It's hard to believe that three years ago I spoke of a concept based on the release of my first CD... I was going to write a newsletter that would be uniquely suited to one of the most incredible demographics in the culture of human beings: Baby Boomers. I was tired of looking at the marketing arms turning their backs on us and engrossing themselves in the upcoming generation for revenue. It didn't make sense, especially since the music that was coming into being was plagiarized from our generation and cheaply prostituted in 4- 8 bar loops and samples.
I wrote in the November 2007 premier issue: I only wanted to work with my age demographic, those of us they call "old school." It was a platform for us as musicians to continue to make our presence known. So when I started working on my CD with guitarist, Gemi Taylor and told him that only "old school" musicians could be a part of this project, he said--"There is no old school, only real school..." It was at that moment that a renaissance of us "old schoolers" really was born. And the rest, they say is history...Don't think I didn't have naysayers. But, then again so did the little red hen when she spoke of baking a loaf of bread from a grain of wheat.
While I'm unable to publish RSP every month as I used to the bi-monthly route works pretty well for me. I actually feel like I have a little breathing room with each issue...I've met so many incredible real schoolers since the beginning of RSP, it becomes an even more incredible journey with the addition of RSP on Facebook. So what's changed? I am no longer doing special editions on legacies who have passed. We are losing so many incredible people that it became more time consuming than being in the land of living. But I do post articles on their passing on RSP on Facebook...
Wow! Can you believe that The Sound Of Music celebrates 45 years this year? The music is unbelievably awesome... And it's even more awesome as I look back on it. I have several songs that are my favorites from this film...It's a classic! Rodgers and Hammerstein were one of the most incredible writing team of the day. It was great seeing the reunion on the Oprah show.
This will be a big issue...It's about us and who we are and what we're about. We're boomers and not our parents' generation. We have so much vitality and passion for the things we do. Understandably we were the generation that the media followed with never ending curiosity...Now we're growing older, or as I like to put it, continuing to grow up. I hope you see yourselves not as an older generation, but a real generation.
I love this song...Although it's performed by Real School Pre, Bucky Covington, I think it describes growing up for real schoolers...
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Real to real:
Gemi Taylor and Sinbad
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| Sinbad and Gemi back in the day |
Sinbad has been studying guitar from Gemi for well over year now and he couldn’t have picked a better choice for a teacher. Gemi Taylor started playing at age 5 and has played with so many people throughout his career, that it becomes more of who’s worked with Gemi than who hasn’t.
With his signature, smooth demeanor, hat and dreds, Gemi brings a energy that is more than just his spiritual positive aura. This cat can play and it has been my honor to work with him on my CDs as well as being my brother from another mother. I can hardly wait to share with all of you the incredible projects that he is a part of about to take flight.
With his signature, smooth demeanor, hat and dreds, Gemi brings a energy that is more than just his spiritual positive aura. This cat can play and it has been my honor to work with him on my CDs as well as being my brother from another mother. I can hardly wait to share with all of you the incredible projects that he is a part of about to take flight.
Gemi is a self-taught, self-actualized talent who was surrounded by music, encouragement and mentoring from his uncle, Bobby Wright. Wright, the first guitarist for the Ink Spots, frequented Beale Street in Memphis and Florida Keys, sitting in with house bands and getting the gigs of the guitarists slated to work with the bands.
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| A reunion with Locke HS teachers, Reggie Andrews (left) and Don Dustin |
Gemi attributes his biggest musical growth to his high school years when he attended Locke High School in Los Angeles. He sees the 60s and 70s as “the most musical years ever”. In 1972 he was introduced to singer, songwriter and producer Willie Hutch. Hutch, who was organizing personnel for his touring band and recording projects at Motown, hired Gemi for the gigs.
November 26, 1977: Gemi got the call to audition with Larry Graham and Graham Central Station. He got the gig; and from that point on he always got the gig. So check this out..Gemi's the one with the headband! Pow!
The roster of names that have been touched by his guitar energy include Willie Hutch, Graham Central Station, Barry White, Marvin Gaye, Mandrill, The Spinners, Thelma Houston as well as many artists in Japan where he lived for 9 years. Gemi always stays true to the real school, whether he’s playing rock or funk, blues, jazz or pop.
In this clip at the Zanzibar in Santa Monica, CA., Gemi plays Graham Central Stations The Jam with George Johnson (Brothers Johnson).
Sinbad-Where U Been is the name of the comedian’s latest stand-up concert now available on DVD. It’s a great question, but better than that, it’s more, “Sinbad, we’re glad you’re back!”
With a winning performance on his new comedy special, which aired on Comedy Central, Sinbad has delivered one of the best, and most incredibly honest and superbly funny 90 minutes of real school experience. He’s kept to being true to himself. New comedians, please take note: you don’t have to use bad language to be funny...
Sinbad is seasoned, defined, brilliant and original. I couldn’t stop laughing, nodding and clapping throughout the entire show. He's immortalized real school and how the demographic relates to the world. He's definitely the human icon for the culture of Real School, our music, memories and media.
I became a Sinbad fan when he did his first HBO special , "Brain Damaged" back in 1990 and discovered how absolutely brilliant he was earlier in his career. He first came to recognition through Star Search appearing on the show seven times.
He's made a huge comeback with his DVD: Sinbad Where U Been and maintained an ethic in his work...I can never get enough! He engages us with the memories from the real school and continues to do so.
In his latest DVD, Sinbad talks about growing older. He's eloquently mentors the new comics in his style by showing that over the top language does not a comedian make. This DVD is a "must have"...You'll laugh until you cry, nod and say "Yep" in this testament of true talent. And don't forget to check out the special features on the DVD! Yep that's Gemi playing in the band...
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Real Vocals
Real Vocals
Debbie Dey
There are so many incredible real schoolers out there and to see so many pursing their dreams and using their creativity is just amazing. It is more a show of what our demographic is capable of doing, ageless and always moving forward.
When I hear my friend Debbie Dey's beautiful mezzo-soprano voice, I hear my mother's voice. It really floors me every time I hear Deb sing. She sounds so much like her, I was moved when I heard her singing O, Holy Night...It were as if they had the same vocal fingerprint...Besides her singing, Debbie is a fitness professional who teaches a myriad of fitness formats, including yoga, step and kickboxing...
Debbie, speaks of the recent loss of mezzo-soprano Shirley Verrett:
For Colored Girls:
Keeping a classic real
When I hear my friend Debbie Dey's beautiful mezzo-soprano voice, I hear my mother's voice. It really floors me every time I hear Deb sing. She sounds so much like her, I was moved when I heard her singing O, Holy Night...It were as if they had the same vocal fingerprint...Besides her singing, Debbie is a fitness professional who teaches a myriad of fitness formats, including yoga, step and kickboxing...
"She was a huge HUGE star in the opera world. I emailed her and actually had a few conversations with her over the years. She listened to my videos and gave me encouragement. But then her emails stopped about a year ago....I thought she must be sick...She was gracious and even offered to hear me sing in person ...."
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For Colored Girls:Keeping a classic real
I remember Ntozake Shange's choreopoem, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Not Enuf from back in the day. The title itself is enough to make you pay attention. This choreopoem was performed on and off Broadway. The Broadway run in 1977 was nominated for a Tony Award for best play In 1982. it aired on American Playhouse and among the cast, Alfre Woodard and Lynn Whitfield. Now, it re-emerges again under the vigilance of Tyler Perry and there is a big wow on this one.
The film premiered Friday, November 5th...Every actress in this film was brilliant. I can imagine the challenge for Tyler Perry in bringing this work to the big screen. He does a remarkable job in weaving the poems together with dialogue.
The work, a collection of 20 poems is in itself is a masterpiece and among the many awards it has garnered, won an Obie Award for distinguished production. Ms. Shange, playwright and poet has had Grammy and Emmy nominations for her work.
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ALWAYS REAL:
ALWAYS REAL:
MARC COPAGE
When I met Marc Copage for the second time, I knew his face looked very familiar and I knew I had met him before, but I couldn’t figure it out. I kept telling him I knew him from somewhere and we had talked before. He was probably thinking I was some weirdo, but I tell you, I never forget anyone that I’ve met or talked to (unless of course it's by choice)…
So for a while I'm rummaging through my brain trying to figure out where it was we had met and talked last it finally dawned on me. We met on the set of Cop Rock 20 years ago! I will not diminish his credibility by calling Marc a former child actor… I will say, that he is a warm, congenial, incredibly creative actor and singer who is very grounded and doing his thing. In fact, we’re working on some music.
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| Marc with TV mom, Diahann Carroll |
Of course we all remember him in the early days of his career as Corey Baker on the show, Julia. This was a show that made TV history. It was the 2nd sitcom featuring a black woman in a starring role since Beulah in 1950. But Julia was the first series to portray a black woman in a non-stereotypical role…I mean, who knew that black people could be anything other than maids, hookers and slaves?
The show made sense to me. I was 12 years old when it premiered in 1968 and there was nothing out of the ordinary about a widowed nurse with a young son who happened to be black. What was extraordinary is that it took Hollywood a while to get the memo and sometimes, it still does.
In his own words:
I started out in the entertainment business as a child actor having been featured on a number one Neilson rated television show which ran for three seasons on a major network. There are not many people that can say that at one time they co-starred on a show that was the most watched TV show in the nation.
"Julia" was the first prime-time network television show to feature an independent African American female lead in the title role. I've enjoyed various levels of success throughout my entertainment career. I've stayed in the finest hotels, been given the key to cities, and was even invited to the White House to meet the President of the United States. I've also mopped floors, cleaned toilets for a living, and been nearly homeless.
You might say I've lived life from top to bottom. I believe that everyone has the capability to make a living doing something they truly enjoy. The opportunities are out there, you just have to love yourself enough to recognize them and seize the moment. The below pictorial is my life up 'til now. I've been lucky enough to have met some amazing people throughout the course of my lifetime. Some of them you may recognize. The best is yet to come."
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LUCIUS PARR
REAL AND UP TO PARR
I heard the name Lucius Parr back in D.C. Never did I ever think that I was going to meet him once I moved to California and that we'd become friends .
There is something about guitar players. When they play, they speak a language. Not one guitarist speaks the exact same language as the other. Even if they are playing the same line. They speak with a voice that is uniquely connected with their souls. You could have a million guitarists in one room playing and they would never bump into each in body or spirit. They just become one planet aligned with their own uniqueness.
Lucius Parr is an incredibly soulful, blues player. His style encompasses everything that is earthy and grounded. You feel his bio through his playing: from his earliest beginnings in Yokum, Texas, to his playing trombone in the high school band at age 10 and then when his dad gave him that guitar. He's played with everyone from Betty Swan, Mary Wells, DeBarge, Rudy Ray Moore, Bobby Womack, Charles Brown to Johnny Copeland.
What is the most incredible thing about Lucius' style? He makes it seem so easy and effortless. It's blues, country, soul, rhythm, funk all rolled into one. I'm really feeling the work that he did on a recent single for my next CD. He's just laid back..
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| Lucius with Charlie Daniels at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix |
Check out Lucius on Youtube:
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REAL JAZZ:
LYNN OLSON KEEPS JAZZ ALIVE
California native, Lynn Olson is a writer and an FB friend. With two suspense novels and a book series for children, it seems like she wouldn’t have time to write her blog, Lynn Loves Jazz. This jazz connoisseur writes jazz narratives and released her e-romance novella, Thief of Hearts…
She’s launching a new feature on her blog called Keeping Jazz Alive on the first Monday of each month and looks like we’re just in time for the first installment! Check out it out!
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LAYING DOWN THE LAW FOR REAL
LAWRENCE "LAW" WORRELL
There’s no way that Lawrence LAW Worrell couldn’t embrace the real school and not mean it. His grandfather was Sam "Bluzman Taylor," original member of Joey Dee and The Starlighters, his uncle Charles Taylor was on the Vee Jay label in the 50s and 60s who had huge impact on a young, up and coming performer back who become known to the world as Donny Hathaway. His uncle Bobby was a 13 time winner at the legendary Apollo, his Uncle Rudy (Worrell) was a drummer with Millie Jackson in the 70s. His uncle Tony aka “T-Funk” Alston played with James Brown and Kool & the Gang.
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| With granddad Sam "Bluzman" Taylor |
Lawrence is a talented musician and writer who has taken the hip hop experience to another level embedding the reality of real school with new school. And while he said it was an honor to be featured in RSP, I am more honored by the tenacity with which he educates those from the new school about real school. Not to mention him sharing his writing in RSP in the special "remembering "issue for Harvey Fuqua…Lawrence aka “LAW” has a genuine love and respect for the real school and this hardest working man in show business never fails to share it online, whether on his Facebook page, his Myspace page or on his website…We can all rest easier knowing that someone with such an incredible family tree continues to keep the legacies of the real school vibrant and alive; and sharing history to a new generation. Thank you, LAW. I love you….
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REAL FACEBOOK FRIENDS
CARYL RANDOLPH
Baby Boomers, the title given to those of us who were born between 1946 and 1964. Me, I entered the world with a joyful noise March 7, 1951. The first girl child and the apple of my father’s eye. My memories of childhood are filled with happiness, disappointments, and a tremendous amount of love. Over the years I’ve come to believe that we, baby boomers, are the last generation to grow up during a time when street lights were the signal for making a bee line home, where the neighborhood you lived in was your safety net and everyone within a four block radius knew your name. Back in the day it was a time when if you misbehaved you were chastised by your neighbor, your teacher, and your minister, and heaven help you when news of your misbehavior reached your parents because that meant T R O U B L E for sure. Respect, was a given and for no other reason than just because. Besides, you knew if you back talked an adult well, you may as well expect to pick yourself up off the floor. As kids we automatically knew to stay in a kids place.
Even with all rules it was still a wonderful time to grow up, a time when lyrics to a song were meaningful, and for me personally music became my haven. Our home was filled with music from sun up till sun down. My father was a jazz pianist, and my mother sang with his group; The Musical Notes; “We are the music, musical notes, here to play for you. We are the music, musical notes, here to play till two. We hope you like us, like our tunes, that we play for you. There’s Art, Alec, Honey and Ray to do their best for you.“ Ray, was my dad and he taught me the words to the group’s theme song before I was two and I could sing it as well as my mom. Laughing at the memory. Speaking of being two, two, was a magical number for me, it was the age my Aunt Carol decided I should study dance with one of Pittsburgh finest and most talented teachers, Carolyn Howell, and for the next ten years dance is what I did. Unfortunately, weak ankles prevented me from pursuing dance as a career however, the techniques I learned certainly helped me during my short-term career as a model.
As for television I never did spend too much time in front of the TV unless of course I was watching Ed Sullivan, Mitch Miller, Dick Clark, or Soul Train, four of my favorites from back in the day. Once I was even selected to dance on one of the local TV dance programs, Clark Race. Wow, I still remember the granny glasses and green granny dress I wore on the show. In fact, it was because of the granny glasses I was lucky enough to be interviewed. Another laughable memory.
All in all I can honestly say my life has been blessed from start to present. I have been blessed with two very handsome sons, a beautiful daughter, and five absolutely gorgeous, intelligent grandsons. Two lovely sisters whom I love dearly and a brother who has been my very good friend since our beginning. My extended family of sister-friends, whether we met on jobs or online, are cherished friendships. God has provided me with the luxury of meeting people from all over the world many of whom remain dear friends today but, most importantly are my childhood friends, the people who know me best. The people who loved me when it was hard for me to love myself. The friends who stood by me through thick and then and kept me encouraged. They are the ones from back in the day, Frog Town and Garfield, and like me are from the Real School, who have become Real People, who learned Real Lessons and continue to live Real Lives.
Even with all rules it was still a wonderful time to grow up, a time when lyrics to a song were meaningful, and for me personally music became my haven. Our home was filled with music from sun up till sun down. My father was a jazz pianist, and my mother sang with his group; The Musical Notes; “We are the music, musical notes, here to play for you. We are the music, musical notes, here to play till two. We hope you like us, like our tunes, that we play for you. There’s Art, Alec, Honey and Ray to do their best for you.“ Ray, was my dad and he taught me the words to the group’s theme song before I was two and I could sing it as well as my mom. Laughing at the memory. Speaking of being two, two, was a magical number for me, it was the age my Aunt Carol decided I should study dance with one of Pittsburgh finest and most talented teachers, Carolyn Howell, and for the next ten years dance is what I did. Unfortunately, weak ankles prevented me from pursuing dance as a career however, the techniques I learned certainly helped me during my short-term career as a model.
As for television I never did spend too much time in front of the TV unless of course I was watching Ed Sullivan, Mitch Miller, Dick Clark, or Soul Train, four of my favorites from back in the day. Once I was even selected to dance on one of the local TV dance programs, Clark Race. Wow, I still remember the granny glasses and green granny dress I wore on the show. In fact, it was because of the granny glasses I was lucky enough to be interviewed. Another laughable memory.
All in all I can honestly say my life has been blessed from start to present. I have been blessed with two very handsome sons, a beautiful daughter, and five absolutely gorgeous, intelligent grandsons. Two lovely sisters whom I love dearly and a brother who has been my very good friend since our beginning. My extended family of sister-friends, whether we met on jobs or online, are cherished friendships. God has provided me with the luxury of meeting people from all over the world many of whom remain dear friends today but, most importantly are my childhood friends, the people who know me best. The people who loved me when it was hard for me to love myself. The friends who stood by me through thick and then and kept me encouraged. They are the ones from back in the day, Frog Town and Garfield, and like me are from the Real School, who have become Real People, who learned Real Lessons and continue to live Real Lives.
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Our Real School Idols
JULIE ANDREWS
She was Mary Poppins and sang about the hills being alive with the sound of music. Can you say prodigy? Julie was giving the sound of music at age thirteen!
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REAL ROCK
PAUL GERVASI
Paul Gervasi and I go way back... It's funny how you remember all the wonderful people that you meet and the memories. I sang in his band back in the 90s... What an experience. Rock is an interesting genre...And Paul continues to expose his talents in audio visual media. He's a director, performer, writer, guitarist and actor... So many interesting facets of creativity in one wonderful soul and it was wonderful working with him.
All of your Trekkies out there can see Paul in Star Trek Deep Space 9.
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| Me and Paul..(right) Don't ask what I'm wearing... |
Check out Paul's video:
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REAL ROYALTY IN "KINGS OF THE EVENING"
REGINALD DORSEY
Born and raised in Dallas, Reginald Dorsey has been acting since his early teens. I met Reggie in the early 80s… He's diligent in his craft and it’s great to see that that hasn’t changed…This TV and film veteran is also a real Texas cowboy, who raises horses and competes in rodeos, including the well noted Bill Pickett Invitational…
My question is, with so much on his plate, how in the world did he produce this movie, act in it and promote it? A few months ago we talked about his film, Kings Of The Evening. The film featuring an all star cast and eloquent portrayals is a must see. This film should have premiered on big screens everywhere and this is why I encourage everyone to see it…Among the cast: Glynn Turman Lynne Whitfield, Tyson Beckford, Steven Williams, James Russo, William E. Pugh and Lou Meyers...
Producing an independent film is no easy task, but Dorsey has done it and sticks to an ethic that has made this period film not only a great in its subject matter , but a wonderful historical teaching tool. On every level, Kings Of The Evening is the real deal.
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REALPLAY:
BUBBA BOUDREAUX
He calls himself an "old school soul Hammond man preferably the C3 model with the 145 leslies". "I lugged that around for many years in a 1963 Volkswagen van", recalls keyboardist Bubba Boubreaux, "and then on a greyhound charter bus we used with Percy Sledge."
"I met Percy (Sledge), while I was in the tenth grade, "Boudreaux continues. "I played with them at a local club. I guessed he liked what he heard. I knew all his stuff 'cause I was a big fan of his. Still, we talk on a regular basis. He told me when I graduated to come meet him wherever he was, that I had a job. Maybe he thought I would forget about it but i took him up on it!"
The night he graduated, Bubba went to meet Percy in Beaumont Texas. He continues on.
"We were fronting for Ray Charles, my idol. I simply lived, ate and slept Ray Charles. I really looked up to him. I was so excited. Then reality hit when he came out. He couldn't stay on his stool. he was on junk and it broke my heart. I still admired him, but looked at it differently.
I was a white boy in a all black band playing all black venues and all black music. I really did not even think about it. People were cruel to me. Sometimes I had to set up off stage 'cause they would shoot jelly beans at me and that hurt.
I stuck with it and was finally accepted for the music I made rather than the color of my skin. You have to realize that George Wallace was running for president, so we were in a white/black crisis; but it all came together when we were working one night at Studio B in New York and the manager did not want me to play.
So James Brown and Percy Sledge told him, 'If Bubba don't play, we don't play.' That was probably the turning point for me. I was accepted. Miles Davis was the house man at that club and that was a real treat. I have soul in my veins, not blood.
I don't know why, but I never took any kind of lessons. It just came to me. It would take me too many pages to list the credits iIhave on albums and with other musicians."
Bubba was inducted in the Louisiana Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Percy Sledge Orchestra aka The Sledge Hammers is in the rock and roll hall of fame along with Sledge.
Boudreaux played on Percy Sledge's albums Take Time To Know Her and Sudden Stop..as well as James Brown's Live at The Apollo. He's worked with such acts as Peaches and Herb, Eddie Floyd, and The Delfonics.
Bubba reflects on the real school musician and the real school pre-schoolers:
"I feel like I have made contributions in my field, so i hope I can leave this world feeling good about what i have accomplished.
I really hope the young people today can do more of the soul type of thing. The Hammond seems to be getting stronger. I hear it in country and rock and jazz, blues."
"I met Percy (Sledge), while I was in the tenth grade, "Boudreaux continues. "I played with them at a local club. I guessed he liked what he heard. I knew all his stuff 'cause I was a big fan of his. Still, we talk on a regular basis. He told me when I graduated to come meet him wherever he was, that I had a job. Maybe he thought I would forget about it but i took him up on it!"
The night he graduated, Bubba went to meet Percy in Beaumont Texas. He continues on.
"We were fronting for Ray Charles, my idol. I simply lived, ate and slept Ray Charles. I really looked up to him. I was so excited. Then reality hit when he came out. He couldn't stay on his stool. he was on junk and it broke my heart. I still admired him, but looked at it differently.
I was a white boy in a all black band playing all black venues and all black music. I really did not even think about it. People were cruel to me. Sometimes I had to set up off stage 'cause they would shoot jelly beans at me and that hurt.
I stuck with it and was finally accepted for the music I made rather than the color of my skin. You have to realize that George Wallace was running for president, so we were in a white/black crisis; but it all came together when we were working one night at Studio B in New York and the manager did not want me to play.
So James Brown and Percy Sledge told him, 'If Bubba don't play, we don't play.' That was probably the turning point for me. I was accepted. Miles Davis was the house man at that club and that was a real treat. I have soul in my veins, not blood.
I don't know why, but I never took any kind of lessons. It just came to me. It would take me too many pages to list the credits iIhave on albums and with other musicians."
Bubba was inducted in the Louisiana Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Percy Sledge Orchestra aka The Sledge Hammers is in the rock and roll hall of fame along with Sledge.
Boudreaux played on Percy Sledge's albums Take Time To Know Her and Sudden Stop..as well as James Brown's Live at The Apollo. He's worked with such acts as Peaches and Herb, Eddie Floyd, and The Delfonics.
Bubba reflects on the real school musician and the real school pre-schoolers:
"I feel like I have made contributions in my field, so i hope I can leave this world feeling good about what i have accomplished.
I really hope the young people today can do more of the soul type of thing. The Hammond seems to be getting stronger. I hear it in country and rock and jazz, blues."
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A HOLIDAY IN THE REAL SCHOOL
MARVA HOLIDAY
Reading the autobiographical account of the richness of her experiences feels like an afternoon on the porch with a glass of lemonade engaged in conversation and sharing memories of back in the day...
But with all this history behind her, Marva has even more ahead as she continues to singing and writing. I look forward to sharing... Watch out, 2011!
"Most of my memories of the '60s," she writes, " have little to do with my own music career. I met a lot of very talented singers and musicians back then, and I treasure those memories.
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| Marva shown here with The Rascals |
I remember going to see Jimi Hendrix open for The Mamas & The Papas at the Hollywood Bowl, and how he was booed by the audience. I also saw him jam with Buddy Miles at Devonshire Downs. Devonshire Downs featured black and white acts, and a black and white (and yellow and brown and red) audience - music was colorblind back then; race was a non-issue. We were all there just for the music.
Sunset Boulevard was my hang-out. I saw Wilson Pickett and the Temps at The Trip. I saw The Four Tops and Sam & Dave at The Whiskey. I saw The Doors, although I don't remember where. I'd also go over to the Ash Grove and see Taj Mahal and other folk acts. I spent a lot of time at The Magic Mushroom, and practically lived at Maverick's Flat.
I met Bobby Darin at the Motown studios, and am still sorry that I didn't think to tell him how I used to stand in the mirror at home and sing "Beyond The Sea". I didn't think he would want to be bothered, but I now realize that every artist likes to be acknowledged, and to hear that somebody appreciates their work...."
Click here to read the complete article...
Marva's Myspace page
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WORNELL JONES
talks about the real art of singing
Wornell and I worked together with Tommy T in Tommy T and Company back in the day. .. born in D.C. Wornell was a member of the group The Young Senators, the "it" group back in the day in the nation's capital. The Senators aka The Emperors of Go-Go were the back up band for Eddie Kendricks on his second album, People Hold On.
Wornell released his self-titled album in 1979. and relocated in the 80s making Japan his home. He's written for the Pointer Sisters, Ramsey Lewis, EWF and more; toured with Nils Lofgren, written for video gaming, and produced and performed internationally.
Wornell looks back on October 1979.. . where he played bass and Tommy T played keyboards:
"Wow, That was RockPalast," he says. "That was the first or second simulcast for Europe. If I'm not wrong it was historic in that the viewing audience was 50 million people watching all over Europe and England. It was at the time an experiment that still is a historic moment for people over there. I toured with Nils a few years ago and fans still come up and asked me to sign t-shirts.
Presently, Wornell has established a successful school in Japan : T.A.S.I (The Art of Singing Institute) and talks about how it works and why it works:
"Congrats on your third year. We have something in common. This is the third year for my school as well. When I see you I'm gonna give you a big hug. You are my source of information for America's old and now school of infor-tainment (I just made that up) in Asia. Like the saying goes, "Somebody has to do it" and you are.
I think we have a new and fun way to learn singing and music. First there are 2 teachers who have a unique way to express what singing means, examples, (universal language, healing, and commerce.)
We also teach music theory so everyone can understand what they are doing. TASI explores all genres of music as well as a short history of such. So It's a total experience unlike any program around in Tokyo.
We also teach music theory so everyone can understand what they are doing. TASI explores all genres of music as well as a short history of such. So It's a total experience unlike any program around in Tokyo.
I can only speak for this region. Of course there are other schools and great teachers, but after one visit to T.A.S.I everyone comes back for more, because it's about what the students want to achieve and not what we as teachers want them to be. We counsel or give advice and then it's up to the individual to take that next step into his or her future. The Art Of Singing Institute is the first step and we have plans for the future. "
Marvin Smith
Mentors through music
So what makes Marvin Smith so cool and real? Experience! Through his company Dangerminds Entertainment he serves as a guiding light for those from the new school working at their careers, giving them guidance and mentoring. He imparts his broad spectrum of knowledge that came from the real school .If anyone can do it successfully and make a difference in young careers, it’s Marvin Smith. The CEO of the multi-media corporation Dangerminds Entertainment played guitar on gigs with bass player Verdine White (pre EWF days)..Marvin Smith has made a lot of history and legacy. He was the young VP, of an A&aR dept. at Golden Tone Productions back in the day. He produced chart toppers Remember the Rain and Child on the RCA group 21st Century.
Among the names he’s worked with: Willie Hutch, Wah Wah Watson. While working with Norman Whitfield he’s created for the Undisputed Truth, Rose Royce, and Stargard… The list is long.
Marvin wrote The Devil In Miss Jones recorded by Jerry Butler:
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REAL SCHOOL TV
Real Schoolers keep it real
Ron Perlman
I'm sure we remember him on Beauty and The Beast. Well, he's back as Clarence "Clay" Morrow on the FX channel's Sons of Anarchy. I love this show...
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Katy Sagal
Actress, singer and songwriter. We'll never forget her unbelievable role as Peg Bundy on Married with Children which won her three Golden Globe Awards. She's got quite a resume, including a stint on Lost. Now, she's kickin' ass and takin' names as Gemma on Sons of Anarchy. Did you know she was a 'Harlette' with Bette Midler for three years, as well as a background vocalist for Bob Dylan, Olivia Newton-John, Etta James and Tanya Tucker?
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To all my real school peops...
Every time I write about you and share in the stories of your successes...I feel an unbelievable energy and joy.....
Thanks for sharing the journey....
teira
