THE BRAND

Posted on February 13, 2023 by GO BANG MAG

Photo courtesy of Sha Love

John Hill, Grammy nominated singer, songwriter, producer, actor, and entrepreneur is not new to the entertainment industry. By the age of seven, Hill was already singing and performing for presidents and other political officers, as well as competing in opera competitions. Born and raised in Chicago, he has built his empire in the Chicagoland area and is currently working to extend his expertise in the entertainment industry by signing and promoting musical talent. Hill, already the co-founder of J&M Company, CEO of Team John Hill, and co-founder of Star Born Records, only wants to expand.

One of Hill’s memories of meeting a music mogul in the industry was meeting artist R. Kelly in the Water Tower mall in downtown Chicago, when they complimented each other’s singing in the elevator they rode together. This sparked a relationship between the two artists and led to Hill writing, producing, and performing with R. Kelly on his “R. Kelly Live: The Light It Up Tour” in 2007. Getting nominated for his work with R. Kelly led to even more opportunities writing and producing for artists such as Juelz Santana, Jason Derulo, Young Berg, Ray J, 50 cent and Omarion. Hill then attended the Billboard Music Awards where he met other artists such as Gwen Stefani and Pharrell Williams whom he has collaborated with to produce projects with as well. Hill’s own song and music video titled “Cinema” has had success in most of eastern Europe, where he has also established a producing career with Romanian singer/songwriter Inna.

Hill’s skills in producing and songwriting have not gone unrecognized since he has won awards such as the “Icon Award” for Bucharest Fashion Week, “Producer of the Year” by The Media Awards, “Entertainment’s Man of the Year” on the front cover of M&M Modeling Magazine International Fashion Magazine, “Platinum Award Winner” for 50 cent’s “Before I Self Destruct”, the “Gold Award” for Jason Derulo’s self-titled album and he is credited for Ray J’s “Sexy Can I” hit song. “Life inspired me to do music,” says Hill. “In high school I received an abundance of offers from colleges for music and all of the opportunities I have had up to this point in my life have been amazing.” Just after attending the Music Institute of Winnetka for one year, Hill was already lead of background vocals at the “BET 25th Anniversary Show.” After building a strong foundation in the industry at such a young age, Hill now works to produce and promote new up-and- coming artists in the music industry.

Contributions •

● TP3 Reloaded, R.Kelly –Writer •
● R. Kelly Album: “Untitled,” song “Pregnant” –Writer •
● R.Kelly Live: The Light It Up Tour –Producer/Writer/Singer •
● “Chose Me” Music Video by Corey Mo ft. Snoop Dogg -Producer •
● Collaborations with Mr. Saxobeat and Romanian singer/songwriter Inna – Writer/Producer •
● 50 Cent Album: “Before I Self-Destruct” -Producer •
● Diddy Dirty Money Album: “Last Train to Paris” -Producer •
● “The Model Idea” TV show –Writer/Producer/Actor •
● “Austin & Ally” TV show (Season 1, Episode 3) –Music composer •
● “The Game” TV show (Season 4, Episode 2) –Music composer, one episode •
● MTV’s The Real World –TV personality •
● Jimmy Kimmel Live! (Episodes from 2003-2007) –Singer/Himself •
● “Wrong Package” unreleased film short –Actor •
● “Vulture City 2” film –Marquee Star

Awards •

● Grammy Nominated for TP3 Reloaded, R.Kelly –Writer •
● “Icon Award” Bucharest Fashion Week •
● “Producer of the Year” –The Media Awards •
● “Platinum Award Winner” –50 Cent, “Before I Self-Destruct” Album •
● “Gold Award” –Jason Derulo, Self-Titled Album •
● “Platinum Award” –Ray J, “Sexy can I” single •
● “Platinum Award” -”R. Kelly: The Light it Up Tour”

GO BANG! Magazine: When and why did you start playing music?

John Hill: I started my craft when I was five years old with the violin. I then expanded to piano, drums, guitar, and bass.

GO BANG! Magazine: Is your family musical?

John Hill: My grandfather was a talented singer and went to school with Elvis Presley in Memphis, Tennessee. My grandfather also sang and collaborated with Presley.

Photo courtesy of Ikjong

GO BANG! Magazine: How did your childhood, growing up in Chicago, help mold you into the person you are today?

John Hill: Well, my father John Hill Sr. came from Cabrini-Green, a terrible housing project in Chicago, and my mother Belinda grew up in Englewood, a neighborhood with a low rate of life expectancy. They met and made excellent examples of themselves. My (father) being a political food chief and (mother) the first Black woman in Chicago to sell over $1,000,000 in real estate sales. I had no choice but to continue to be great for my future spawn and family legacy.

GO BANG! Magazine: What are your fondest musical memories?

John Hill: My fondest memories involve having band practices at 14 years old, winning state competitions and rocking a crowd of 20,000 people for the first time with artist R. Kelly.

GO BANG! Magazine: Which famous musicians do you admire?

John Hill: I have learned from powerhouses such as R. Kelly, Jay Z, Jerry Lee Lewis, Etta James, Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong.

GO BANG! Magazine: What skills/personal attributes are most important to being successful?

John Hill: The best skills to have are sheer determination, militant discipline, commitment, and loyalty to your projects and becoming the best performer and version of yourself.

GO BANG! Magazine: What is the importance of the connections you make? How can you utilize them?

John Hill: The whole entertainment industry is about relationships. If you are not willing to work with people and take criticism from people who know the business, then no one will remain in a relationship with you to help build your career.

GO BANG! Magazine: What are typical mistakes people make when trying to pursue this career?

John Hill: Most people hope that their success will happen overnight, but there are many musicians and actors who don’t even reach their ultimate success until later in life.

GO BANG! Magazine: How do you get people to take you seriously as a musician or a producer?

John Hill: If you take yourself seriously and show you are confident in your work and the work you are doing for others, whether it is production or writing a song, people will want to work with that.

GO BANG! Magazine: How do you balance your music with other obligations – partner, children?

John Hill: Life is about balancing between your family and your passions. If you are passionate about your career and your success, you find the time for both.

GO BANG! Magazine: Now that you have enjoyed a fantastic career as an entertainer, you’re currently signing and promoting up and coming talent. Tell us more about this chapter in your life.

John Hill: I felt it was my responsibility to give artists opportunity, especially with so few opportunities out here. However, it is never given, but earned. They have to work for it, pray for it, pay for it, and stay for it. They will get the “hooray” for it.

GO BANG! Magazine: As an entrepreneur, you are CEO of TeamJohnHill (TJH). Please tell our readers why you decided to become a serial business owner?

John Hill: One simple word… “legacy.” Many people have different reasons, like money, power, fame, sex, etc. Mine is simple …”Legacy!”

GO BANG! Magazine: TeamJohnHill is a unique name for a company. How was this name chosen and what does TJH do?

John Hill: Its very funny actually. I was venting about how unfair the entertainment business can be on social media one day and a celebrity photographer for the Oscars by the name of ATOC posted the phrase “don’t worry king its always #TeamJohnHill.” From then on, people started saying TeamJohnHill. I used it as an identity that rolled out into a brand and company that is a brand management company, a label and lifestyle.

BRAND MANAGEMENT …….is the process any musician goes through to develop their craft and skills necessary to build a professional career in the music industry. This means everything from voice, songwriting, image, branding, music/video production, live performance, marketing, and social media.

With our award-winning staff and passion for development, we take a blank canvas or half drawn pictures and create a masterpiece!!!

GO BANG! Magazine: Please describe TeamJohnHill Records, its’ unique sound, and some of the artists signed to the label.

John Hill: Working with some of the world’s largest artist, it has given me a sound that people call undeniable. My artist roster includes: the 16-year-old artist hailing from Wisconsin, Knox Boomin; my Hip Hop artist Remey Le Flow; Anna Shilove our Pop princess; and Marley Caprice, the “Turn Up Queen.” Our Rap Diva will definitely take the world by storm!

GO BANG! Magazine: Many people are divided when it comes to R. Kelly. Supporters can separate the artist from the person, while others can’t. How was it working with R. Kelly and what did you learn from this experience?

John Hill: R. Kelly, in today’s society, is a hot-button trigger. However, him as a person is definitely not what the media would like to create. In fact, he is a super-charismatic musical genius whom I’ve written and produced music with. My experience (with him) has led me to understand the world of “Public Figures” in a whole new, raw, uncut light.

GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve worked with several heavy hitters in the music industry. Is there anyone that you haven’t worked with, dead or alive, that you would love to work with, musically?

John Hill: I had a chance to work with some of Michael Jackson’s producers on a project he was working on. This was before his “This Is It” tour. He died suddenly, before the ink dried. (smh) I would also love to work with the living legend Sting. Lastly, I’m a bit of an Alternative Rock lover, so Goo Goo Dolls and Nickelback.

GO BANG! Magazine: What can our readers expect from John Hill in the near future?

John Hill: I will be touring Australia with my good friend and 2x Grammy Award winning reggae artist Max-A-Million. We are producing some phenomenal new music, which I will be featured on as an artist. I will also be featuring our artists on the “Book Of John” project, which I’m dropping soon. So many executives and celeb features. I’m also working on Fabian James’ project, “Betty & Jimmy: A Love Story.” David Givens and the staff are prepping a tour. I also just closed a book deal with Hydra Publications, educating the up and comers on how to survive.

Photo Courtesy of TeamJohnHill

GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, please finish this sentence. “John Hill is……….”

John Hill: “…inexorable!” (in·ex·o·ra·ble /ˌinˈeksərəb(ə)l/ adjective 1. impossible to stop or prevent.)

GO BANG! Magazine: Well John, I want to thank you for granting me this interview. I also want to inform you that you have now officially been BANGED!!! GO BANG!

WEBSITE: www.teamjohnhill.com

LINKS TO ALL MUSIC & SOCIAL MEDIA BELOW:
SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/teamjohnhill CLICK HERE TO HEAR MUSIC!!!
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/teamjohnhill2/ CLICK HERE TO HANG OUT!!
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/teamjohnhill/ CLICK HERE FOR FUN!!
YOU TUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO6UUmz8bnMbdKV9-LmYwOQ
CLICK HERE TO WATCH!! TWITTER: https://twitter.com/TEAMJOHNHILL
CLICK HERE FOR FUN!! SNAPCHAT: https://www.snapchat.com/add/@teamjohnhill
CLICK HERE!!IMDB FILM CREDITS: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5065153/

http://www.teamjohnhill.com/photoscelebrity-2
http://www.teamjohnhill.com/musicfilmwork/bu7g84vp8t8hzo3j1tyqhpzi90n9ui
https://wikitia.com/wiki/TEAMJOHNHILL

VIDEO LINKS:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CmcCGuOvt-r/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://youtu.be/zCzdErihG7I

LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW!!!

Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.

Theatre/Music/Events: Surprise Your Valentine with Tickets to Reasons: A Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire. Previews start February 25th!

Posted on February 11, 2023February 11, 2023 by GO BANG MAG

Surprise Your Valentine with Tickets to Reasons: A Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire.

Previews start February 25th!

Written and directed by Daryl D. Brooks

Previews February 25 – March 4

Opening March 5

Running Through April 16

Reasons takes us on a journey of how Earth, Wind and Fire was formed from their humble beginnings, to become the musical revolutionaries that changed the course of music. They took a vision that no one said would work, and turned it into a musical powerhouse that still lives on today.

Ticket link: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35140/production/1147089

Black Ensemble Theater: 4450 North Clark Street

Box Office:773-769-4451

Contact:boxoffice@blackensemble.org

Business/Music: GLENN GG DALE GORDON: INVENTOR & MUSICIAN

Posted on February 11, 2023February 11, 2023 by GO BANG MAG

All photographs courtesy of Glenn Gordon and Timothy Coles

Glenn “GG” Dale Gordon has felt a burning desire for singing since the age of five. Born in Hemingway, South Carolina, his first stage performances were in small country churches and a school marching band. Hoping to travel the world and possibly gain another outlet for his music, Glenn joined the US Army in 1973. Glenn’s army buddies gave him the nickname GG. He has kept the moniker of GG, using it as his stage name to this day. With a strong conviction to follow his heart and pursue a music career, he formed a band called GG and The Shock Waves.

Later in the 1980s, GG joined the Columbia, SC band “Rush Hour” as a lead vocalist and light percussion player and opened for concert headliners, Bill Pinkey and The Original Drifters and Billy Paul (“Me and Mrs. Jones”). On August 27, 2006, GG AND FRIENDS played the opening at Lakewood in the Atlanta, GA area on the side stage for the Mary J. Blige concert “The Breakthrough Experience.”

He left the military all together, without retiring, in 1988. Shortly after, he started experiencing back problems. The military would not allow him any disability for his back, but they gave him 10% disability for his foot operation while he was still in service. Since Glenn could not get any disability for his back, and the only thing the government would give him is many different back support belts that did not work and extremely strength pain killer pills, he decided to create his own back support belt and that is when “WE GOTCHA BACK” was born.

Today GG resides in Atlanta, GA. For the most part, GG is a solo performer, using his bass guitar as a soulful accompaniment. His sound is an exciting combination of artists like Luther Vandross, Larry Graham, Teddy Pendergrass, Lionel Richie, and the Motown sound. GG adores performing for audiences who like to dance to the sounds of legends such as Kool and the Gang, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Ohio Players, Sly Stone, the Isley Brothers, and Rick James.

With over 20 years in the music business, along with releasing his first single, “I Can’t Live Like This”, GG has been helping musicians, artists, and others to learn how to protect their work. As an expert in copyrights, he conducts workshops and seminars, offers instructional books, kits, and forms, speaks, and presents to panels, and does one-on-one consultations in his areas of expertise.

Support GG and Friends Band’s latest CD Exposures. 10% of all sales go to helping homeless veterans and other homeless individuals.

GO BANG! Magazine: You joined the US Army, like many others in your family, in 1973 at the age of 17. Thank you for your service. Can you please describe how that experience helped mold you into the person that you are today?

GG: I am honored to have served my country and I was already prepared to meet any challenge. I grew up in South Carolina and my dad did many jobs to keep the family fed and farming was one of them. So, to be honest, joining the military was actually a vacation for me because my dad was ex-military. That meant you got up early every morning to go to the fields or unload tobacco barns. Sometimes you would get up at midnight to unload tobacco barns so you could take in tobacco later that day or morning.

The Army gave me the opportunity to deal with individuals of other races, with me being in charge. You had to be 100% on your game because to be given an opportunity by the sergeant for you to be a squad leader/team leader meant that they believe you can be a good soldier and I was. My dad had prepared me from being on the farm overseeing others, some older and some mostly the same age as myself, who would help us gather tobacco. My dad taught me the importance of getting the job done to the best of your ability, while still treating others with respect and fairly. So, I was ready for whatever the Army had to offer, mentally and physically.

GO BANG! Magazine: Your time in the army helped in causing your debilitating backpain. Since the Army would not take responsibility for it, you had to find a solution for yourself and created the “WE GOTCHA BACK” back support belt. How did you manage to invent such a belt?

GG: Well, after complaining to the VA hospital for years about my lower back and their refusing to give me any disability for it, but willing to give me pain shots and dangerous pain killer pills like 800 extra strength Tylenol, I decided I needed to educate myself about the different types of back support belts and the pain that I was experiencing. The back support belts that the VA hospital issued me was not helping and neither was the dangerous drugs. So, for over 30 years, I researched and experiment with many different types of raw materials until I found the right one. I even had filed and received a patent on my first back support belt in year 2000, but the material wasn’t exactly what I thought it was, because it would lose its stability over just a very short period of time. So, it was back to the drawing board for me.

Then after about 15 years, I tried it again, but this time I felt that I found the perfect raw material to create my belt. I felt so good about this raw material that I had the product made and, in the marketplace, before I even filed for the patent. The material felt great, but I wanted to educate myself more about body compression and the type of chronic body pain I was experiencing. I had to create three different back support belts before “WE GOTCHA BACK ” was born. Once I understood how compression helps the body and help reduce chronic pain in the body without so much dangerous pain killer drugs, I then filed for the patent.

GO BANG! Magazine: Besides being an Army veteran, where you were given the stage name “GG”, you are also a gifted musician and vocalist. How would you describe the GG sound?

GG: I actually got the nickname GG from my military buddies when I was going through AIT at Fort Leonard, Wood Missouri in 1973. I got into a fight with another soldier at the on-post club and it was pretty bad. The next day they came looking for Glenn Gordon to report to the company commander, but they got the wrong Glenn Gordon. There was another Glenn Gordon in our barracks which we had never met. The company commander almost punishment the wrong Glenn Gordon until someone said private Glenn Gordon is Black. Ooooops!!! Well from that day, December of 1973, until this very day, everyone calls me GG. I started using GG as my stage name in Mannheim, Germany in 1979 when I formed a band on Turley Barracks named “GG AND THE SHOCK WAVES.”

GO BANG! Magazine: Over the years, you have opened for numerous legendary acts and more recently, you even opened for Mary J. Blige. What would say is the secret to your longevity in the business?

GG: I believe my secret to be given the opportunities I’ve been given over the years is always, always, ALWAYS, keep yourself ready to take advantage of opportunity when it is looking for you. I believe in practicing every chance I get as if I got to perform minutes from now. This is something that I truly believe in because opportunity waits for no one. I was just in the right place at the right time when I opened for Mary J Blige.

I was working behind the music scene on a call by a local labor company in Atlanta name CREW ONE and they were the ones who setup the Mary J. Blige show. I don’t know what happened, but I was asked by the manager would I like to perform on the side stage, as an opening act for Mary, because her opening act either didn’t show or she didn’t have one. Whatever the reason, I was asked to perform on the side stage, and it worked out perfectly. We only had an hour or so to pull everyone together because none of us was expecting anything like this. My band “GG AND FRIENDS ” played almost an hour on the side stage because the people were enjoying it. Some people asked us where the band was from and how long we’ve been traveling with Mary. The fact of the matter is that we were doing Mary a favor because we did not get paid and she did not have an opener. BUT, as far as we the band was concerned, this was truly a blessing. Our band gained new followers. More people now know GG AND FRIENDS BAND. Even my co-workers were shocked when they saw me performing, because they didn’t know me as a songwriter, singer, and bass player. They know me as a forklift, stagehand, climber, steel builder, spotlight operator, and entertainment rigger.

This is what I mean by ALWAYS be prepared to take advantage of opportunity because now I can add MARY J BLIGE’s name to the list of legendary artists I have been given the opportunity to open for.

GO BANG! Magazine: As a veteran in the entertainment industry, you have years of knowledge and wisdom, which you have focused into conducting workshops, instructional books, speaking engagements and one-on-one consultations. Please describe your many different entrepreneurial endeavors to our readers.

GG: I am an old school guy who grew up with bands like BRICK, CON-FUNK-SHUN, EARTH, WIND AND FIRE, COMMODORES, JAMES BROWN, PARLIAMENT, ETC., and I felt that I would’ve made it in the music industry if I never joined the Army. But after meeting some of my music idols, they educated me on how the music industry works and then they shared with me about how many artists were taken advantage of. At that point, I knew I had a lot to learn, and I wasn’t going to get educated by any record label, promoter, manager or an entertainment attorney. So, in year 2000 I decided to take a job working as an independent stagehand, forklift operator, climber, steel builder, supervisor, and rigger for 22 years behind the scenes in the music industry. This is the greatest way for anyone to educate themselves about the music, whether you’re a singer, musician, dancer or just music lover. I encourage you to get a job in the entertainment industry behind the scenes. It’ll make you more aware of where your money is made and how it is spent in the industry.

I’ve made a commitment to help singers, musicians, and bands out who are struggling and don’t even know about the opportunities behind the music scene, that are available to them. I can now focus on just creating my music and inventions. I earn enough income working part-time that I can afford a 5-star publicist, which you absolutely need, to promote you while you’re working and creating your music. I have created an entertainment online rigging course. I help people worldwide earn a good living working in the music industry behind the scenes, while pursuing their dreams, regardless of what their dream might be. Now, granted not everyone will qualify as a rigger, but anyone can qualify as a good stagehand, but you must be properly trained. I don’t have a training course for stagehands, but I have a friend, Kenny Barnwell who is on Facebook, that has a great stagehand book and program.

My advice to all struggling musicians, singers, songwriters, rappers, music producers, etc., is as follows. If you are 100% serious about your dream, work in the industry behind the scenes, educate yourself about the business, learn copyrights, publishing, indie labels, start your own website, and get yourself a 5-star publicist that truly believes in you.

I train individuals at my home and online. If I cannot help them, I refer them to someone who can. Mostly everything I have learned about the music business come from me working behind the scenes. I am in the process of writing a very small, but brief book about the music industry behind the scenes. I advise you to keep your focus on what is your true purpose for working behind the scenes in the music/entertainment industry. I don’t want anyone to get a job working behind the scenes in the industry and abuse a great opportunity by not understanding the rules, like NOT becoming star struck, because that can cost you your job.

GO BANG! Magazine: Your latest musical creation is the “Exposure” CD which contains numerous hits including the single “I Can’t Live Like This.” Please describe that track, the CD and why you chose to donate 10% of all sales to helping homeless veterans and homeless citizens.

GG: I have never ever really told anyone the truth about the ” I Can’t Live Like This ” track but I guess now is as time to tell why I wrote the song. After my divorce, it became difficult trying to date again because I am a father and was missing my children daily. But after about 20 years, I decided to move in with someone who I THOUGHT I was really in love with. Well, all of a sudden things rapidly changed and I blamed myself at first. I hadn’t lived with anyone in years, and I felt that I may have been over-reacting. But then later I realized that I was making an effort and giving 90 % of my time to please her when she was giving less than 10% of her time to the relationship. I told her things had to change or I will learn to love her from a distance. I also had to informed her that I didn’t sign up to be her fool or doormat, so I expect a 50/50 love or there wouldn’t be any love at all. So, when she refused to change her ways and try to meet me halfway with love and affection, that’s when the song “I Can’t Live Like This” was born.

God blessed me, when I was homeless, three different times. I still managed to stay disciplined, focused, and went to worked, when I could find work through the labor pool. I met many people living on the streets who are very intelligent and some use to be school teachers, business owners, etc. But the drugs got to some and others, believe it or not, their pride would not allow them to ask for help, veterans and civilians. My problem was that I was still new to the city and was learning my way around. I am in a much better place now.

My goal is to work with the ones who are in the SALVATION ARMY, because they have been vetted, getting the help they need from drugs and alcohol use, and are in the process of getting their own home. I know this first hand because I came through that system when I needed both hips replaced. I am hoping to get as many sales as possible from my music website and back support website. I need the money to buy hard hats, gloves, and a wrench. They will need these to start work. I will help some get stagehand jobs and I will personally train others who can qualify to be riggers. But I need sales of my music and invention product so I can raise the money for the tools they will need to get the job. I would ask everyone please help me help the homeless veterans and civilians.

GO BANG! Magazine: What current artists or producers would you love to work with if you had the opportunity to and why?

GG: “CON-FUNK-SHUN” because they are about those strong love songs and play real horns. They are also funky. I am hoping to get that opportunity to go into the CON-FUNK-SHUN recording studio this year, 2023. Then there is one of my favorite bands “BRICK” because their funk is a smooth style of funk to me. The kind of laid-back funk, but you can’t stay still when you hear a “BRICK” song. If it wasn’t for JIMMY “HORNMAN” BROWN from “BRICK”, I don’t think I would’ve stuck with my music. I was beginning to think that I was getting too old, because not many know of me or my music in the industry. But Jimmy told me, “Man I am older than you and you have your own style so keep doing what you do.” Jimmy even helped me by arranging and playing all the horns on my cd EXPOSURES which re-energized me immediately. It was definitely motivating to have one of my musical legendary idols tell me to stick with what you’re doing and that you really have something to offer music lovers. There is one other person I would love the opportunity to work with as an opener for her, and that is SADE. When I was working as an entertainment rigger behind the scenes in the music industry, I was fortunate to have rigged many shows from JAY Z, BEYONCE, TAYLOR SWIFT, WILLIE NELSON, BRICK, FRANKIE BEVERLY, STING, CHARLIE WILSON, and many more. But when I rigged and shot spotlight for SADE show in Atlanta, man I fell in love with her smooth style, which is what I would like to do as a male performer. So, these are groups and individuals I hope to get the opportunity to work with soon. I have a first-class publicist and with her, anything is possible. She is truly one of the best in the business, regardless of the product.

GO BANG! Magazine: What can our GO BANG readers, aka the BANGERS, across the world expect from you soon?

GG: Well, I have my interest in a few things right now like my music, inventions, and my online entertainment rigging course that teaches individuals worldwide how to become an entertainment rigger or a better entertainment rigger. So, there is no one thing that I am 100% focused on right now. You can look forward to me doing more music and promoting my invention, the “WE GOTCHA BACK” lumbar compression support belt this year.

Whatever I am doing, you can rest assured that it will be done to the best of my ability. I am going to be following my publicist lead because she is doing a wonderful job in getting me what and where I need to be to fulfill my dreams.

GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, please finish this sentence. “Glenn Gordon is……”

GG: …an extremely humble, generous, grateful, honest, and loving human being with integrity, who loves all other human beings, regardless of race or where you’re from. Glenn worships music because it’s the greatest form of communication when you don’t verbally speak or understand a language.

GO BANG! Magazine: Well Glenn, I want to thank you for granting me this interview. I also want to inform you that you have now officially been BANGED!!! GO BANG!

GG: Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to introduce me, my music, and invention to the GO BANG FANS and the world!

You can follow Glenn GG Dale Gordon on social media.

Website: http://www.WeGotchaBack.com
Publicist: Desirae L. Benson / DesiraeBBB@gmail.com
Song “I Can’t Live Like This” video link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=E6EpAfa855U

Articles:
https://formidablemen.com/glenn-dale-gordon-aka-gg-a-vietnam-era-disabled-veteran-founder-of-we-gotcha-back-a-back-support-belt-gaining-world-attention/

https://vimeo.com/centerpost/download/555957039/5bb9b807ea

Desirae L. Benson / DesiraeBBB@gmail.com
Entertainment Publicist | Multimedia Journalist

Event: Live Stream: At Tyre Nichols’ Funeral Service, Sharpton, Harris Demand Police Reform

Posted on February 1, 2023 by GO BANG MAG

Courtesy & Reprint of BET Television:
BET Staff

Tyre Nichols, the 29-year-old motorist who died three days after a vicious beating by a group of Memphis police officers is being laid to rest on Wednesday (Feb. 1) in a ceremony that has seemed to become a morbid, and all too frequent ritual in Black America: the funeral of a young Black person who lost their life at the hands of law enforcement.

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY!

Posted on February 1, 2023 by GO BANG MAG

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY FROM GO BANG! MAGAZINE

US Based Fashion Designer Carrying On The ‘Blueprint’ of Liberia`s Traditional Chief Donates Precious Gifts To The National Museum

Posted on February 1, 2023February 1, 2023 by GO BANG MAG

Photo courtesy of Chief Tamba Taylor

“US-Based Fashion Designer Carrying On The ‘Blueprint’ of Liberia`s Traditional Chief Donates Precious Gifts To The National Museum”

Reprinted by permission: Originally by Liberian Reporter, Mark B. Newa
Photos courtesy of Smart News Liberia & Chief Tamba Taylor

A young spectacular dancer presents a small-sized drum to Chief Tamba Taylor as the audience looks on.

A US-based fashion designer has identified with the people of Liberia sharing his dream with Lofa County traditional chief, a title that was conferred onto him years ago.

Making a statement at the Blueprint, a souvenir program marking the celebration of the legacy of Chief Tamba Taylor in Monrovia, Chief Dr. Quinton ‘Tamba Taylor’ de`Alexander disclosed that his organization seeks to address some of the challenges facing youth in Liberia. He said his organization, We Dream in Color Foundation, is empowering young Liberians to become entrepreneurs and employers for themselves and others. “The focus of our foundation is empowering the youth to become entrepreneurs. Never dream small, when you dream big, you`ll overcome,” the traditional chief said.

The name Tamba Taylor was conferred onto him in December 2020 on the Providence Island by Liberian Culture Ambassador Julie Endee, Executive Director of the Crusaders for Peace.

During the occasion, that marked the rebirth of Liberia, Dr. de`Alexander chose to give the traditional costume, a short male gown draped in Liberia`s three national colors, back to the country in remembrance of the legacy paid to him, which he referred to as the ‘2020 Blueprint’.

With 30 years of working in the fabric industry, Dr. Quinton Chief Tamba Taylor de`Alexander`s collection, using crystal jewels, has designed clothing for different celebrities in the United States of America and others around the world.

In a comment, Fahn Lepolu, clan chief of Woryan clan in Margibi County encouraged Liberians to work with the people of Margibi to make the clan color stand. “Tradition is very powerful. When you are educated, do not forget about your tradition. Do not be afraid of your home. Nowhere is like home,” the clan chief cautioned.

Chief Tamba Taylor (center in blue apparel) flanked by a cross section of chiefs and elders Zoebanjay drummers.

During the Blueprint, a colorful occasion backed by cultural display from the group Ballet Zoebanjay, Chief Tamba Taylor de`Alexander returned the traditional gown given him by the Crusaders for Peace with a well crystal designed dress for celebrity, to be displayed as relics in the Liberia National Museum.

Ballet Zoebanjay posed with spectacular kid dancers after displaying different dancing styles before the audience as Chief Taylor displayed high in the sky the small Liberian drum. In a few lines from his social media account, Quinton said one early Saturday morning. “I find myself thinking of ways to empower the less fortunate, not in Liberia, but the less fortunate throughout the world. I also find myself thinking of ways to unify all black people to understand the power of unity and support. If we learned to join forces to work together effectively, without jealousy, hate and disrespect within our own race and communities.”

Also commenting, Diamond George Kamu, disclosed that the Blueprint program was intended to display the legacy of this very great man to share in celebrating the life`s achievement of a multi-award-winning self-taught philanthropist, humanitarian and executive producer. “He has over 50 years of experience as a designer and is famously known for drama dresses, dresses designed to display and say so much that every head must turn to admire the incredible work of art,” Mr. Kamu recalled.

Kamu added that among other achievements, Dr. de`Alexander has received numerous local and national awards, including the Fred Hampton Image Award, and the 2011 Mahogany Foundation Image Award for Excellence in costume design.

Ballet Zoebanjay posed with spectacular kid dancers after displaying different dancing styles before the audience as Chief Taylor displayed high in the sky the small Liberian drum.

Mr. Kamu told the audience that Dr. de`Alexander has devoted his entire professional life to service, serving the needy and poor beyond borders. “We`ve come to celebrate the legacy of an extraordinary man, a fighter, a statesman, a patriot who embodied so much that is best for Liberia.”

Traditional overspread shirt colored red, white and blue, and a crystallized dress for celebrities designed by Chief Tamba Taylor were added to the antiques in the museum.

Back in 2020, the ‘We Dream in Color Foundation’ bestowed the Nelson Mandela Freedom Award to Bill Rogers. This award is given to individuals who have immensely contributed to the positive growth of their communities, societies, and the global community despite all of the difficulties and challenges.

“Chief Taylor had vowed,” George Kamu said, “To change the perception of the image and reputation plastered throughout social media platforms.’ He added that upon his return to the USA, Quinton went straight to work. “Not only enriched with Liberia`s history and becoming one with Paramount Chief Tamba Taylor`s legacy, he began gathering various educational and personal profiles to initiate the upliftment and empowerment of the most overlooked, less fortunate children, and families.”

In the last two years, the Chief delivered more that 50 barrels of food items, school and educational supplies, new clothing, farm supplies, and established a playground in memory of Chief Tamba Taylor. Including supplies to fight COVID, the Chief has also provided school fees and sponsored trips for several less fortunate students to visit the Liberia National Museum.

Following that, Quinton established the Chief Tamba Taylor support group for athletes feeling unheard and seen. Beneficiaries were Belenie Christian Foundation School System, Bill Rogers Youth Foundation, the People of Woryan Town, Women for Positive Actions, Quality Foundation Daycare and Educational Center, Jazhet School and Foundation, the School for Orphans and Deaf Ministry, Wubu Foundation for Deaf Children Development International, Liberia Crusaders for Peace, Armah and Lydia Lansannah Foundation, Dorcas Circle Effort Baptist Church, New Life in Christ Interdenominational Church, and the Liberia National Museum.

Diamond recalled, “When you dream big in colors, nothing can stop you from reaching the unreachable.” “I realize how profound and amazing it was that a man of his status could had accepted a challenge to brace the heat of the COVID, the financial implications that the trip had on him, and the negatives that the internet portrayed about Africa, especially Liberia,” Mr. Kamu said.

The program was attended by town folks from Woryan Town in Margibi County and representatives from beneficiary organizations, officials of the Liberian National Museum, local media, and the traditional ballet group.

The Legacy of Chief Tamba Taylor. The Boy Who Wasn’t Afraid To Dream BIG and DREAM IN COLOR!

Chief Dr. Quinton Tamba Taylor de’ Alexander Contact Information

Website: www.wedreamincolor.org

Facebook: @Quinton de’ Alexander

Instagram: @quinton_dealexander

Twitter: @AlexanderQuinton

TYRE NICHOLS AND THE MEMPHIS POLICE DEPARTMENT (VIDEO & INVESTIGATIVE TIMELINE)

Posted on January 28, 2023January 28, 2023 by GO BANG MAG

Photo courtesy of FACEBOOK

These videos were recorded on the evening of January 7, 2023, in Memphis, Tennessee.

Video 1 (11:04 mins.) is a police-issued body-worn camera near the intersection of Raines and Ross Rd. Videos 2, 3, and 4 are video footage at the second location, a residential neighborhood.

Video 2 (31:04 mins.) is from a pole camera and contains no audio.

Videos 3 (6:05 mins.) and 4 (19:17 mins.) are police-issued body-worn camera videos.

These videos have been redacted pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-501, et. seq.

WARNING: The video contains graphic content and language. Viewer discretion is advised.

CLICK HERE: https://vimeo.com/CityofMemphis

Video courtesy of : City of Memphis

Photo courtesy of ABC NEWS

A timeline of the investigations into Tyre Nichols’ death after a traffic stop and arrest by Memphis police

Travis Caldwell

, CNN

REPRINTED FROM:

By Travis Caldwell, CNN

Updated 7:46 PM EST, Fri January 27, 2023

January 7 – A traffic stop with fatal consequences

On January 7 at approximately 8:30 p.m., officers pulled over a vehicle for suspected reckless driving, according to a statement from Memphis police.

“A confrontation occurred” between officers and the vehicle’s driver – later identified as Nichols – who then fled on foot, according to Memphis police. Officers apprehended him and “another confrontation occurred,” resulting in Nichols’ arrest, police said.

An ambulance was called to the scene of the arrest after Nichols complained of shortness of breath, police said, and he was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

On January 10, three days after the stop, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced Nichols had died due to injuries sustained in the “use-of-force incident with officers,” according to a statement.

January 15 – Police provide update on investigation

Following the traffic stop, the officers involved were relieved of duty – a standard departmental procedure while an investigation into their use of force began, Memphis police said. The TBI and the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office were also enlisted to investigate.

Preliminary findings indicated the serious nature of the officers’ conduct during the stop, police said.

“After reviewing various sources of information involving this incident, I have found that it is necessary to take immediate and appropriate action,” Chief Davis said in a statement released January 15. “Today, the department is serving notice to the officers involved of the impending administrative actions.”

The department needed to follow a required procedural process before disciplining or terminating government civil servant employees, the statement added.

In the days after Nichols’ death, his family’s attorney Ben Crump repeatedly voiced their desire for the release of body camera and surveillance footage of the traffic stop.

“This kind of in-custody death destroys community trust if agencies are not swiftly transparent,” Crump said in a statement.

January 18 – Federal investigation declared

On January 18, the Department of Justice said a civil rights investigation has been opened into the death of Nichols.

“Last week, Tyre Nichols tragically died, a few days after he was involved in an incident where Memphis Police Department officers used force during his arrest,” Kevin G. Ritz, US Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, said in a statement.

Acknowledging the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s ongoing efforts, the US Attorney’s office “in coordination with the FBI Memphis Field Office and the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, has opened a civil rights investigation,” Ritz said, declining to provide further details.

January 20 – Officers named and fired

The Memphis Police Department has terminated five police officers in connection with the death of Tyre Nichols. Top: Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III. Bottom: Desmond Mills, Jr., Justin Smith

After its internal investigation, Memphis police identified and fired five officers involved in the traffic stop due to their violation of multiple department policies.

Officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills, Jr., and Justin Smith were terminated for failing in their “excessive use of force, duty to intervene, and duty to render aid,” the department said in a statement.

“The egregious nature of this incident is not a reflection of the good work our officers perform, with integrity every day,” Davis said.

A statement from the Memphis Police Association, the union representing the officers, declined to comment on the terminations beyond saying that the city of Memphis and Nichols’ family “deserve to know the complete account of the events leading up to his death and what may have contributed to it.”

Nichols family attorneys Crump and Antonio Romanucci called the firing of the five officers “the first step towards achieving justice for Tyre and his family.”

Two Memphis Fire Department employees who were part of Nichols’ “initial patient care” were relieved of duty “while an internal investigation is being conducted,” department Public Information Officer Qwanesha Ward told CNN’s Nadia Romero.

January 23 – Family views police video

After meeting with officials to watch the unreleased police video of the arrest, Nichols’ family and their attorneys described their horror at what they saw.

“He was defenseless the entire time. He was a human piñata for those police officers. It was an unadulterated, unabashed, nonstop beating of this young boy for three minutes. That is what we saw in that video,” Romanucci said. “Not only was it violent, it was savage.”

“What I saw on the video today was horrific,” Rodney Wells, Nichols’ stepfather, said Monday. “No father, mother should have to witness what I saw today.”

Crump described the video as “appalling,” “deplorable” and “heinous.” He said RowVaughn Wells, Nichols’ mother, was unable to get through viewing the first minute of the footage after hearing Nichols ask, “What did I do?” At the end of the footage, Nichols can be heard calling for his mother three times, the attorney said.

According to preliminary results of an autopsy commissioned by attorneys for his family, Nichols suffered “extensive bleeding caused by a severe beating.” CNN has requested a copy of the autopsy, which Crump said will be available when the full report is ready.

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy told CNN on Tuesday his office was ensuring all necessary interviews with those involved had been conducted before the footage’s release.

“A lot of the people’s questions about what exactly happened will, of course, be answered once people see the video,” Mulroy said, noting he believes the city will release enough footage to show the “entirety of the incident, from the very beginning to the very end.”

January 26 – Officers charged

A grand jury indicted the five officers fired by Memphis police on several charges, according to the county’s district attorney.

Martin III, Smith, Bean, Haley and Mills, Jr. were each charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, two charges of aggravated kidnapping, two charges of official misconduct and one charge of official oppression, according to both Shelby County criminal court and Shelby County jail records.

“While each of the five individuals played a different role in the incident in question, the actions of all of them resulted in the death of Tyre Nichols, and they are all responsible,” Mulroy said during a news conference.

All five former officers reported to Shelby County Jail on Thursday, with four bonding out by early Friday morning, jail records showed.

January 27 – Video Released

The city of Memphis released police body camera and surveillance video showing the traffic stop and violent police confrontation that led to the death of Tyre Nichols.

The video contains a little over an hour of footage of Tyre Nichols’ deadly encounter with police, and includes three body camera videos and a video showing an overhead view.

REPRINTED FROM:

By Travis Caldwell, CNN

Updated 7:46 PM EST, Fri January 27, 2023

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

IN HONOR OF FRANKIE’S 68TH BIRTHDAY, I AM REPRINTING A TRIBUTE I PENNED FOR FRANKIE ON 3/31/14, THE DAY OF HIS PASSING….

FRANKIE KNUCKLES: “THE GODFATHER OF HOUSE”
The Man; The Music; The Memories
(January 18, 1955 – March 31, 2014)

First of all, I want Frankie’s family and loved ones to know that the WORLD sends our deepest, heartfelt condolences to all of you and that you have the entire planet praying for your healing.

The “House” community from all over the world are mourning the loss of our Godfather. Chicagoans in particular are devastated by the loss of one of our own. I am still in shock after hearing late Monday night of his death. Reports say that he died from complications related to diabetes. Knuckles had developed Type II diabetes in the mid-2000’s. Health problems had slowed him down in recent years – a bone disease stemming from a 2000 injury and intensified by diabetes, which resulted in the amputation of his foot in 2008. He still continued popping up at clubs and festivals.

A Bronx native, he was born Francis Nicholls aka Frankie Warren Knuckles, Jr. He began working as a DJ, playing soul, disco and R&B at The Continental Baths with childhood friend and fellow DJ Larry Levan and forged a career as a DJ in New York in the late 1970’s. He then moved from New York City to Chicago. In 1977, he was invited to move to Chicago and be the Resident DJ at a new club, The Warehouse.

It was here in Chicago, at the Warehouse, that he put house music on the map, fusing disco and its soul foundation with textures from rock and European synth music. No one can deny that house music came from Knuckles. There would be no Knuckles in Chicago though, had it not been for one man, Mr. Robert Williams.

Robert Williams, you know him, the older dude at the parties with the glasses on. He is responsible for bringing us two of the most influential people and after-hour clubs in music history. He introduced us to DJ legends Ron Hardy and The Music Box; and Frankie Knuckles and The Warehouse (where the term “House” is derived). He was born in Queens, NY but in 1975 came to Chicago and wanted to liven up Chicago’s dreadful party scene. “When I came here, there was just absolutely nothing going on. I returned to New York and told my buddies that Chicago was dreadful. They said ‘…give parties in Chicago like we do in New York!’” Like the saying goes…the rest is history.

In 1976, The Warehouse was opened and was the first after-hours club in Chicago. “My parties start at 12 midnight Saturday and ended 12 noon Sunday, sometimes midnight Sunday, depending on how I felt,” Frankie once said. It has had several addresses including 116 S. Clinton, 1400 S. Michigan, 555 W. Adams and the infamous 206 S. Jefferson. Surprisingly, Robert himself was DJ’ing at The Warehouse in the early days. In 1983, Robert and Frankie went their separate ways and Robert opened up The Music Box with Ron Hardy as the DJ and Frankie opened The Power Plant. The Power Plant had its last party and shut its doors in 1986.

When the Power Plant closed, Frankie played for four months at Delirium in the United Kingdom. He also was the featured resident DJ at The World, and had numerous other residencies. He had a stint in New York, where he continued to immerse himself in producing, remixing and recording.

Frankie bought his first drum machine from Derrick May, who regularly made trips from Detroit to Chicago to see Knuckles at The Warehouse. He also had a musical partnership with Chicago artist Byron Walford aka Jamie Principle and helped put “Your Love” and “Baby Wants to Ride” out on vinyl after these tunes had been regulars on his reel-to-reel player at the Warehouse for a year.

Soon after that, producer Chip E. took Frankie under his wings and produced his first of many recordings, “You Can’t Hide”, featuring vocalist Ricky Dillard. Then came more production work, including Jamie Principle’s “Baby Wants to Ride”, and later “Tears” with Robert Owens (of Fingers, Inc. {Larry Heard})

His debut album “Beyond the Mix (1991), released on Virgin Records, contained his biggest hit to date, “The Whistle Song.” Eight thousand copies of the album had sold by 2004. Frankie Knuckles continued to work as a remixer through the 1990’s and into the next decade, reworking tracks from Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, Diana Ross, Eternal and Toni Braxton. In 1995, he released his second album titled “Welcome to the Real World” and by 2004, 13,000 copies had sold. In 2004, he released a 13-track album of original material titled “A New Reality,” which was critically well received. More recently, Frankie was regularly on the global club and festive circuit; converting kids who’d never heard of The Warehouse.

Many local and world-famous DJs got their starts from Frankie letting them DJ at his clubs. Here are few house testimonies from legendary, as well as average, everyday people:

Steve “Silk” Hurley (4-time Grammy nominated Producer/Remix Artist/DJ/ Entrepreneur):
“As I look up to you in heaven, I can honestly say that’s what I’ve always done. Looked up to you…as a big brother.

Who else but a big brother would welcome a young kid with open arms, as he brings his demos on “Radio Shack” Reel To Reel Tapes to the Powerplant…hot off the press from his bedroom studio in 1984 and 1985? And not only plays it once, but twice, to break it to his crowd.

Who else but a big brother would BUY that same kid’s records, even while he is at a peak of his own career, and play that record until the Vinyl wears out?

And who else but a big brother would support that kid, and countless other producers, regardless of what rung they are on in the “ladder of success”, all for the sake of inspiring the world with what he believes is great music?

As that ‘kid”, I would like to thank you for being a big brother to me in music. And I know that I speak for all of Chicago and the rest of the world when I say they we will miss you, and we will find ourselves looking up to you in heaven when we hear great music.

We Love you Frankie”

Irwin Larry “Chip E.” Eberhart II (Record Producer/DJ):
“I think of death differently than a lot of people. I realize that it’s part of everyone’s life. I’m never surprised when someone dies. Sad that I didn’t get to say goodbye, but usually happy for them…they don’t have any more worries. Life is hard work. I don’t run towards death or run away from it. I simply try to do the best I can for myself, family and friends while I’m above ground. I’ve already told those close to me that I want my passing ceremony to be a celebration with loud music and people enjoying themselves as they remember me. I don’t want to make people sad, not even in death. Frankie lived much longer than many of his close friends. He did good work on Earth, and will be remembered forever. In a way, he’s become immortal. I’m sure that with his success came much pain and suffering. I’m sure that he is at peace.”

Farley “Jackmaster” Funk (Record Producer/DJ):
“Frankie was an absolutely great guy to those who needed encouragement in the business and he stuck to his guns about the music, therefore becoming a solid foundation for the sound of music he loved.”

Jesse Saunders (DJ, music and film Producer/Remix Artist/Promoter/Entrepreneur):
“Without Frankie, there is no foundation…What Ronnie (Hardy), myself, Vince Lawrence, my brother Wayne Williams, Steve Hurley, Jamie Principle, Marshall Jefferson, Lil Louis and Farley “Jackmaster” Funk (to name a few) built was on the foundation of Frankie’s spirit and guidance. There are so many others that made important contributions to build our House in Chicago and subsequently the world, but had it not been for a fateful first night for each of us at The Warehouse, none of us would be who we are today! Frankie Knuckles’ spirit has touched every hemisphere and will live in #Housemusic !”

Teena Sloan-Hendricks (Entrepreneur/Founder of Soul Train Impact!):
“Frankie is what Don Cornelius hoped for all of us. He brought people together in love, peace and soul, with a combination of unity, acceptance and love of MUSIC.”

Dorado “Jockenstien” Evans (Chicago DJ/ Entrepreneur):
“In 1984, I was introduced to house. I began Djing and mixing as soon as I taught myself to do so. Shortly after my introduction to house, I began going out to house parties and clubs throughout the city. The Power Plant was one of the better clubs in the days. Frankie Knuckles was the owner and Resident DJ. He was kind enough to allow me opportunity to spin one night; WHAT A THRILL!!! His laid back, smooth house blends incorporated with the old school sounds of disco, was the reason I and many other people, from miles around migrated and flocked to 1015 N. Halsted St. at 12 midnight to party til noon Sunday; the best of times. Frankie has influenced many DJs around the world, including myself, and he will be truly missed. R.I.P”

Marcus “Dawg House” Balenton (Chicago DJ):
Without Frankie, there would be no house music. I think every “house head” DJ has a little Frankie in them. Thank you Godfather!”

Eric “DJ E” Miles (Chicago DJ):
“Frankie was a trailblazer, a gentleman and a classy DJ. His mixing skills evolved wonderfully and he was always a crowd pleaser! His sessions told stories and spoke volumes. I am saddened by this loss, but we will all eventually go the same route. Rest in peace my turntable brotha!”

Timothy “Midas ReTouch” Jackson (Internet DJ):
“Growing up in the 1980’s, on the Southside of Chi, house music was such a big part of our collective identities and lives. Hearing tracks now from Frankie brings back a flood of great memories the moment I hear them. No matter whether it was hearing a track played on WBMX, being at a party where he was spinning, or even seeing the posters on 79th and Stony or 87th and Stony advertising a party with Frankie, he was a HUGE part of the Chicago landscape and my younger years…and forever will be.”

Frankie loved Chicago as well, as you see here in his own words: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10202826380612125

Frankie has had a major impact on the music industry and is considered a Boss. “Knuckles is, hands down, one of the dozen most important DJs of all time; one of the 50 Most Important People in EDM (electronic dance music),” according to this Rolling Stones magazine article http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/frankie-knuckles-godfather-of-house-music-dead-at-59-20140401

He collaborated with Jamie Principal and brought us instant classics like “Your Love” (1986) http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=jamie+principle+your+love; and “Baby Wants to Ride” (1987) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bu8hVn_0Lq4; his own “The Whistle Song” (1991) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIdimVDuSEU; and remixes of Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody” (1989) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTzsJ8ScngA and Sounds of Blackness’s “The Pressure” (1992) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDAr7WKmxk0.

This is his entire discography
Releases
• “Rain Falls” (single)
• “You Can’t Hide from Yourself” – CBS Records
• “Tears” (single); Frankie Knuckles presents Satoshi Tomiie – FFRR
• “Your Love/Baby Wants to Ride” – Trax Records
• Beyond the Mix – Virgin Records
• “The Whistle Song” – Virgin Records
• Sessions Six – Mixed by Frankie Knuckles – Ministry of Sound
• Choice: A Collection of Classics – Trax Records
• “Keep on Movin'” – Definity Records

Remixes
• “Change” – Lisa Stansfield
• “Power Of Love/Love Power” – Luther Vandross
• “Left To My Own Devices” – Pet Shop Boys
• “This Time” – Chanté Moore
• “Happy” – Towa Tei
• “Let No Man Put Asunder” – First Choice
• “Ain’t Nobody” – Chaka Khan
• “Watcha Gonna Do with My Lovin'” – Inner City
• “Talking with Myself” – Electribe 101
• “The Pressure” – Sounds of Blackness
• “Where Love Lives (Come on In)” – Alison Limerick
• “I Want a Dog” – Pet Shop Boys
• “Notgonnachange” – Swing Out Sister
• “Because of Love” – Janet Jackson
• “Love Hangover” – Diana Ross
• “Bring Me Love” – Andrea Mendez
• “Rock with You” – Michael Jackson
• “Scream” (remixed by Knuckles and David Morales) – Michael Jackson
• “Thriller” (remixed by Knuckles and David Morales) – Michael Jackson
• “You Are Not Alone” – Michael Jackson
• “Closer Than Close” – Rosie Gaines
• “Unbreak My Heart” – Toni Braxton
• “Sunshine” – Gabrielle
• “I’m Going to Go” – Jago
• “Blind” – Hercules & Love Affair
• “You’ve Got the Love” – The Source ft. Candi Staton
• “Million Dollar Bill” – Whitney Houston
• “Forever Came Today” – The Jackson 5 (Released On The Remix Suite)
• “Wrong” – Depeche Mode

He has also been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, including:

• 1997: Grammy Award for Remixer of the Year, Non-Classical
• 2004: The city of Chicago – which became notorious in the dance community around the world for passing the so-called ‘anti-rave ordinance’ in 2000 that made property owners, promoters and deejays subject to $10,000 fines for being involved in an unlicensed dance party – named a stretch of street in Chicago after Knuckles, where the old Warehouse once stood, on Jefferson Street between Jackson Boulevard and Madison Street. That stretch of street , called Frankie Knuckles Way, “was renamed when the city declares 25 August 2004 as Frankie Knuckles Day. The Illinois state senator who helped make it happen was Barack Obama.
• 2005: Knuckles was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame for his achievements.

He and/or his works have appeared in media and popular culture, including:

• He was featured in the documentary films Maestro (2003), written and directed by Josell Ramos, and The UnUsual Suspects: Once upon a Time in House Music (2005), directed by Chip Eberhart aka Chip E.

• In October of 2004, “Your Love” with vocalist Jamie Principal, appeared in the videogame Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, playing on house music radio station, SF-UR.

I met him several times, but I never really knew Frankie Knuckles. Even so, he changed my life for the better and influenced me as a DJ. In 1979, I was a 12 year old DJ, and I as grew older I began assisting DJ Jockenstien. This opportunity gained me entrance into several nightclubs, posing as the DJ assistant. During my high school years, all of my friends were attending The Warehouse and later The Power Plant and The Box, if you could get in. This was achieved by going on 63rd and Halsted, here in Chicago, and purchasing a phony ID. We all had them, saying that we were 21 years old. It worked! Those days kept me, and several other children out of trouble and off of the streets. Frankie Knuckles and house music saved a generation or two!

Those experiences in The Warehouse were out of this world! I was seeing things that I had never ever saw before. There were young people, old people, Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, Asians, homosexuals, lesbians, transgendered, cross dressers, thugs, nerds as well as average day Joes and Jills. The thing about it though, was that everyone was getting along. No criticisms or anything out of the sort. Everyone was laughing and joking and dancing. People would share their cigarettes, drinks, etc. with you. It was always a “family” atmosphere and Frankie set the mood for that! To this day, we of the house community call each other family and treat one another accordingly. You can always count on being accepted and welcomed at a house party; wherever it is, whatever country.

Frankie’s style of mixing music has influenced me greatly. He has a smooth, bassline influenced groove with vocals that tell a story and send a positive message to the listening audience. I adopted that strategy and I based my own DJ style on that. If you have never heard Frankie Knuckles aka The Godfather of House spin, here’s a sample for you to groove to from a DJ set at The Boiler Room in NYC: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=644UU55eyzk

In conclusion, THE GODFATHER OF HOUSE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPJcsDqJNyw has left the building. Although he is no longer with us, his spirit lives within all of us and his music and mixes will live on forever. Rest in peace Frankie…Rest in beats! Heaven is a House party now. “FRANKIEEEEEEE…YOU GO BOY!!!!”

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