has remained consistent over the years as he has also influenced dozens of blues and R&B influenced rock vocalists.
We were invited backstage
after his Show and Presentation and he spoke about at least 2 of his Gospel songs he has recorded from his earlier career
when he began singing Gospel music. Also during the conversation and after posing
for a few pictures, he asked if we knew what is real name was and I said “Robert Calvin Bland” but his last name
is Brooks (his father’s surname).I
told him we had just featured him the weekend (January 26) of his birthday.He
was 78 years of age on January 27.His adorable and much appreciative wife, the
love of his life, Mrs. Willie Mae celebrated her birthday on this eventful night of the Festival (February 9, 2008).Even she was caught off guard by the Special Presentation.She is usually close by (on stage), but this particular night I believe she was on the bus until after
his performance, because I passed her backstage on her way to the dressing room while she went to check on Mr. Bland.Once she saw that Trophy, even she was in awe.It was a touching moment to see her try to actually pick it up as if she was going to carry it by herself.I told her to let me find someone to get it to the bus for her.The
newly dubbed “Master of the Blues” and his wife are two of the nicest and genuine people you could ever meet.
Mr. Bland was inducted into the Blues Foundation's Hall of Fame in 1981 and the
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.In 1997, The Recording Academy’s
"Lifetime Achievement" Grammy.In 1998, The
Blues Foundations "Lifetime Achievement Award".While
he has receive those honors, I could tell that this was going to be a “Sentimental” Award, because of the fact
that it was specially designed just for him. The Legendary Mr. Bobby “Blue”
Bland aka “The Master Of The Blues”.
Mrs. Johnson’s
son, Michael Johnson and Evelyn Banks carried the Amazingly Special Designed Trophy.The Trophy was carefully constructed by her friend Leo Evans of Evans Engravement of Dallas, Texas.Some of the parts were special ordered from the West Coast.A
special thanks to Vera Parhm, and Sargeant Ivory for assisting.A very special
thanks to Steve Ladd of WDIA Radio in Memphis, Tennessee for all the hook ups from Memphis to make this night
possible for something that Mrs. Nancy Johnson has dreamed of and who has finally seen some of her designs come to fruition.The MC-Mr. Fred “Hollywood” Moore (formerly of WDIA) of Memphis, Tennessee
also, a very special thanks to you for giving her that precious moment on stage.You also did a ‘fantabulous’ job as the Tour MC.
It was
an honor for me to help “Momma Nancy” Johnson with some of the research for information regarding this Special
Trophy.
Just back from another fantastic trip to the low country this time we brought some of our friends along help The LAMC(Low
Country Alliance For Model Communities) Kick off their first annual neighborly needs day .The North Charleston River Front
Park has got to be one of the most beautiful venues in the country We will be doing lots of events there. The Program began
with with a very Spirtual Libation Ceremony conducted by Elder Carrie Town and Elder Gullah Bemi. on the program was Jazz
Vocalist Tiffany Richardson demonstrated her superb vocal talent. VIOLINIST Daniel Davis , THE DJOLE DANCERS NEW ROYAL CHOIR
Evangalist Pat Walker with the Youth Annointed Ministry Choir who gave a spirit filled performance Larry Ford and A Touch
of Class and out standing jazz group The LYG Rappers were crowd pleasers. We brought along Stevie J and The Eruption Band
who also played for Pat Brown And Dee Bradley who all gave outstanding performances. Special thanks to Mayor Keith Summey
and Ms. Tomi Green For making the event happen. Special thanks to A First class Limo Service for the ride. Thanks to Cc Sweet
who functioned as tour manager and got everybody where they were suspose to be. Thanks to Alonzo The Picture man for some
fantastic shots Thanks to Wesley for reminding us what its like to be Young and having fun.. Thanks to Dr. Love Abdul and
Dean Martin for proving that Black Folks can do quality sound. Last but not least thanks to my new best friend Charles Tyler
For The Crab Crack those Blue Crabs were the best Ive ever had you should paten that seasoning. We look forward to the next
event perhaps Micheal Tee and Frankie The Bopper will see The benefit in getting their radio stations involved
Sir Charles Jones Up and Running
by Boogie
It’s
been two years since The King of Southern Soul has released a major project.
In a recent
visit to the ATL we dropped in at the new spacious offices of JD Entertainment to get updated on the happenings with Sir Charles
Jones. The office was alive with activity. because the legal authorities had made a ruling
giving Sir
Charles his release from prior commitments and now
he was free
to resume building his career.
Sir Charles
told us that the past two years have been very difficult not being able to give his fans what they wanted,
he said he
buried himself in work, writing producing and collaborating with other artist.
Sir
Charles Manager Joe Douglas told THE BOOGIE REPORT that Sir Charles has produced so much material that it was very
to decide on which cuts to include on the new album.
so
to help in the process they released a dance tune "Drop That Thang" which was delivered to key outlets for testing purposes
only and the results were so overwhelming that the office has been barraged with calls requesting service. The response they
had to move the release date up .The single is on its way to an outlet to you and you can look
for
the album in a few weeks.Stay tuned
to
Boogie Radio for a live interview with
The
King of Southern Soul.
MORGAN FREEMAN HOST DIVAS IN BLUES
Starz InBlack will present the world premiere of the soulful blues concert "Blues Divas," featuring musical performances
from eight gifted blues singers who are interviewed by Oscar(R)-winning actor and blues lover Morgan Freeman. "Blues
Divas" premieres during Black History Month at 8 p.m., Sunday, February 5 with additional playdates throughout the month,
only on Starz InBlack. The film opens with a brief introduction by Freeman who describes his location
as "ground zero" for the blues. Freeman just happens to be standing in front of Ground Zero Blues Club, a modern-day
juke joint he co-owns in Clarksdale, Mississippi, where the show was taped. In between the stirring performances,
which feature a blend of blues, soul, folk and gospel music, the show is punctuated with informal chats with the divas
and Freeman who enjoys reminiscing about their early beginnings. "Blues Divas" features musical performances
from eight gifted vocalists: Deborah Coleman, Mavis Staples, Irma Thomas, Bettye Lavette, Odetta, Ann Peebles, Denise LaSalle
and Renee Austin. Filmed over a three-day weekend, "Blues Divas" is produced by Blue M Productions
and Mississippi Public Broadcasting as part of a series of feature films focusing on this true American genre of music
born in the Mississippi Delta. Executive producer Ty Warren tapped noted music documentarian Robert Mugge ("Last
of the Mississippi Jukes") to direct "Blues Divas." Mugge travels to the heartland of the blues, Clarksdale,
Mississippi, to capture, in his signature style, the soulful, passionate performances of the talented yet underappreciated
divas. After watching the one hour and fifty five minute concert documentary you will be convinced that the soulful
talents of these extraordinary blues singers are deserving of wider recognition. "These incredible
blues women singers will blow you away with their soul filled performances," said Stephan Shelanski, senior vice president, acquisitions,
programming and scheduling. "Starz InBlack is the ideal place to bring the world premiere of 'Blues Divas' to our
viewers." "'Blues Divas' is a perfect fit for Starz InBlack" said Brett Marottoli, director, programming
acquisitions. "At Starz InBlack we aim to celebrate the breadth and depth of the African American experience and
'Blues Divas' is a complement to that mission." First up is blues diva Irma Thomas, known to many
as the Soul Queen of New Orleans and owner of the Lions Den blues club in the Big Easy. Thomas belts out a few
old favorites, including the classic, "Chains of Love." Deborah Coleman has been hailed as one of blues
music's most exciting young talents. Her guitar style reflects the influences of Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Guy and Larry
Carlton. Her vocal inspirations are often found in the singing of Patti Smith, Bessie Smith, Janis Joplin and Alberta
Hunter. Both talents are clearly evident in "Blues Divas" in her performance of the KoKo Taylor song, "I'm A Woman."
Soul and gospel legend Mavis Staples possesses one of the most recognizable voices in contemporary music and it comes through
loud and clear in the film. From her early days singing with her dad "Pop" Staples and their family group, the
Staple Singers, to her powerful solo recordings, Staples voice still rings true. Staples and Freeman enjoy discussing
her early beginnings and she sings stirring gospel material including a sweet song entitled "God is not Sleeping," from
her latest CD, "Have a Little Faith." Bettye LaVette has been around for more than 40 years having first recorded,
"My Man -- He's a Loving Man" when she was just 16. In "Blues Divas", the crowd goes wild when she sings her old
hit, "Your turn to Cry (Your Time to Cry)." Odetta, although in her 70's, looks radiant in red and
sounds as youthful as ever. Her performance continues to reflect her passion for mixing the blues and protest
songs. She sings the classic blues song "Careless Love." The extraordinary Ann Peebles sings a
song she made popular, "I Can't Stand the Rain" and Renee Austin performs a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, "Fool Moon."
"Blues Divas" closes out with the Queen of the Southern Soul Blues Denise LaSalle. LaSalle makes sure you understand
that she is an experienced, down-home blues singer and her performance in the film gives you no doubt when she belts
out "Still the Queen." Ground Zero Blues Club's mission is to showcase the best in blues talent with
an emphasis on musicians living and working in -- or with ties to -- the Mississippi Delta. Located in a renovated
turn-of-the century cotton grading warehouse near an old train depot that now houses the Delta Blues Museum, the club
has become a cultural institution for blues aficionados. Freeman co-owns the club with Clarksdale attorney and businessman
Bill Luckett and Memphis entertainment executive Howard Stovall. All are committed to showcase new blues talent
and to the preservation and education of this native-born music genre.
The Official Winners for the 2005 Cingular Wireless Jackson Music Awards.
1."Background Vocalist of The Year"
Tonya Youngblood
2. "International Producer of The Year"
Frederick Knight for "Sleep With One Eye Open" by Shirley Brown
3. "Pop Group of The Year"
The Earth Angels
4. "The Local R & B Group of The Year"
Compozition,
5. "Country Music Award"
Under The Gun
6. "International Songwriter of The Year"
Willie Clayton, for "Unconditional
7. "Best Engineered Recording"
Shirley Brown, "Sleep with one eye open", by Frederick Knight,Wolf Stephenson, Kent Bruce, Jerry Masters and Sean Macke
8. "International Female Vocalist of The Year"
Sheba Potts Wright
9. "International Male Vocalist of The Year"
Floyd Taylor
10. "Poetry/Spoken Word-National"
David Williams
11. "International CD of The Year"
"A Nite Out", by Mel Waiters
12. "Local Blues Artist of The Year"
Eddie Cotton
13. "National Blues Artist of The Year"
Theodis Ealey
14. "Best Recording by A Single Artist"
"Unconditional" by Willie Clayton,
15. "The King Mose Memorial Award"
Lee Parker
16. "Hip Hop Disc Jockey of The Year"
Chris Carr
17. "Local Entertainer of The Year"
Compozition,
18. "Musician of The Year"
Ezzra Brown,
19. "Hip Hop Artist of The Year"
Boo The Boss Player
20. "R & B Disc Jockey of The Year"
Stan Branson/WKXI
21. "Jazz Group of The Year"
Jessie Primer III
22. "The Dave Clark Awards"
Local
Regional
National
23. "Statewide Disc Jockey of The Year"
Calvin Butler AKA Jayrod Bufford WTYJ - Natchez
24. "Local Female Vocalist of The Year"
Genesis
25. "Local Male Vocalist of The Year"
Dave Mack
26. "International Entertainer of The Year"
Willie Clayton
The 4th Annual IBBA Conference.
It was good to be back in Memphis The city still exudes class charm soul and style.Upon arriving
at The registration desk we were treated like family and made to feel very welcome Rob Neal and staff had gone all out to
make sure that the spirit of this conference was positive and productive.
The stars came out Saturday nibght for the big awards dinner.
The program was kicked off by an outstanding
Gospel Group,TheGolden Voices from Hattiesburg Mississippi.
Clear Channel took the award for best radio broadcasting company.Butch Hartfield of
Def Jam
was awarded the best national promotion person.the attendees was recieved
a very special
treat in the form of TEMORA who gave an Outstanding Presentation which included Proud Mart,
a tune Catch You On The flip Side"my favorite'and two victims which was performed in spanish.Temora and her Crew demonstrated
that they have what it takes to make it in todays crazy music business.
Nabfeme's Johnnie Walker took home the IBBA's
Leadership Award.
The Barkays Get The Lifetime Achievement Award
Raymond Bothwell Alpine Records and Ted Astin Tough Act
Al Bell ,Archie Love and Wife
Also on hand for the festivities were MC Hammer,Jerry Schilling,Kevin Ross Murray Warren Greg
Howard and Coleen Wilson.
The Higlight of the evening was the keynote address brought by Al Bell formr owner
of Stax Records and Current President Ceo of Alpine Records and ARE Distributing.
It was a gathering
of music industry professionals who showed up in Jackson Mississippi for a week end conference dedicated to the preservation
of Southern Soul Music. It was a small turn out but those in attendance showed up to get something accomplished
concerning increasing the market share of Southern Soul MusicAs well as creating
opportunities for exposure of the art form. The Conference was kicked off Friday night with a fish fry in a very informal
setting that allowed for renewal of old friendships as well as the forming new alliances. The highlight of conference was the Saturday luncheon where the group was addressed by Bruce B. Demps
Senior Vice President of Clear Channel Broadcasting. In an in formal question and answer format Mr. Demps encouraged the group
to keep up the work. He stated that” its better to have 200 people working than 2000 not doing anything”.In response
to a question concerning format diversity at Clear Channel. Demps stated that with the advent of HD radio new opportunities
will be available for various formats .Blues, Southern Soul, Gospel as well as various ethnic formats stand to gain from the
new content outlets that will be created by the side bands associated with HD radio.
Other topics Demps commented on;
* the up coming
FCC auction in November whereUp to 300 hundred fm frequencies will be auctioned
off.
*The new commercial
load policy for Clear Channel Stations.
*The qualities
of a good General Manager
*Surviving
in a corporate environment.
In closing
the group presented Mr Demps with a plaque
commemorating
his achievements and contributions in the field of broadcasting.
All and all
the luncheon was a huge success, lots of fun and tons of useful information.
Bruce Demps get achievment award and standing ovation
The National
Black Music Alliance
Saturday afternoon was dedicated to organizing
for action
It was the
general consensus of the group that this should be an annual function.
After lively
discussion it was agreed thatseveral committees should be formed in order in
sure continued growth and success.
Julian Davis and Willard Frederick
Tommy Tee Makes A Point
Bobby Q Day Takes It All In
Jerry Bolden Shares a laugh with conference attendees
Caple Hill comments Jessie Thompson looks on
The National
Black Music Alliance
Saturday afternoon was dedicated to organizing
for action
It was the
general consensus of the group that this should be an annual function.
After lively
discussion it was agreed thatseveral committees should be formed in order in
sure continued growth and success.
Committee
Assignments
Corporate Sponsorship
Committee
Tony Anthony
Robert Rosenthall
Jerry Bolden
Lee Parker
Steering Committee
Attorney[
to be announced]
Julian Davis
Action Committee
Lee King
Tommy Tee
Fred Burton
Jerry Mason
Willie Clayton Wins Big at The Jackson Music Awards
More than 30 years recording and a lifetime dedicated to R&B and soul landed Willie Clayton top honors at Monday night's
Jackson Music Awards. Clayton, an Indianola native who moved to Chicago and eventually signed with legendary Hi Records in
Memphis, took home the International Producer of the Year, International Male Vocalist of the Year and International Entertainer
of the Year awards. "Get out of here," Clayton exclaimed when he first heard of his triple crown. "I credit it to God ...
The rest is hard work. At the end of the day, it's the soul of a man. I'm a soul singer."
International Entertainer of the Year — Willie Clayton
International Producer of the Year — Willie Clayton
International Female Vocalist of the Year — Shirley Brown
International Male Vocalist of the Year — Willie Clayton
International Songwriter of the Year — Rue Davis
International CD of the Year — Even Now by The Manhattans
Musician of the Year — Ezra Brown
Rap Artist of the Year — Kamikaze
National Blues Artist of the Year — Theodis Ealey
Country Music Award — Silverado Band
Best Engineered Recording — Hollar by The BarKays
Pop Group of the Year — Earth Angels
Best Recording by a Single Artist — Stand Up in It by Theodis Ealey
The King Mose Memorial Award — Outlaw
Urban Disc Jockey of the Year — Sam Brown
Local Blues Artist of the Year — Eddie Cotton
Local Entertainer of the Year — Rhonda Richmond
R&B Disc Jockey of the Year — Rob Jay
Local R&B Group of the Year — Compositionz
Jazz Group of the Year — The Ezra Brown Group
The Dave Clark Awards — Local, Rusty J (WNHU, New Haven, Conn.); Regional, Mark Dylan (KOKY, Little Rock, Ark.);
National, Steve Crumbly (WDLT, Mobile)
Statewide Disc Jockey of the Year — Walter Squalls of WTYJ, Natchez
Poetry/Spoken Word — Mister Talley
Local Male Vocalist of the Year — ML
Local Female Vocalist of the Year — Rhonda Richmond
Community and entertainment industry leaders showed up at the Little Rock Convention center sunday night. to help
legendary On-Air Personality Joe Booker of KIPR celebrates 25 years in radio.Industry legends such as Al Bell Walt Baby
Love,Lee Anthony toasted Broadway Joe
Walt"Baby" Love and KRNB's Stormy Taylor
shared The emcee duties.
Broadway Joe received many accolades and special proclamations
from the city, state and local community based groups. Master Anderson and students of the Anderson Taekwondo school
presented Booker with his 4th degree black belt.
Industry legends A.D.Washington, Walt Love and Al Bell
Walt Love and Noble Womble
Saturday, October 19th Moses Tyson, Jr. performed at the Arkansas Black Hall Fame. Some of the
notable inductees were Former President Clinton and Al Bell (Stax Records, Motown Records, Bellmark
Records). There were 1000 people in attendance and the event was filmed. It will air on the ABC and
PBS affiliates in Arkansas.
Former President Clinton was blown away by Moses performance and wanted a copy of MUSIC 2! Rodney
Slatter (Former Secretary of Transportation) was in attendance and wanted copies of Moses CD for
himself and his mother.
To quote the people in attendance, Moses Tyson, Jr. is phenomenal!. As of today, October 22,
2002, people attending this event are going to stores looking for Moses Tyson, Jr. in the Little
Rock area. They are calling BancorpSouth (my bank) and asking the officers about Moses Tyson, Jr.
and where to find product.
Sunday, October 20th, Moses Tyson, Jr. did interviews with KIPR and KOKY. KIPR is a 100,000 watt
station that cover most of the state.
He also performed to a packed house at a local church. The Bishop of the church stood up and told
the congregation about Moses performance Saturday night and how he was proud that he played at the
Arkansas Black Hall of Fame.
As Moses walked out of the church, one of the deacons handed Moses Tyson, Jr. the phone, KLRG
(radio) asked him to do an interview on the spot. He granted the request and went to the station
for the interview. Other radio personalities told Moses Tyson, Jr. that they are going to start
playing his record this week and Moses autographed copies of his CD for them.
People in this market are talking and going to the stores looking for MUSIC 2, when the Arkansas
Black Hall of Fame airs on the ABC affiliate it will create talk across the whole state. I will
e-mail the air date as soon as I have it because MUISC 2 & the first MUSIC need to be positioned in
store.
Friday Night Oct 25th The Atrium In Atlanta Georgia came alive with one of the Best Soul and Blues Shows of
the Year.This was a listener appreciation concert put together by Real Blues Booking and Sponsored by Kiss 104.1
This was a very special night with lots of big stars.The show opened with a fantastic presentation
by the JMA Orchestra under the direction of Forrest
Gordon. next was a big dance number by Bridgett Archer & The Bridgett Archer Performing
Arts Company.The Welcome was given by Jesse Thompson Jr. President of the Jackson Music Awards.herman Taylor introduced our
host for the night Millie Jackson.
J.Blackfoot and Ann Hines
Performing Two Different People
Two Different People
gets a jackie for the composers and much love from audience
International Male Vocalist of the Year
Sir Charles Jones
Willie Clayton
International Entertainer of the Year
Local Female Vocalist of The Year
Tina Diamond
DDT Gets The Dave Clark award
Duain Tanner
The Diva's Award
Dorothy Moore,Millie Jackson,Denise Lasalle
Sir Charles Jones and his Mom Ms Blanche Jones
Get Much Love from The Crowd
Most Outstanding New Artist Floyd Taylor
accepts jackie For "LEGACY" Best Engineered Recording
Larry Dodson accepts The Legends award on behalf of The BarKays
Congratulations also in order for:
Billy "BC THE HITMAN "Cornelious Statewide DJ of The Year.
Derrick Cooper Local Male Vocalist of the Year
Rhonda Richmond Jazz Artist of The Year
T.K.Soul Local Recording of The Year.
Rob J R&B Disc Jockey of The Year
Henry Rhodes Local Entertainer of The Year
Melvin "Mailman"Young
Eddie Cotton and The Mississippi Cotton Club Local Blues Artist of the Year.
X-Man checks out the rest of the show after his outstanding performance.
kiss 104.1 listener appreciation concert
Sir Charles and Ms.Blanche Jones
Dorothy Moore and Pat Brown sing Happy Birthday To mayor Evers
Charles Evers Birthday Bash
WMPR's Ragman cogratulates Willie P on an outstanding performance
Stax Day at WDIA leading up to the grand opening of the rebirth of the Stax Museum located on the same site of the old
Stax building on July 20 in Memphis, TN
Little Milton,Bev Johnson, Larry Dodson
Stax Day at WDIA
Melba Moore in studio with Ms. Deanie Parker, executive Dir. of Stax Museum and Bev Johnson
Go To The Stax Museum
Click Here
National Blues Festivals
Sep 20, 2002 - Sep 22, 2002 Cowpens Barbecue Bluegrass and Blues Festival Cowpens, South Carolina
- PO Box 805, Cowpens, SC Cowpens Barbecue Bluegrass and Blues Festival Inc PO Box 805, Cowpens, SC 29330 USA
Send Mail! Mike Hamrick Phone: 864 488 4732 Little Pink Anderson Austin Brazier Band Tinsley Ellis
Sep 21, 2002 Sedona EcoFest Sedona Cultural Park - 1725 W. Hwy 89-A, Sedona, AZ BeneFest Foundation
P.O. Box 2262, Sedona, AZ 86339 USA Send Mail! Philip Walker Phone: 928-282-4241 Tickets: TBA Fax:
928-284-5471 Ticket Price: TBA 2002 Lineup will be announced in April. Past performers include B.B. King, Blues Traveler
and Merl Saunders among others. Comments: Thanks! We'll be in touch.
Sep 21, 2002 Northeast Pa. Blues Society First Annual Blues Fes Dalton, Pa. - Dalton Fairgrounds, Dalton,
PA Northeast Pennsylvania Blues Society RD2 Box 355 , Dalton, PA 18414 USA Send Mail! mary hyland Phone:
570-378-3279 Ticket Price: $17.50 at the gate, $15.00 in advance The Slam Allen Band Teddy Young and The Aces Blues
Power Revolution Bell Mountain Blues Band Lighten Up! The Fat Cats Comments: Please email us through our website
for advance ticket info. Vendor spaces available
Sep 21, 2002 - Oct 06, 2002 Fall of the Leaf Festival Idlewild Park - PO Box C, Ligonier, PA Idlewild
Park PO Box C, Ligonier, PA 15658 USA Send Mail! Keith Hood Phone: 724-238-3666 Ticket Price: $7 Admission
(Free Parking) September 21-22 - Country/Bluegrass Weekend September 28-29 - Oldies Weekend October 6-7 - Classic Rock
Weekend
Sep 26, 2002 - Sep 28, 2002 4th Annual Blues & Brews Festival Colorado Belle Hotel Casino & Microbrewery
- 2100 S. Casino Drive, Laughlin, NV Colorado Belle Hotel Casino & Microbrewery P. O. Box 77000, Laughlin, NV
89029 USA Send Mail! Pat Pillsbury Phone: 877-460-0777 Tickets: 877-460-0777 Fax: 702-299-4129 Ticket
Price: FREE Michael Burks Willie Jaye Band John Earl & The Boogey Man Band Comments: FREE outdoor festival features
Miss Hawaiian Tropic Contest, award-winning beer, drawings for cash, prizes & mini-vacations in Laughlin & Las Vegas,
Nevada. Special room packages available--book through the website at www.coloradobelle.com
Sep 28, 2002 9th Riverside Blues Music & Atr's Festival The Historic Riverside Park Band Shell -
Murphysboro Riverside Park - Commercial Ave., Murphysboro, IL OnStage Entertainment 2511 S. IL. Ave. # 30, Carbondale,
IL 62903 USA Send Mail! Mr. Joseph (Joe) Glasser Phone: 618.457.5990 Tickets: 618-457-5990 Fax: 618.457.5990
Ticket Price: $5.00 advance / or $9.00 at gate The Undisputed Queen of the blues guitar from DetroitCity, B.B. Queen
W.C.Handy Award winner: from Peoria,Illinois Eddie King. Comments: Event to benefit the City Parks & Rec. Dept.
& the S. Illinois food bank, all attending are encouraged to bring a non parishable food item. Cycle clubs & groups
welcomed, Small coolers are allowed, but NO glass bottles or Kegs allowed in park!
Sep 28, 2002 - Sep 29, 2002 Boston Blues Festival MDC Hatch Shell - Charles River Esplanade, Boston,
MA Blues Trust Productions 75 Altamont Avenue, Melrose, MA 02176 USA Send Mail! Greg Sarni Phone: Not
For Publication Ticket Price: Free Festival TBA Comments: New England's Only Two-Day Free Blues Festival. The
non-profit Blues Trust Productions presents the best in Boston Blues and honors the Legends with Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Oct 03, 2002 - Oct 05, 2002 Bikes, Blues & BBQ® Fayetteville - Dickson Street, Fayetteville, AR GMS.Group,
Inc. 100 E. Poplar, Fayetteville, AR 72703 USA Send Mail! Dan Allen Phone: 479-527-0300 Tickets: 479.527.0300
Fax: 479-527-0600 Ticket Price: Free To be annnounced Comments: Bands to be announced April 1, 2002
Oct 03, 2002 - Oct 05, 2002 Carolina Downhome Blues Festival Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County - PO
Box 1498, Camden, SC Lowcountry Blues Society for FACKC PO Box 13525, Charleston, SC 29422 USA Send Mail!
Gary Erwin Phone: 843-762-9125 Tickets: 803-425-7676 Fax: 843-762-9124 Ticket Price: $10-15 2002 (6th
annual) line-up being assembled now. Past performers included Honeyboy Edwards, Detroit Jr., Henry Gray, Hubert Sumlin, Louisiana
Red, Jimmie Lee Robinson, Byther Smith, Shrimp City Slim, and many more. Comments: A superb, intimate blues event in a
lovely Southern town.
Oct 04, 2002 - Oct 13, 2002 Festival Internacional de Blues de Cerdanyola Cerdanyola, Barcelona, Spain
- 38-40 Industria St. , Cerdanyola, Associació d'amics del Blues de Cerdanyola USA Send Mail! Oriol Carbonell
Phone: +34.639.76.56.76 Comments: It's the best Blues Festival in Spain and this year will reach it's 15th staging.
Oct 06, 2002 Stevie Ray Vaughan Remembrance Ride and Concert Dallas, TX - 2600 Ft. Worth Ave, Dallas,
TX USA Send Mail! Jeff Castro Comments: While remembering the life of Stevie Ray Vaughan, enjoy a fun-filled combination
motorcycle rally and blues concert, benefiting the Stevie Ray Vaughan Scholarship Fund! Over the years this has grown to be
one of the largest one-day charity motorcycle eve
Oct 13, 2002 - Oct 13, 2002 Ric Strome Memorial Blues Rumble Bowens Island - PO Box 13525, Charleston,
SC Lowcountry Blues Society PO Box 13525, Charleston, SC 29422 USA Send Mail! Gary Erwin Phone: 843-762-9125
Tickets: 843-762-9125 Fax: 843-762-9124 Ticket Price: $10-20 Smoky Weiner & the Hot Links, Juke Joint
Johnny, Shrimp City Slim, Cotton Blue, Nekbonius Funk, Bradford Station, Marv Ward, Shelley Magee, and many more. Comments:
A benefit concert for the Lowcountry Blues Relief Fund; held in a picturesque fish shack featuring the best regional blues
acts.
Oct 19, 2002 - Oct 20, 2002 Betty & Larry's Ultimate Event Special East Greenville Fire Co. Social
Hall - Corner of 4th & Washington St., East Greenville, PA Bluesdancer Productions Division of Evans Events 1727
Crowder Ave., Reading, PA 19607-2911 USA Send Mail! Lawrence H. Evans Phone: 610-775-7717 Tickets: 610-775-7717
Fax: 610-775-7717 * 51 Ticket Price: $ 12.00 per day Alligators Blues Band,BC & The Blues Crew,Blues Dudes,Barely
White Blues Band, Cross Cut Saw,Dave Mell Blues Band, Duck Soup Blues Band with the Foul Mouth Horns,Gypsy Joe with the Joe
Alves Band, Illinois Slim & The Band, Lenny & The Soul Senders,Lil' Ragu Blues Band,VIH Blues Band, WilyGoats Blues
Band
Oct 26, 2002 - Oct 26, 2002 8th Annual Ain't Nothin' but the Blues, Fallback Port Aransas, Tx.
- Port A USA, Pelican's Landing 337 Alister, Port Aransas, TX South Texas Blues Society 4141 Whiteley Dr. #201, Corpus
Christi, TX 78418 USA Send Mail! Dicky Neely Phone: 361-937-3768 Ticket Price: $20.00, includes food, wine
or $10.00 music only.. Gregg Gibbs and the Blues Operators, Drywall Dave Schlabach, Dicky Neely, others TBA Comments:
Great weather, good time,good music come on down!
Nov 02, 2002 - Nov 04, 2002 festival internacional de blues de guadalajara guadalajara - por confirmar,
guadalajara, la misma cosa blues band USA Send Mail! alicia romo Phone: 3338532060 Comments: es
el unico festival de blues en mexico
Nov 15, 2002 - Nov 24, 2002 :::: international black women's film festival // African American
Art & Cultural Center - 792 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA blue nile lotuses, inc. + international black wome 58
West Portal Avenue, Suite 141, San Francisco, CA 94127 USA Send Mail! Adrienne Anderson Phone: (866) 206-9075
x5127 Tickets: (866) 206-9075 x5127 Fax: (866) 206-9075 x5127 Ticket Price: tba
Nov 29, 2002 - Nov 30, 2002 Robert Johnson's S.A. Sessions Festival Sheration-Gunter Hotel - 205 E. Houston
Street, San Antonio, TX San Antonio Blues Society P.O. Box 33952, San Antonio, TX 78265 USA Send Mail! Cindy
Weiner Phone: 210 641-8192 Tickets: 210 641-8192 Fax: 210 626-9449 Ticket Price: TBA TBA Comments:
Will send list of performers as soon as finalized.
