Category: Music

Film/Music/Literature: YVETTE McWHORTER

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Yvette McWhorter, a cannabis industry worker, can usually be found journaling or jotting down ideas for original books, movies, plays or songs.

Writing a book has always been on her bucket list. With her current manuscript “Steppin In The Key of Love” on the horizon, Yvette is that much closer to making her dream come true.
Her love for theater began with a third grade class trip to the Schubert Theater to see “Pinocchio.” Many years later, in response to the crack cocaine epidemic, she wrote her first play “Inner City Blues.”

Music has always been her first love. Ed “Get Down” Crosby and Pierre “Playerre’ Evans were the first producers to appreciate and record her sultry alto vocals.

When not engaged in thinking of ways to tell stories about things people haven’t already heard, you can find her relaxing at home with her dog Fancy, or doing karaoke.

GO BANG! Magazine: As a multi-talented artist who writes plays, books, films, and can sing, you are highly gifted. Which of your talents did you discover first and how did it reveal itself to you?

Yvette McWhorter: I would have to say it was singing. So, I must have been about ten years old when “Sweet Thing” by Chaka Khan was released. My friends and I were on the porch listening to the radio and as soon as I heard that guitar intro, I went into full Chaka Khan mode. I was doing my little Chaka dance and everything. When I started singing, I shocked myself. I knew I LIKED to sing but I didn’t realize I COULD sing until that moment.

GO BANG! Magazine: The theater bug bit you early in your youth, while you were in third grade. That sparked a fire in you that burned deep inside of you for years. You were inspired to write the play “Inner City Blues.” Please tell our readers about your play, its message, and if you still are planning to showcase it again.

Yvette McWhorter: I started writing “Inner City Blues” during the crack cocaine epidemic. That was a really painful time for black people and I wanted to express my pain the best way I knew how. As you can tell by the title, Marvin Gaye was my inspiration, specifically, the “What’s Going On” album. That album just felt like the soundtrack for everything that was happening during that time. Mothers were losing their sons to gang-violence. We were being vilified in the media nightly. The music industry was producing videos and song lyrics that reflected and sometimes glorified it all. The message that I wanted to convey was no matter how bad things were, black people had seen worse and we still managed to survive.

As far as future plans to showcase it, I never say never. It would definitely have to be revised. One of the changes I would make would be to change the dialogue to narration and let the Alvin Ailey Dancers tell the story through music and choreography, if that makes sense.

GO BANG! Magazine: Vocally, you have a distinctive tone. Over the years, you have hit the studio and laid your soprano voice on the tracks of two producers. Please tell us about those songs, the experience, and if “YUMMY” plans to hit the studio again anytime soon.

Yvette McWhorter: Well, first off, I couldn’t hit a soprano note if my life depended on it. LMAO. I sang alto in acapella choir in high school. Anyway, a very good friend of mine, Ed “Get down” Crosby, was the first person to see potential in me as an artist. Ed was one of the original members of the” Hot Mix 5” on Chicago radio station WGCI. He was very talented. I was flattered when he told me that he thought I was good enough to make it to the top. I believed it too. The problem was that the studio scared the hell out of me. We ended up recording two songs that could’ve been great, had I just let my creativity flow. We both knew neither of the songs were a true representation of my abilities.

A few years later I was introduced to Mr. Pierre “Playerre” Evans. If I remember correctly, Pierre you were looking for backup singers, right? The original singer for your song “Mind Groove” had been sick and couldn’t make it to rehearsal for a few weeks.  The song “Mind Groove” was meant to be a duet, but you were doing both parts at rehearsal. Then one day you asked me to sing her part. I’d been listening to the song so much that it felt natural and the nervousness I always feel when I sing new material was barely there.

When you let me listen to the other young lady doing the song, it sounded great and she had a beautiful voice. But I thought the lyrics called for a more potent voice and a “stand your ground” kind of attitude.  I was older and had been through some stuff. Soooo…..l brought ALL THAT to the song. You and I had great chemistry and your confidence encouraged me to find some of my own and I thank you for that.

I don’t know if I want to record again, but I’d love to sing with a cover band.

GO BANG! Magazine: As a screenwriter, you write scripts for television and film. Do you have any written scripts or scripts in development that you can speak of at this time?

Yvette McWhorter: I have ideas that I am trying to develop that can be adapted to stage or screen. However, I find the direction that the movie industry seems to be moving in very interesting. Coronavirus has forced block buster movies off the big screen and onto cable networks. Netflix and Amazon Prime have been really stepping up their game with original content. So, there are opportunities for new film makers with new ideas.

GO BANG! Magazine: Currently, you’re finishing up your first book entitled “Steppin’ In The Key Of Love.” Please describe to our readers the process of writing a book, what your book is about, and when it will become available for our readers to buy.

Yvette McWhorter: Whew! Where do I start? Well, for me the process was probably unconventional. My initial goal was to find an original backdrop and then weave a story around it. My mother is one of what I call the pioneers of “Steppin.” The stories and pictures she’s shared with me inspired me to write a book to pay homage to all steppers. I like a good love story. So, I decided to write a story about a spoiled, strong willed woman who’d grown bored with her loving but predictable spouse. She sets out to find the excitement she craves on the dance floor.

After a VERY rough draft I sent my work to an editor. I knew it wasn’t ready, but I wanted her to point me in the right direction by showing me what I had done wrong. She started by telling me that my idea was very original, but it needed a lot more work. During the time I was working on a second draft, a friend tagged me in a Facebook post with a link to a Sun-Times article and she said, “this reminded me of you when I saw it.” When I went to the link I was horrified. It was an article about a new show that was premiering, and it was about Steppin. I knew this wasn’t a case of “same idea, different people” before I even saw the show.

The producers that were being interviewed didn’t even bother to use their own words to answer the questions about the show. They used thinly veiled quotes directly from my work. I can’t prove it, but to quote Erykah Badu “I’m an artist and I’m sensitive about my shit.” In other words, I know my work when I see it. Once I saw the show, I laughed because basically they created a different set of circumstances for their lead characters by doing the opposite of everything I did. In my version my couple was married with no children and having marital issues. Their couple was married with children and started out happy. Get It? But, character personalities, occupations, physical descriptions, and Chicago geographical locations that were specific to my story were all included.

I was livid but, in a way, having my work stolen was a huge compliment. I knew it had potential no matter how much work it needed. Having it stolen and produced by a network just proved me right. I have no desire to finish the book after what has happened. The thing about being creative though is you have a million ideas where that one came from. I would however like to see “Steppin’ In the Key of Love” done RIGHT, as a limited series.

GO BANG! Magazine: Of your talents that we have spoken of, which is your favorite and why?

Yvette McWhorter: Music speaks to my spirit more than any other form of artistic language. Singing allows me to express my emotions, no matter what they are. It engages all of my senses because I am fully indulged. If I am singing about a man’s cologne, I smell it. If I am singing about a broken heart, I feel it.

On the other hand, writing allows me to create a world that I control. It takes me away from reality completely or lets me manipulate it in fun or sometimes insane ways. I lose track of time when I’m writing because I am totally immersed in that world at that time. So, both singing and writing are my favorite, at different times.

GO BANG! Magazine: What inspires or motivates you to create?

Yvette McWhorter: A lot of what I write is inspired by bits and pieces of real-life events or people, sprinkled with fantasy. Much of it is something I myself may have experienced or how I believe I would respond to something if it happened to me. Then other times I could be sitting there doing something totally unrelated to writing, and my little Gemini brain will say “hey, wouldn’t this be a good idea for a book or movie?” LOL. Welcome to my world.

GO BANG! Magazine: If you were given the opportunity for one of your dreams to come true, what would that dream be?

Yvette McWhorter: When I worked for the Department of Corrections, I wrote plays for the inmates to perform. There are so many talented people behind bars that I was never at a loss to find someone to fill the roles. And very well I might add. They were grateful to be a part of something positive, but I was granted the reward of seeing my work come to life. One day, I would like to see something I have written “green lighted” and produced with my name on the credits.

GO BANG! Magazine: What should our readers be on the lookout for from you in the near future?

Yvette McWhorter: Right now, I write when the mood strikes me. As I mentioned, I’m still trying to get a producer in Chicago interested in doing “Steppin In the Key of Love”. I still think it’s a great idea, even if I have to change the storyline. Chicago deserves a story about what WE created to be told from our perspective.

GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?

Yvette McWhorter: Covid-19 has given meaning to the phrase “It’s not what happens to you, it’s how you respond to it.” I have taken this time to think about how to move forward in our new world. I’m thinking about how to seize opportunities that will be available. I want to live the best of my life for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, that may mean letting go of people, places and things that haven’t served me well in the past. It means holding myself accountable for not being where I want to be. I quarantined alone so it’s a good thing I like my own company. So, all things considered, I am well.

GO BANG! Magazine:  JOIN US IN WISHING YVETTE McWHORTER A HAPPY BIRTHDAY! (6/1)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Link to “MIND GROOVE” Song:  https://www.reverbnation.com/playerre




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. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

Film/Music/Business: RON SIMMONS

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Ron, the oldest of six, was born in Chicago and raised by his mother, a single parent, in many communities on the near north side, and finally Cabrini Green. He started as a Vista worker but would become a community activist & staff person with community based organizations such as The Intelli-Gents, a member of the North Central Community Committee, Chicago Federation of Community Committees, Near North Community Committee.

He grew up with music and famous people around him like Major Lance, Curtis Mayfield, Five Stairsteps, Chi-Lites, Admirations, and the Epsilons. His mother grew up with actress Mary Alice, Major Lance, and Chaka Khan’s mother. They are childhood friends to this day.
From humble beginnings and against all odds, he succeeded. He credits his success to his mother’s work ethic, his own “can do” attitude, and his unshakable determination to beat the odds.

He attended Northwestern University and Columbia College Chicago. His street smarts and people skills have uniquely equipped him to deal with issues in the corporate boardrooms, as well as ANY room you put him in.

Ron Simmons is an Olympian from the Olympics in Atlanta of 1996. His career in powerlifting would result in him becoming the World Champion Powerlifter in 1994, the 3rd Strongest Man in the World, winning 2 gold medals and receiving many other awards.

Ron has been called the Martin Luther King Jr. of Cabrini Green housing projects and a Cabrini Green Legend by legends like Mickey Miles and Miko Jones.

Simmons began his career in the late 70’s promoting club events. In 1976 he formed his company Starship Enterprise and went on to promote some amazing events. During the 1980’s, Simmons and childhood partners ruled the upscale club and event scene. His promotions drew enormous crowds, as well as some A-List recording artists and DJ’s. His unique promotional flair and charisma helped bring the glamour back to the black events. His promotions of artists like The Dells, Heaven & Earth, and Brighter Side of Darkness would fill the party room with people from everywhere. One of the biggest events that he promoted was at the Playboy Towers in Chicago.

Ron has received awards and recognitions over the years. The Community Service Award presented to Ron Simmons by The Chicago Federation of Community Committees and a Certificate of Appreciation presented to Ron Simmons, as an expression of appreciation for his outstanding contribution on behalf of the State of Illinois.

Ron started writing 21 years ago when he had time. He’d write a little here and a little there. Over the years, by writing concepts for music videos and learning from industry screenwriters, he made up his mind to start writing about his community. He felt that the media always reported bad things about his community, but it was so far from the truth. Self-taught, he learned many things from professionals, which put him in a place where his hard work would result in his new reality. Being a retired Social Worker has allowed him to work on his projects day and night.

As a promoter of music events, an artist manager, producer, and artists booking agent, Ron Simmons has been the man behind the scenes of some of the most celebrated names in the music industry for over 40 years. In the 80’s, he added an Entertainment arm to his company, Lynx Productions.

Lynx Productions managed, produced and promoted many artists and shows. He rubbed shoulders with a lot of well-known industry people and companies. He almost landed a record deal with the legendary producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and worked with labels such as Motown Records, LaFace Records, A&M Records, Warner Brother Records, Smash Records, and SBK Records. He also had the pleasure of working with such artists as Mavis Staples, The Dells, Art Porter Jr, Louil Silas, Chaka Khan, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Barry White, Gavin Christopher, Steve Silk Hurley, Onaje Allan Gumbs, Kirk Yano, Magnum Force, Brighter Side of Darkness, RJ’s Latest Arrival, Ghalib Ghallab, One 2 One, Sneak Preview, Julia Huff, Stan Stubbs, Bobby C, Anita Pettis, 3D Richard Davenport, Spike Rebel, William L. Johnson, Otis Clay, Sarah Green, Marshall Titus, Aaron Isaiah, Princess, Frank Collazo, Matizo, Lendell, Jeniqua, and the list goes on.

Ron also produced music videos and with George Tillman Jr. and Bob Teitel. Their credits include “Soul Food”, “Men of Honor”, “Barbershop”, “Roll Bounce”, “Notorious” and “The Longest Ride” to name a few.

GO BANG! Magazine: You have an extensive career in the Entertainment Industry. Unfortunately, no one would expect someone with your humble beginnings to reach the heights of success that you have. What made you different?

Ron Simmons: I THINK IT ALL STARTED WITH MY MOTHER. WE USED TO SIT IN THE FRONT ROOM AND LISTEN TO ALL KINDS OF MUSIC. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN THAT IT COULD TAKE YOU TO DIFFERENT PLACES AND MAKE YOU FEEL DIFFERENT THINGS. ALSO THERE WERE PEOPLE THAT MY MOTHER GREW UP WITH, OR THEIR CHILDREN, WHO BECAME FAMOUS LATER IN LIFE, LIKE MARY ALICE, RAMSEY LEWIS AND CHAKA KHAN’S MOTHER SANDRA COLEMAN.
AS TIME WENT ON, ANOTHER FRIEND OF MY MOTHER’S WAS MAJOR LANCE WHO LIVED WITH US FOR A SHORT TIME AT 220 W. ELM STREET. BEFORE WE MOVED INTO CABRINI GREEN HOUSING PROJECTS, WE ALWAYS LIVED ABOUT TWO OR THREE BLOCKS FROM THE HOUSING PROJECTSM, BUT IN THE OUTER AREAS.

THIS WOULD BE MY FIRST TIME MEETING MAJOR LANCE AND LATER I WOULD MEET CURTIS MAYFIELD FROM KNOWING MAJOR. I WOULD GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO HANGOUT WITH THEM A FEW TIMES AT THE OLD REGAL THEATER. I THINK THAT IS WHEN I REALLY GOT THE MUSIC BUG.

I ALSO WOULD HEAR ABOUT MY COUSIN’S “THE FIVE STAIRSTEPS” DOING THINGS, DOING SHOWS AND WORKING WITH CURTIS MAYFIELD. ALL OF THESE THINGS HAD ME ON FIRE.

BEING AROUND THEM YOU HEARD MUSIC ALL THE TIME. SO, IT WAS ALL OF THAT AND JUST BEING IN THE RIGHT PLACE DURING SOME AMAZING TIMES WHEN THESE ARTISTS AND OTHERS FROM THE NEAR NORTH SIDE WAS ON THE RISE TO BECOMING SUPERSTARS.

I DON’T SEE MYSELF AS DIFFERENT, BUT A YOUNG BOY WHO WAS SOAKING IT ALL UP BECAUSE HE LOVED MUSIC. NOT KNOWING THAT IT WOULD INFLUENCE SOME OF HIS DIRECTION IN THIS FIELD.

GO BANG! Magazine: Growing up in Cabrini Green would be a horrible nightmare and terrifying to many of our readers, especially based on the media coverage it receives. Tell us about growing up in the notorious housing project.

Ron Simmons: MY FAMILY MOVED INTO CABRINI GREEN IN THE MID 60’S AND WE MOVED OUT IN 1985. THIS WAS THE FIRST FOR OUR FAMILY BECAUSE WE ALWAYS LIVED IN APARTMENT BUILDINGS.
IT WAS NEW TO US, BEING SURROUNDED BY SO MANY PEOPLE AND KIDS ALL AT ONCE. BUT, AS TIME WENT ON, IT BECAME THIS WONDERFUL PLACE OF COMMUNITY, FAMILY AND FUN. WE GOT TO KNOW A LOT OF PEOPLE AND FAMILIES AS TIME WENT ON. THERE WERE CHILDREN EVERYWHERE. MUSIC WAS ALWAYS HEARD COMING OUT OF SOMEONE’S WINDOW OR FRONT SCREEN DOOR. WE DIDN’T LOCK OUR DOORS BACK THEN UNTIL IT WAS TIME TO GO TO BED. A BAND THAT WOULD SIT OUTSIDE, FOUR DOORS DOWN FROM WHERE WE LIVED, IN THE ROWHOUSES, WAS REALLY GOOD. OTHER SINGERS FROM DIFFERENT HIGHRISES IN CABRINI WOULD COME DOWN TO SING WITH THE BAND. THESE WERE SOME OF THE GOOD TIMES.

I THINK THE MEDIA AND THE POWERS THAT BE CAN MAKE OR BREAK YOU DURING THOSE TIMES. IN THE BEGINNING, MOSTLY WHITES LIVED THERE IN THE ROWHOUSES WAY BEFORE THE HIGHRISES WERE BUILT. THERE WERE SOME BLACKS, BUT DURING THAT TIME YOU COULD ONLY MOVE IN THERE IF THE FATHER WAS IN THE MILITARY. BUT AS TIME WENT ON, THAT WOULD CHANGE AND AS MORE BLACKS MOVED IN, MORE WHITES THAT COULD AFFORD TO MOVE OUT DID.

DURING THESE TIMES, THERE WEREN’T THINGS LIKE GANGS, DRUGS OR KILLINGS GOING ON, BUT YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER THIS PLACE WOULD BECOME MORE OF A BLACK COMMUNITY THAN THE WHITE ONE IT USE TO BE. IT WAS CLOSE TO THE GOLD COAST AND DOWNTOWN. SO, IT WAS AN AREA KNOWN FOR THE RICH, SO IT WAS A CONCERN FOR THEM.

BAD THINGS STARTED TO HAPPEN IN CABRINI GREEN AFTER THE RIOTS IN 1968. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. GOT KILLED AND RICHARD DALEY SR WAS THE MAYOR OF CHICAGO. DIFFERENT PARTS OF CHICAGO IN BLACK AREAS WOULD GET BURNED DOWN AND PEOPLE HAD NO PLACE TO LIVE. BY THIS TIME, YOU HAD HIGHRISES THAT HAD BEEN BUILT CALLED “THE REDS” AND “THE WHITES.”

MAYOR DALEY WAS GETTING COMPLAINTS FROM WHITE COMMUNITIES STATING THEY DIDN’T WANT THOSE BLACKS IN THEIR COMMUNITIES. SO DALEY MOVED SOME OF THOSE BLACKS, FROM THE SOUTHSIDE AND WESTSIDE, INTO CABRINI GREEN. WITH THEM CAME GANGS, DRUGS AND KILLINGS. FOR THOSE WHO ALREADY LIVED THERE, WHO WERE NOT ABOUT THAT KIND OF LIFE, THEY FOUND THEMSELVES PROTECTING THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES.

I HAD FIGHTS THERE THAT I WON. THE NEXT WEEK, YOU AND THE PERSON YOU FOUGHT WERE FRIENDS AGAIN. IT WAS OVER. I WOULD HAVE CONVERSATIONS WITH GANG MEMBERS AT DIFFERENT TIMES. THEY WOULD TRY TO BE TOUGH OR TRY TO BULLY YOU, BUT I NEVER BACKED DOWN FROM THEM. YOU HAVE TO BRING SOME ASS TO TRY TO GET THIS ONE. I WASN’T AFRAID OF THEM AND THEY KNEW IT. THE ONLY PERSON I WAS AFRAID OF WAS MY MOTHER, AND SHE DIDN’T PLAY. I PROTECTED MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS FROM ALL THAT CRAZY NONSENSE.

I CAN STILL STAY THAT FROM THE MID 60’S TO THE EARLY 80’S, IT WAS A NICE PLACE TO LIVE. YES, SOME BAD THINGS DID HAPPEN THERE, BUT BAD THINGS HAPPEN EVERYWHERE. THE DIFFERENCE WITH CABRINI GREEN WAS IT WAS A PLACE THAT WHITES WANTED BECAUSE OF ITS LOCATION. 70 ACRES OF PRIME REAL ESTATE!

THINGS REALLY STARTED TO GO BAD WHEN RESIDENTS BASIC SERVICES SLOWLY STOP COMING OR STOPPED. THIS WAS PART OF THEIR PLAN TO MAKE FAMILIES MOVE OUT THAT COULD. MAKE THIS PLACE UNLIVABLE SO THAT WHEN THE TIME CAME TO TAKE THEM DOWN, WHO WOULD SAY ANYTHING? THEY WERE UNLIVABLE AND THE MAYOR, THE POWERS THAT BE, CHA, THE GOVERNMENT AND THE POLITICIANS KNEW JUST WHAT THEY WERE DOING. THEY HAD A PLAN FOR THE AREA THAT WOULD BRING IN BILLIONS DOWN THE LINE. THIS WAS PRIME REAL ESTATE.

CABRINI GREEN HOUSING PROJECTS HAD SOME STRONG PEOPLE AND GROUPS. THEY WERE STARTING TO NOT TRUST THE SYSTEMS IN PLACE BECAUSE OF SO MANY BROKEN PROMISES. THEY DID WANT THAT AT ALL, SO FOR THEM IT WAS TO TAKE PUBLIC HOUSING DOWN ON ALL LEVELS. THE PEOPLE LOST THERE AND ACROSS THE CITY. THERE WAS NO REAL PLAN TO RELOCATE FAMILIES. THEY JUST THREW THE FAMILIES OUT INTO THE STREET WITH A 90 DAY SECTION 8 VOUCHER TO FIND HOUSING. IF YOU DIDN’T FIND HOUSING WITHIN THE 90 DAYS, YOU COULDN’T GO BACK TO CHA. YOU WERE ON YOUR OWN. SOME PEOPLE FOUND HOUSING AND SOME MOVED TO OTHER STATES. STILL OTHERS MOVED IN WITH FAMILY MEMBERS AND THOUSANDS ENDED UP DISPLACED. I BELIEVE THESE WERE CRIMES ON HUMANITY.

RON SIMMONS WAS A MEMBER OF THE INTELLI-GENTS, INC. ORGANIZATION:

The Intelli-Gents provided a myriad of services to the community of Cabrini Green. They were probably best known for their Truancy Follow-up-Program, Big Brother-Big Sister Program, and Tutoring After school and weekend Programs.
The Summer Basketball Tournaments, Cultural Enrichment program and through the Illinois Commission on Delinquency Prevention Program becoming advocates for youths that were adjudicated through the Cook County Juvenile Court System.
The Intelli-Gents also provided jobs, food & clothing assistance to area residents & finally provided assistance to the Cabrini Green Alternative High School the first of its kind in the nation. The Intelli-Gents was a driving force that keep a lot of things in order and saved a lot of young people’s lives as well as adults. The Intelli-Gents office was located at 515 W. Oak Street were there from 1976 to 1985.

IF I HAD TO DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN, I WOULD, WITH A FEW CHANGES IN ORGANIZING..

GO BANG! Magazine: In addition to being a business man and community activist, you’re also a self-taught musician and singer. Please tell our readers about that chapter in your life.

Ron Simmons: IT ALL GOES BACK TO SEEING THE BANDS PERFORM ON THE STREET AND GETTING GUITAR LESSON FROM A MEMBER OF ONE OF THE BANDS. HIS NAME IS KENNY MITCHELL. I ALSO TAUGHT MYSELF TO SING AND PLAY THE PIANO BY EAR.

IN HIGH SCHOOL, I WENT TO THE MUSIC ROOM DURING BREAK TO PRACTICE EVERYDAY. I KNEW I WAS GETTING GOOD BECAUSE EVERY TIME PEOPLE WOULD HEAR ME SING AND PLAY, THE MUSIC ROOM WOULD FILL UP. SO, WHEN I THOUGHT I WAS READY TO COMPETE AGAINST OTHER ARTISTS I THOUGHT WAS REAL GOOD, I ENTERED TALENT SHOWS AT SCHOOL. I WON 1ST AND 2ND PLACE. I CONTINUED TO PLAY AND PRACTICE. I COULD PLAY JUST ABOUT ANYTHING BY EAR, BUT IT WAS JUST NOT ENOUGH FOR ME. ONCE I LEARNED SOMETHING, I WENT ON TO THE NEXT THING. BELIEVE THIS, I COULD HAVE BECAME BIG WITH MY SINGING AND PLAYING, BUT IT JUST WASN’T ME.

GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve always been the type of person that would be involved in community service. Why do you feel the need to help your community?

Ron Simmons: I STARTED AT AN EARLY AGE, 15 OR 16. I THINK IT COMES FROM MY GREAT-GRANDMA AND MY MOTHER. I SAW THEM ALWAYS HELPING OTHERS AND THOSE SAME PEOPLE HELPED ME. SO I GUESS IT’S ME PAYING IT FORWARD. IT JUST FEELS SO GOOD WHEN YOU KNOW YOU HAVE HELPED SOMEONE.
I HAVE BEEN THIS OUTSPOKEN PERSON FOR A LONG TIME, SPEAKING FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T SPEAK OR KNOW HOW TO SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES. I’M WILLING TO STAND ALONE, IF NO ONE IS WILLING TO STAND WITH ME. I’D RATHER DIE ON MY FEET, THAN DIE ON MY KNEES.

I’M STILL AN ACTIVIST TO THIS DAY. FOUR YEARS AGO, I HELPED TO SAVE LOW-INCOME HOUSING IN A DOWNTOWN BUILDING. I SAT AT THE TABLE WITH THE OWNER. I EXPLAINED TO HIM HOW THEY USED GOVERNMENT LOANS TO BUILD THE BUILDING, WITH SOME LOW INCOME HOUSING UNITS IN IT, AND THIS OWNER HAD PAID BACK THE LOANS AND WANTED TO THROW ALL THE FAMILIES OUT OF THE BUILDING. I TOLD HIM THIS IS NOT RIGHT, NOR IS IT FAIR TO THE FAMILIES THAT HELPED YOU ALL BUILD THIS BUILDING. SO WE WON 15 MORE YEARS.

I CAN BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY WITH A SMILE. I LIVE, I LAUGH AND I CRY TOO. BUT I NEVER GIVE UP BECAUSE I BELIEVE THAT LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL AND THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE. I AM FIRE – EXCITING TO WATCH, BUT DANGEROUS TO MESS WITH. I CAN’T BE TAMED. I HAVE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE IN MY HEART THAT MAKES ME FIGHT FEARLESSLY FOR MY LOVED ONES AND FOR WHAT I BELIEVE IN.

LIFE TEACHES YOU HOW TO LIVE IT IF YOU ARE WILLING TO LIVE LONG ENOUGH.

GO BANG! Magazine: Being a business man with your own production company, Lynx Productions, you’ve managed to work with heavy hitters in the Entertainment game. Of all the “Ballers” you’ve worked with over the years, which ones were the most exciting, surprising, and memorable? Explain why for each of your choices.

Ron Simmons:
(1) THE LESSONS LEARNED AT AN EARLY AGE FROM MAJOR LANCE AND CURTIS MAYFIELD
(2) GAVIN CHRISTOPHER – OUR TIMES RUNNING TOGETHER BACK IN THE 80’S, HANGING OUT AT THE RECORDING STUDIOS, THROWING IDEAS AT EACH OTHER. GAVIN WROTE HIT SONGS FOR CHAKA KHAN.

(3) HEAVEN & EARTH – ONE OF THE BIGGEST LIVE SHOWS WE PROMOTED WITH THEM AT PLAYBOY TOWERS THAT THEY EVER HAD.

(4) MICHAEL JORDAN – I MET MICHAEL JORDAN IN 1986 OR 1987, I DRESSED UP LIKE I WAS PART OF THE STAFF. I HAD NAVY BLUE PANTS AND A RED PULLOVER SHIRT. A LADY FRIEND OF MINES NEPHEW, WHO WAS ABOUT FIVE OR SIX YEARS OLD, HAD ON ALL THE BULLS CLOTHES FROM HEAD TO TOE. WE WERE ON THE BACK SIDE OF THE PARKING LOT WHERE MICHAEL WOULD PARK AND CAME THROUGH THE DOOR. WE WERE THE ONLY ONES THERE AND MICHAEL WALKS IN AND I STEP UP TO HIM INTRODUCE MYSELF AND WE SHOOK HANDS. I ASKED HIM IF HE WOULD TAKE A PICTURE WITH MY LITTLE GUY AND HE SAID SURE.

(5) JIMMY JAM & TERRY LEWIS – WE MANAGED A GROUP NAMED “SNEAK PREVIEW.” WE ALMOST GOT SIGNED WITH JIMMY AND TERRY, BUT GOT BEATEN OUT BY THE GROUP “MINT CONDITION.”

(6) CHAKA KHAN – OUR FIRST BIG STAR! GETTING HER BOOKED FOR THE “TASTE OF CHICAGO”

(7) JOSEPH SIKORA (AKA TOMMY FROM POWER)

AND

(8) 50 CENT – I HAVE BEEN FRIENDS WITH HIM SINCE 2014. JOSEPH IS FROM CHICAGO/SKOKIE AND HE IS THE ONE THAT INTRODUCED ME TO 50 CENT. 50 CENT WAS IN CHICAGO SO THE MEETING HAD BEEN SET UP. WHEN I GOT THERE, 50 CENT WAS SURROUNDED BY A LOT OF PEOPLE AND A LOT OF PEOPLE WAS THERE TO SEE HIM. I TOLD 50 CENT’S ASSSTANT THAT I COULD WAIT. HE SAID NO, I’M GOING TO GO GET 50 CENT. YOU WAIT AND SIT HERE. THE ASSISTANT WENT AND GOT 50 CENT. WE WERE INTRODUCED TO EACH OTHER AND TALKED FOR A WHILE.

AFTER 50 CENT LEFT, SOME PEOPLE WALKED UP TO ME AND SAID YOU MUST BE SOMEBODY REAL IMPORTANT. THEY STOPPED EVERYTHING AND BROUGHT 50 CENT TO YOU. IT WAS SURPRISING. I’M JUST A REGULAR GUY TRYING TO MAKE SOME THINGS HAPPEN, WHO KNOW SOME PEOPLE. THEIR ARE PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE IN ME AND WHAT I’M TRYING TO DO. I’M JUST TRULY GRATEFUL.

(9) ALL OF THE OTHER ARTISTS WE BOOKED AND MANAGED.

WE JUST LIVED MUSIC AND MADE THINGS HAPPEN BEHIND THE SCENES. THIS WAS MY GREATEST GIFT. BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER AND MAKING THINGS HAPPEN.

GO BANG! Magazine: Currently, you’re in the process of completing an original feature film entitled “Cabrini Green: The Soul Story Of Stories!” It’s a brilliantly, thrilling and dramatic untold story of survival and truth. What inspired you to pursue this gigantic mission?

Ron Simmons: PART OF MY FAMILY ROOTS ARE HERE ON THIS NEAR NORTH AND BEFORE IS WAS EVER CALLED CABRINI GREEN, MY GREAT-GRANDMOTHER CAME HERE FROM YAZOO, MISSISSIPPI WHERE SHE RAISED 16 CHILDREN. SHE NEVER WORKED A JOB, BUT OWNED THREE ROOMING HOUSES IN THE AREA, PLAYED POLICY, RAN MOONSHINE, AND WAS ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.
FIRST AND FOREMOST, I LOVED WHERE I GREW UP AT AND I LOVE THE PEOPLE. I WITNESS, I SAW, I HEARD AND I LIVED IT, SO WHO BETTER TELL YOUR STORY/STORIES THAN SOMEONE WHO LIVED THERE. THERE HAVE BEEN SO MANY STORIES WRITTEN IN BOOKS AND DOCUMENTARIES BY PEOPLE WHO NEVER LIVED THERE OR LIVED THE LIFE PERIOD.
I HAVE TRAVELED AROUND THE WORLD TO OTHER PLACES AND OTHER COUNTRIES. IN SOME OF MY CONVERSATIONS, WHEN THEY FIND OUT I’M FROM CHICAGO, THEY WOULD ASK ME DO YOU KNOW MICHAEL JORDAN AND DO I KNOW THIS BAD PLACE CALLED CABRINI GREEN. MY ANSWER WOULD BE YES! THIS WAS MY OPPORTUNITY TO TELL THEM THAT I LIVE THERE NOW AND IT WAS NOT THIS HELL-OF-A-PLACE THAT THE MEDIA WANTS YOU TO BELIEVE IT TO BE.
THERE ARE MANY REASONS WHY I PURSUE THIS MISSION OF GETTING THIS DONE. IT’S OUR LEGACY AND I WANT THE TRUTH TO LIVE ON FOREVER.

I ALSO REMEMBER WHEN I WAS IN COLLEGE, BACK IN THE LATE 70’S, AT COLUMBA COLLEGE. IT WAS A GROUP OF US STUDENTS ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR LOUNGE, AT A ROUND TABLE. WE WERE JUST TALKING. NO ONE KNEW WHERE I LIVED OR CAME FROM. I DON’T REMEMBER HOW THE SUBJECT CABRINI GREEN CAME UP, BUT THEY WERE TALKING ABOUT THE AREA LIKE THEY REALLY KNEW IT AND THAT THE THINGS THEY WERE SAYING WERE TRUE.

I ALWAYS SPEAK UP ABOUT WHERE I GREW UP AT BECAUSE MOST OF THE INFORMATION TOLD IS NOT TRUE…IT’S MEDIA DRIVEN. SO, I SAID TO THEM, “HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT INFORMATION IS TRUE?” MOST OF THEM SAID THEY SAW REPORTS ON THE NEWS AND HAD READ THINGS IN THE NEWSPAPERS. I ASKED THEM, “DO YOU HAVE FAMILY THAT LIVES THERE? DO YOU KNOW ANYONE THAT LIVES THERE?” ALL OF THEM SAID, “NO!” SO I ASKED THEM AGAIN, “ARE YOU SURE?” THEY SAID, “NO!” THEN I SAID, “I LIVE THERE NOW AND MOST OF THE THINGS YOU SAID ARE NOT TRUE.” THE LOOKS ON THEIR FACES WERE PRICELESS.
SO, THERE ARE MANY REASONS FOR ME TAKING THIS ON AND IT MUST BE DONE SO WE CAN TELL OUR OWN STORIES, RATHER THAN ALLOWING THEM TO MAKE US OUT AS SOMETHING WE ARE NOT… BAD PEOPLE.

YOU DON’T HEAR ABOUT ALL THE GREAT PEOPLE WHO GREW UP OR LIVED THERE, JUST THE BAD THINGS.
People who lived and grew up in Cabrini Green:
Ramsey Lewis, Jerry Butler, Chaka Khan, Marvin Yancy, Curtis Mayfield, Major Lance, Mary Alice (Actress), Jackie Taylor (Founder of The Black Ensemble Theater/Actress), Rick Stone (Actor/Artist), Retired Tony Watson (Rear Admiral of US Nuclear Submarine), Ripple, The Epsilons, The Master Plan, Andre Walker (Oprah’s Hairstylist), Eric Monte (Screenwriter for Good Times, Cooley High, What’s Happening, Sanford & Son) Joel Hall (Founder of The Joel Hall Dancers), Terry Callier (Songwriter/Artist), The Admirations, Gregory Hollimon (Actor), Shabba-Doo (Break Dancer/Actor), Robert Squirrel Lester (member of the Chi-Lites), NBA Pigeon Johnson, Al Carter-Bey (of the Al Carter Youth Foundation/Activist), The Intelli-Gents, Ron Simmons (1996 Olympics/Activist), Hubert Welch (President of the Intelli-Gents/Activist), William Gates (Hoop Dreams), Alexander Nelson (Vice President of the Intelli-Gents/Activist), Nate Jones (1996 Olympics), Mr. Elzy (Activist), John Thompson, Mr. Hubert Wilson (Band Director), Elax Taylor (Activist), Marion Stamps (Activist), Mrs. Childs (Founder of Talent Shows in Cabrini Green), Mrs. Ruth (Activist), Mrs. Jones (Activist), Mrs. Nash (Activist), Mrs. Davis (Activist), and the list goes on…

TONY WATSON MY CHILDHOOD FRIEND FROM THE CABRINI GREEN ROWHOUSES SHOULD BE IN THE HISTORY BOOKS. HE WAS THE FIRST BLACK REAR ADMIRAL COMMANDER OF AN U.S. NAVY NUCLEAR SUBMARINE
CHICAGO INFAMOUS HOUSING PROJECTS IN THE WORLD (THEY SAY)

FEATURE FILM CABRINI GREEN – “The Soul Story of Stories”
Story by Ron Simmons – ALL IN THE MAKINGS
MUSIC BY LEGENDARY ONAJE ALLAN GUMBS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNJuRxkDguw
The music soundtrack will be from famous recording artists from Chicago, the music will be a big component of the film.

THE CABRINI GREEN SOUNDTRACK IS GOING TO BE FROM SOME OF THESE AMAZING ARTISTS:

The music soundtrack will be a big component of the film. These are the artists that we will be looking at for the film soundtrack “Cabrini Green” that are from Chicago: Curtis Mayfield, Chaka Khan, Ramsey Lewis, The Admirations, Rufus, The Chi-Lites, The Five Stairsteps, The Artistics, Patti Drew, Quincy Jones, Jerry Butler, Major Lance, Donny Hathaway, Gene Ammons, Windy City, Smoke City, Terry Callier, Jackie Wilson, Garland Green, Gavin Christopher, The Staple Singers, Walter Jackson, Magnum Force, Heaven and Earth, The Epsalons, Mike Logan & Byron J Woods, Marshall Titus, The Dells, Ruby Andrews, Dinah Washington, Gene Chandler, Minnie Riperton, The Emotions, Miki Howard, Ripple, Bobby Hutton, Patrick Howell Marlow, Tyrone Davis, Lou Rawls, The Center Stage, The Steelers, The Players, Brighter Side of Darkness, Denise LaSalle, The Master Plan, Son of Slums, 21st Century, The Lost Generation, The Notations, Earth Wind & Fire, Johnnie Taylor, Ko Ko Taylor, Buddy Guy, Otis Clay, Chicago, Charles Earland, Barbara Acklin, Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole, and MzLeeLee!!

SITCOM, MOVIES, A MOVIE SERIES WHERE CABRINI GREEN HOUSING PROJECTS USED AS A BACKDROP WERE ALL SHOT IN CABRINI GREEN:

“GOOD TIMES”, “COOLEY HIGH”, “CANDYMAN”, “HEAVEN IS A PLAYGROUND”, “WHITE BOYZ”, “HARDBALL”, “THE GREEN LANTERN”, “DOWN IN THE DELTA”, “BOSS SERIES” DOCUMENTARY-70 ACRES IN CHICAGO, BOOKS WRITTEN, CANDYMAN 2020 AND COMING SOON… A FEATURE FILM ABOUT CABRINI GREEN – “THE SOUL STORY OF STORIES” IN DEVELOPMENT NOW, BY RON SIMMONS, WHO GREW UP IN CABRINI GREEN.

GO BANG! Magazine: Film making is very expensive and funding can be extremely hard to obtain. How is your funding campaign going and what can our readers do to help you achieve your funding goal?

Ron Simmons: ABOUT SEVEN OR EIGHT YEARS AGO, HOLLYWOOD CONTACTED AND OFFERED ME SOME BIG MONEY FOR MY CABRINI GREEN SCRIPT. I DECLINED BECAUSE IT WOULD HAVE TAKEN ME OUT OF THE PROJECT. I DIDN’T WANT THAT BECAUSE THEY WOULD HAVE CHANGED THE SCRIPT TO MAKE BLACKS LOOK BAD. IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT MONEY. IT’S ABOUT OUR LIVES AND THEY NEED TO BE TOLD THE RIGHT WAY.

I INVESTED BIG MONEY INTO THE PROJECT IN THE BEGINNING AND I CONTINUE TO INVEST WHAT I CAN, WHEN I CAN. BUT, I HAVE BEEN GETTING ONGOING HELP FROM MY SUPPORTERS, WHEN THEY CAN. BUT MUCH IS STILL NEEDED AND I KNOW IT WILL HAPPEN, AS LONG AS I STAY FOCUSED.
I GOT A CALL FROM MY AGENT ON 5/11/2020. HE JUST GOT TWO MOVIES PICKED UP AND NOW MY MOVIE “CABRINI GREEN” HAS BEEN SUBMITTED TO NET FLIX, SO STAY TUNED.
HERE IS THE LINK FOR THE ONGOING FUNDING CAMPAIGN FOR THE FEATURE FILM PROJECT:

PLEASE DONATE HERE: https://www.gofundme.com/f/cabrini-green-project?

GO BANG! Magazine: Besides film making and producing your upcoming blockbuster film, are you working on anything else that our readers should be aware of?

Ron Simmons: YES, TWO OTHER SCRIPTS, “BLACK LIKE ME – A TRUE STORY” AND “THE ARTIST.” I’M ALSO RAISING FUNDING FOR THE PROJECTS.

GO BANG! Magazine: On a personal note, how do you cope with the fact that you were once a world record power lifter and then had to grapple living with a physically debilitating issue? Please explain your health condition and your inspiring story of how you overcame it to be the powerful man you are today.

Ron Simmons: I HAVE BEEN FACED WITH MANY OBSTACLES ALL OF MY LIFE. SOMETHING MY MOTHER SAID TO ME GROWING UP IS THAT, “YOU MAY NOT WIN EVERY FIGHT, BUT FIGHT BACK SO THEY WILL KNOW THAT YOU WILL NOT GIVE UP.” ALL OF THE THINGS I HAVE DONE IN MY LIFE HAVE BEEN A GREAT OPPORTUNITY AND A GIFT. I’M TRULY GRATEFUL I DIDN’T PASS THEM UP.

IN REFERENCE TO MY HEALTH, I CAUGHT POLIO WHEN I WAS YOUNG. I HAD 14 OPERATIONS, BUT I NEVER LET THAT STOP ME. I HAVE DONE MORE THINGS IN MY LIFE THAN AN ABLE-BODIED PERSON HAS. I’M GOOD, BUT I DEAL WITH PAIN EVERYDAY ON DIFFERENT LEVELS, FROM ALL THE YEARS OF TRAINING. LIFE IS GOOD FOR THE MOST PART. I NEVER LIKE LOSING THAT IS WHY I WORK SO HARD, SO THAT WHEN I’M LOSING, I’M STILL WINNING.

THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE I HAVE TO THANK FOR A LOT OF MY SUCCESS INCLUDING:

MY TRAINING PARTNERS OVER THE YEARS IVAN MEJIAS, BOBBY REED, AND CURTIS SMITH

MY FRIEND, TRAINER AND MENTOR SERGIO OLIVA SR

MY TRAINER MARTA COLLAZO

MY TRAINER ALLEN GOLDSTEIN

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE ME. I KNOW MORE THAN I SAY, I THINK MORE THAN I SPEAK AND I NOTICE MORE THAN YOU REALIZE.

GO BANG! Magazine: Another personal story that you have is that you grew up with Eric Monte, the creator of Good Times, The Jefferson’s, What’s Happening, and Cooley High. You even know his REAL name as a matter of fact, but that’s not important right now. What is important is describing to our readers what it was like to grow up with a person that would eventually become the writer of iconic, black, cultural, ground-breaking television shows and a movie that’s a staple in every black person’s life.

Ron Simmons: KENNETH WILLIAMS AKA ERIC MONTE
IT WAS COOL GROWING UP AROUND ERIC. HE WAS ALWAYS ON THE RUN DOING THINGS, WRITING IN HIS NOTEBOOK, TALKING ABOUT STORIES AND BECOMING FAMOUS. AS LITTLE KIDS YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT GOING OUTSIDE TO PLAY GAMES AND HAVING FUN WITH OTHERS. ERIC WAS DIFFERENT THAT WAY. BUT COOL TO BE AROUND AT DIFFERENT TIMES.

I REMEMBER WHEN HE CAME BACK HOME TO MAKE THE MOVIE “COOLEY HIGH.” IT WAS A BIG BUZZ IN THE COMMUNITY AND THE PEOPLE WHO LIVED IN CABRINI WAS GETTING AN OPPORTUNITY TO AUDITION FOR THE FILM. I SAW ERIC ONE DAY IN CABRINI. WE STOPPED AND TALKED. HE TOLD ME WHAT HE WAS DOING AND TOLD ME TO COME DOWN TO ONE OF THE AUDITIONS. I HAD JUST GOT MARRIED AND MY HEAD SPACE WAS SOME PLACE ELSE. I NEVER WENT TO ANY OF THE AUDITIONS AND THE NEXT THING I HEARD ABOUT ERIC WAS THE MOVIE COMING OUT. WE STAYED IN TOUCH FROM TIME TO TIME. I WAS TRULY HAPPY FOR HIM. I THINK WE ALL WERE TRYING TO MAKE OUR MARK ON LIFE.

GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?

Ron Simmons: FOR ME IT’S JUST TRYING TO STAY HEALTHY, SAFE AND MAKING SURE MY MOTHER WHO IS 86 YEARS OLD STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE TOO. THIS IS A SILENT KILLER THAT WE KNOW NOTHING ABOUT. I DO BELIEVE THE “POWERS THAT BE” DO KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON. I BELIEVE OUR GOVERNMENTS HAVE FAILED THE PEOPLE. I BELIEVE MORE CAN AND SHOULD BE DONE FOR THE PEOPLE. THEY ARE THE ONES THAT ARE GOING TO LOSE THE MOST. YOU HAVE BOTH PARTIES FIGHTING OVER NONSENSE, WHILE PEOPLE ARE DYING EVERYDAY. YOU HAVE A GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO DON’T CARE ABOUT ALL THE PEOPLE DYING. IT HAS BEEN SAID WE HAVE BEEN OVERPOPULATED FOR A VERY LONG TIME NOW.

You can follow Ron Simmons with the following links:
THE RON SIMMONS BRANDS
LYNX PRODUCTIONS MUSIC & FILM
https://celestialproductions.webs.com/
CABRINI GREEN, LLC
CABRINI GREEN FEATURE FILM
CABLE TV SERIES
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNJuRxkDguw
HALL & SIMMONS ACCOUNTING CONSULTING
https://www.facebook.com/groups/760237797364036/

CABRINI GREEN ONGOING FUNDING CAMPAIGN FOR THE FEATURE FILM PROJECT
https://www.gofundme.com/f/cabrini-green-project?
CHECK HERE FOR ANY UPDATES ON THE FEATURE FILM CABRINI GREEN
https://www.facebook.com/Cabrini-Green-the-Soul-Story-of-Stories-933404816698472/
RON SIMMONS SPORTS HISTORY
https://www.facebook.com/Ron-Simmons-Bodybuilder-Powerlifter-1528806824032197/

CHICAGO INFAMOUS HOUSING PROJECTS IN THE WORLD

Feature Film CABRINI GREEN – The Soul Story of Stories
by Ron Simmons – 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNJuRxkDguw





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. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

Music: TEJ’AI SULLIVAN: Michael Jackson Tribute Artist

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

He has the look, he has the sound, and he has the moves!!! From the wardrobe to the stage show, one thing is certain: No one personifies Michael Jackson like Tej’ai Sullivan.

He began his professional career at the early age of two years old. He got his start performing at family functions and birthday parties, then later performing and consistently winning talent shows at Chicago’s New Regal Theater as front man for his tribute group “Imitation 5ive” throughout his childhood.

Born with a very close resemblance to Michael, it was always clear what his destiny was meant to be. Paying homage to the “King of Pop” for most of his life, Tej’ai got his first big break touring internationally through Europe/United States/ Middle East with “The Ultimate Thriller” starring as their Michael from 2009 until 2012 working with principle Jackson dancer and choreographer Mic Thompson. From there, he went on to star in “Forever Michael” touring the United Kingdom and becoming a fan favorite among the top tributes in the Michael Jackson community.

Tej’ai has also performed at Taste of Dolton Festival (2009), Remembering Black History (2010), An Evening in Memory of Michael Jackson (2011 and 2013) and MJ Honors (2013).
In 2014, Tej’ai put together a show entitled “Return of the King” and has been pushing it to become one of the most exciting tribute concerts around. In addition, he has gone on to tour a second time in Germany (2016-2017) with shows such as “Michael the True Story” and “Michael Jackson: The Tribute,” as well as a return to the Middle East for “A Tribute to the Troops” where he was presented three medals of honor for his performances.

Now in 2020, you can catch him on stage with two brand new shows, “Michael Jackson Legend” and “Imitation 5ive: A Jackson Tribute,” as well as starring in a not yet titled film dedicated to the King of Pop.

You can be sure that he will soon become a household name with both of these stage shows and a budding new acting career blossoming. Keep watching because his best is still yet to come!!!

GO BANG! Magazine: Tell our readers when you first started singing and dancing like Michael Jackson?

Tej’ai Sullivan: My name is Tej’ai Sullivan. I am a professional tribute artist/representative for Michael Jackson. I have toured all over the world performing and touring my live show tribute to the “King of Pop.” I was born and raised right here in Chicago. I started out at the age of two years old performing at all of my cousins’ birthday parties. Then, one day when I was five years old, my grandmother came home on her break to find me singing my heart out. She asked my mother if that was really my voice singing to the songs. My mom told her yeah and from that very day she took me to the New Regal Theater and from there it’s history. I started winning talent shows consistently and then later being blessed to tour to places such as England/Middle East/Germany/Italy/Russia/Hungary/Belarus/Ireland/Scotland and more.

GO BANG! Magazine: Have you received any dance or singing training or is your talent natural?

Tej’ai Sullivan: No special training in either. I have been naturally singing and dancing since the age of two, by just really watching or listening, and then just doing it.

GO BANG! Magazine: What is it about Michael Jackson that inspires you to impersonate him?

Tej’ai Sullivan: Since birth, Michael has always been a part of my DNA. I like to say that it chose me, I didn’t choose it. Michael has always been the blueprint and I was always the outcome. Growing up, I thought Michael Jackson was very magical and had super powers. So as a kid seeing things like that, it can grab onto you.

GO BANG! Magazine: How has performing as MJ affected your life?

Tej’ai Sullivan: It’s always brought me joy knowing I provide a great valued show that all ages can enjoy and talk about. Nothing like that feeling! People really enjoy my shows.

GO BANG! Magazine: Being a singer and dancer, do you plan to ever performing as yourself or impersonating Michael Jackson is your final goal?

Tej’ai Sullivan: I don’t define myself as an impersonator. I call it as a profession being a tribute artist. When I take off the makeup, I am no longer the Michael Jackson character, I am simply myself. An impersonator to me doesn’t turn it off, they continue on as that character.

GO BANG! Magazine: Impersonating a celebrity can have its downside. People don’t know who YOU are. They only know the character that you play. How do you plan to separate you “the artist” from the “Michael Jackson” role you play, when you pursue a career as Tej’ai?

Tej’ai Sullivan: There’s always been a separation from me as an artist from me the tribute artist. Michael Jackson is only one of my talents. I have been blessed to do things such as videography/photography/screenwriting/directing/acting/singing/songwriting/producer. I call myself a “Jack of All Trades.” I never limit my abilities

GO BANG! Magazine: In addition to singing and dancing, you are also interested in an acting career. Your debut role is in the upcoming film “Roseland”, a comedy written by Billy Ray Valentine. Tell our readers about how you got started in acting and what your role is in the movie.

Tej’ai Sullivan: Well, as far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be an actor. I have done theater plays in school, with such roles as Tony (“West Side Story”) and “Aladdin.” But landing a role for “Roseland” was simply a blessing from the higher power. Me and Mr. Valentine saw my potential and gave me my first shot in a feature film as P-Nut. P-Nut is a guy in the neighborhood who’s down with the homies but has ambitions to be an entertainer. He has aspirations to be a famous Michael Jackson and Prince performer, but he daydreams and fantasizes a lot about it. It has been so much fun playing this character and it’s going to be so funny. The cast and crew are amazing.

GO BANG! Magazine: Michael Jackson is beloved all over the world. But, not everyone loves Michael Jackson. Some people continue to believe that he was a child molester, even though all criminal charges were dropped. What is your opinion on that topic and have any fans given you negative responses for impersonating MJ?

Tej’ai Sullivan: I’ve never really had to defend this with anyone because everyone who has ever come in contact with me knows that Michael is innocent and that’s that. I haven’t had any negativity come my way about Michael or my tribute to him. From start to finish, my show is a must see, something that brings people together, and we all party

GO BANG! Magazine: Is there anything that you would like to inform our readers about concerning upcoming projects, performances or movies?

Tej’ai Sullivan: After we wrap from “Roseland,” I am very excited for a few movie projects, as well as my new Jackson’s tribute group “Imitation 5ive.” We have a show under the same name “Imitation 5ive: A Jackson Tribute”, and a Michael Jackson fan film and concert of the same name. Then there’s “Michael Jackson: Legend”, “Power Ranger’s Jurassic Legacy” and a romance comedy called “Do For Love” which will all come out in 2021. I will join forces with Billy Ray Valentine and James Lett III, so please look out for those.

I am also working on an album of my own original music called ”The Heir” and think it’s going to be something to take you back to when music was music and had soul. Music that tells stories

GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?

Tej’ai Sullivan: I’m handling it accordingly. I’m being safe, but I am not letting it stop me. I am taking on new challenges, especially with my shows. Now with the virtual concert experience being put into effect, this pandemic only gave me time to get my ideas out of my head and to bring them all to life during this down time.

You can follow Tej’ai on ALL social media platforms and log on to the website:

Facebook: @theycallmemichaeljackson

IG: @beingtejaisullivan

Website: http://TMJtributeshow.com

LIVE performance link: https://youtu.be/WJL4vToNIco



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. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

Music: NATEL

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

Jamaican singer Natel, born Nathaniel Hewitt, is bringing a new style and presence to the Dancehall/Reggae scene. Son of well-known guitarist Correl Hewitt, Natel has been exposed to authentic, good music from a very young age. His vocal tone is strong and confident, yet still offers a smooth and melodic quality which allows him to cross and fuse genres. His perception and understanding of the world around him gives him the ability to write with a unique storytelling nature that ranges from culturally conscious appeals, with regards to humanity to sensual yet carnal dance tracks which forcibly require the desired body movement.

As a result of, both his lyrical and musical versatility, Natel’s music adds appeal to a much larger fan base that is far superior to your average Dancehall/Reggae artist. His songwriting ability and vocal artistry have been highly admired by international DJ and Record Producer, Diplo. In 2016, Natel featured on a #1 hit single on Japan’s R&B iTunes chart titled ‘Forever’ with Kat Deluna. His creative flair also presented him the proficiency in writing a multi-platinum hit record for Norwegian pop duo twins, Marcus & Martinus, featuring Samantha J, titled ‘Light It Up’.

He has been given the opportunity to use his artistic aptness to work on projects for other well-established artists such as, Sean Paul, Tarrus Riley, Voicemail, Konshens, Alaine, and Assassin just to name a few. He was co-producer and co-writer on “This is Dancehall” by legendary dancehall artist Mr Vegas, after he had been touring with him for many years.
Recently, Natel has had the chance to explore a new market by working with international DJs and EDM producers, such as DJ Chuckie, Childsplay, Jay Psar, BSSMNT, Retrohands and Bcanic to fuse the dancehall sound and EDM together. Through Natel’s display of hard work, dedication and unbelievable talent, it looks like he is going to be the next big thing coming out of the beautiful island of Jamaica.

GO BANG! Magazine: How did you get started in music?

Natel: My father is a musician and my mother has always been In the church choir when I was a kid growing up, so music seems to be in my bloodline. Hearing music at a very tender age and seeing firsthand how it is created caught my interest and so I started picking up the instruments around the house. Next thing my parents noticed, I am a natural.

GO BANG! Magazine: How would you describe Dancehall/Reggae to our readers that may not be familiar with that style of music, and how would you describe YOUR style?

Natel: Well, reggae is a music genre that was originated in Jamaica in the 60s. The immediate origins of reggae were ska and rocksteady, where the bass was used almost as a percussive instrument. Reggae music in Jamaica started to speed up a little by the urban music creators in Jamaica in the 70s and that’s when the genre dancehall was created.

GO BANG! Magazine: How long have you been performing professionally?

Natel: Many won’t know that I’ve been performing for years in my father’s band (Breeze Band) as a bass player, long before I decided to actually sing. I was about 14 years old and had learned the bass about a year prior. The bass was my first real love until I started to record my vocals in the studio and noticed I enjoyed being a singer. As a singer, my first performance was on a local television station on a talent search reality competition in 2015 (Digicel Rising Stars).

GO BANG! Magazine: Living in Jamaica, your home town, how are you and your music received by the public?

Natel: This competition was aired on one of the more popular tv stations in Jamaica at the time, and because of that NATEL became a household name right across the island. With that said, you can imagine the warm embrace and support I’ve received over the years, watching me grow from one level to the next. Now the love has transformed globally. I have Jamaica and my hometown in Mandeville, Manchester & other parishes to thank for it.

GO BANG! Magazine: In the States, particularly here in Chicago, Dancehall/Reggae has a huge following. In fact, your genre of music has worldwide appeal. What message would you like to send to our readers that live outside of Jamaica, who may not be familiar with you, but may be interested in you?

Natel: I’d say subscribe to my website www.natelmusic.com & follow me on Instagram & all other social media platforms @natelmusic and I can assure you that from one click, you will stick 😉

GO BANG! Magazine: Your father is Jamaican guitarist/artist/engineer/producer Correl Hewitt. What influence or advice, has your father given you about the music industry?

Natel: My father and my mom are both extremely supportive from the beginning. One piece of advice that stands out to me most is that I don’t need to try hard to be myself. So, if at any point I feel like I’m trying too hard, then I’m going the wrong direction. That’s one piece of advice that has helped me to stay out of trouble and be level headed with my decisions throughout life so far. Another bit of advice was to keep God close and everything will work out just fine.

GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve worked with some pretty well-known artists, including Sean Paul. What artists in the future would you love to collaborate with or write for?

Natel: I’d love to work with so many artists in the future. But, I feel like I have so much to learn from Bruno Mars and The Weeknd, since they are also great writers/producers and singers themselves.

GO BANG! Magazine: More recently, you’ve had the opportunity to explore other styles of music by working with DJ’s and EDM producers. How is that new adventure working out for you and your sound?

Natel: It’s working perfectly. I get to find out that many EDM DJs and producers are looking for either a Reggae/Dancehall artist with strong vocals or very soothing and melodious. Fortunately for me, I am well roundly versatile where vocal performance is concerned, so that in itself became a hit for me. The European producers are very professional and talented. I believe the collaboration with me and many of them turned out to be magical because of that chemistry.

GO BANG! Magazine: Are there any current or upcoming projects that you are working on that you’d like our readers to be on the look-out for?

Natel: Patience mixtape is my most recent project released and it’s in all stores, including my website http://www.natelmusic.com, so you can definitely check that out. I’m also about to release the DELUXE edition of “Patience” mixtape’ in about four weeks and that’s a project you’ll definitely want to add to your collection. There is a collab with Konshens on the mixtape called ‘Make Money’ and also an official music video for it as well. That’s for my new single “Wake Up.”

I’m always working on my projects, as well as other very popular Artist’s and producers projects that you might know. So, because my work ethic, you can keep an eye out for the next full project that I’ll release titled “Tsunami Season” and another full project called “Introvert.” Shhhh…that was supposed to be a secret 😉

GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?

Natel: First of all, my condolences to all the families who lost someone because of this horrific virus and for those who are affected by this pandemic in any way shape or form. My prayers are with you. “Don’t worry… about a thing… every little things… gonna be alright” in the words of the legendary Bob Marley.

We have to all inhale and exhale and just see this for what it is and do what we need to do to keep ourselves and our families safe. That’s how I’ve been dealing with it. It’s a very rough situation that we could not have planned for or even imagined.

Shows and tours all over the world have been canceled for us, so you know our livelihood has slowed down. But, I’m seeing the glass half empty and taking this opportunity to record more music and get my mind, body and soul in the right place.

When this pandemic is over, we should be aiming to be even stronger than we were before.

GO BANG! Magazine: We here at Go Bang! Magazine would like for you to join us in wishing Natel an early HAPPY BIRTHDAY (6/27)!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATEL!!!

FOLLOW NATEL ONLINE: @Natelmusic
INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/natelmusic
WEBSITE: http://www.natelmusic.com
PATIENCE MIXTAPE: https://natelmusic.com/album/989189/patience-mixtape

VIDEO LINKS:
“WAKE UP” (official video): https://youtu.be/0-mz4n_VIFA
“MAKE MONEY” ft. KONSHENS: https://youtu.be/TpliS32nZ1o



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. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

Music: VIOLINIST RICHMOND PUNCH

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

Richmond Punch is a violin virtuoso who delivers a riveting, dynamic, explosive, and powerful performance! A native of Dallas, Texas, Richmond graduated from the top-rated Arts Magnet Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. He honed his craft and earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the famous Juilliard School of Music in New York and received a Master of Music degree from the prestigious Yale University. He specializes in live jazz violin music for all types of special events including corporate, concerts, festivals, weddings and worship. As an accomplished musician, Richmond has produced 4 CDs in various genres that include Classical, Hip Hop Jazz and Gospel. The titles of his four CDs, which are available online everywhere are “Gospel Covers”, Finally”, ‘Back That Violin Up” and “Hymns for Botham”.

Throughout his career, Punch has traveled the world dazzling audiences as large as 15,000 from Mexico to Cuba and stateside from Atlanta to Anchorage and everywhere in between. Richmond is a featured entertainer for the Disney Cruise Line Entertainer, Dallas Cowboys Club and Dallas Love Field Airport. He is also a feature on Amazon Prime’s “The Focus.”

Richmond has opened for Idina Menzel from Disney’s Frozen and has entertained Hollywood Royalty and other celebrities that include Viola Davis, Danny Glover, Steven Forbes, Daymond “Sharktank” John, Omari Hardwick, Letoya Luckett, Morris Chestnut, Jewel, Bishop T. D. Jakes, Ross Perot, Kirk Franklin, Kirk Whalum, Nolan Ryan, Emmitt Smith, and Gary Payton just to name a few. He has also played backup for Kenny G and Diana Ross.

For more than 20 years now, Richmond has given much of his time to support non-profit organizations. In addition to sharing his musical talent, he has worked with mentoring programs that include Big Brothers Big Sisters as a mentor and speaker. As well, he has worked with various school districts, HBCUs and other colleges and universities across the country. Richmond currently resides in the Atlanta area.

GO BANG! Magazine: How and when did you get interested in the violin?

Richmond Punch: I was five years old when a violin was given to me at a public Montessori school.

GO BANG! Magazine: Why did you choose to play the electronic violin instead of the more traditional one?

Richmond Punch: I have played the traditional violin for years. My wife bought me the electric violin a few years ago as a birthday gift. I fell in love with it and I have been playing it ever since.

GO BANG! Magazine: You play Jazz, Hip Hop Jazz and Gospel. Please describe to our readers how the public, particularly the youth, react when they hear you performing violin Hip Hop.

Richmond Punch: I started out playing classical music at The Juilliard School, where I obtained my Bachelor’s of Music degree. I began playing Hip Hop music after listening to Tupac’s music. People are shocked when they hear me play Hip Hop on the violin.

GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve participated in the Botham Jean Foundations’ inaugural red tie fundraising gala event. Our readers may remember Botham Jean as the young man who was killed by Dallas Police Officer Amber Guyger, for accidentally entering the wrong apartment. You even met his family and became inspired to dedicate a body of work to him. How did participating in that special event and meeting the family inspire you?

Richmond Punch: I was so inspired that I wrote a song entitled “Hymn for Botham” which is available for purchase via richmondpunch.net/merch In addition, it inspired me to march for justice because in Georgia, where I now live, Ahmaud Arbery was shot by the police.

GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve had your brush with Hollywood as well. Please share one of your best experiences performing for an A-Lister, and how that opportunity affected you.

Richmond Punch: I remember performing for Bishop T.D. Jakes for nearly 10,000 people for live service and thousands more online. Later, he called me “The baddest violinist around.” It inspired me to record a Gospel CD and led to my first touring, performing in churches across the U.S.

GO BANG! Magazine: A native of Dallas, TX, but now living in Atlanta, GA, the south have embraced you. After this COVID-19 pandemic, do you plan to take your music on the road to other regions of the country?

Richmond Punch: Yes. I have already spoken to the management teams for Take 6 and Peabo Bryson. They expressed an interest in me touring with them.

GO BANG! Magazine: You offer training, as well as support non-profit organizations. Why is it important to you to pass on your musical knowledge, as well as giving back to the community?

Richmond Punch: I was raised by a single parent who received help from organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters. I know first-hand how much these organizations help. I feel it is my duty to help, so I train and give back to the community.

GO BANG! Magazine: Please describe what your ultimate dream performance would look like?

Richmond Punch: My dream performance would be to perform with my group, “The Punch TKO’S Band: at Madison Square Garden in NYC.

GO BANG! Magazine: What new or upcoming projects would you like our readers to know about?

Richmond Punch: As a result of the pandemic, I have started online training for violin, viola, cello and piano.

GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?

Richmond Punch: I am dealing with the pandemic by keeping myself busy. I have started providing online concerts and I’ve increased collaborations. Also, I have started providing performances for outside birthdays, graduations, weddings and proposals.

You can follow Richmond punch on ALL social media platforms:
Facebook: @Richmond Punch
Instagram & Twitter: @ViolinRichmond



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. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

Music: Andre Harrell, Founder of Uptown Records, Dead at 59

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

Photo courtesy of NYTimes.com

REPRINT OF ROLLING STONES MAG
By DANIEL KREPS:
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/andre-harrell-uptown-records-dead-obit-996655/

(September 26, 1960 – May 7, 2020)

Andre Harrell, the music executive who founded the influential Uptown Records, has died at the age of 59.

“We can confirm the passing of Andre Harrell,” Revolt network, where Harrell served as vice chairman, said in a statement. “Everyone in the REVOLT family is devastated by the loss of our friend, mentor and Vice-Chairman. Andre’s impact on Hip Hop and the culture and on us has been immeasurable and profound. May he Rest In Peace.”

Harrell’s ex-wife, Wendy Credle, told The New York Times that the cause of death was heart failure.

The Bronx-born Harrell entered the music business as one-half of the hip-hop duo Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde. The group scored some minor hits (including “Genius Rap“) before Harrell began exploring the business side of music.

In 1983, Harrell began working under Russell Simmons and that music mogul’s Def Jam Records. Three years later, Harrell founded his own label, Uptown Records.

“So many can say they are successful because Andre Harrell gave them their start,” Simmons wrote in a tribute following news of Harrell’s death Friday. “He was so beloved because he made his living uplifting others… We celebrate him in his passing because we were so blessed for his presence… He gave everything he had.”

Under Harrell’s stewardship, Uptown Records helped launch the careers of Heavy D and the Boyz, Guy (featuring producer Teddy Riley), Jodeci, Al B. Sure and Mary J. Blige, who as a teenager signed with Harrell’s label. In 1992, Uptown partnered with MCA on a multimedia deal that allowed Harrell to produce films, TV shows and movie soundtracks, including the 1991 comedy Strictly Business and TV series New York Undercover.

“He gave you the best soundtracks of your life man and you didn’t even know it. We never gave him his flowers. He redefined the party,” Questlove wrote of Harrell Friday. “Def Jam was the artform. Bad Boy was the attitude. Death Row was the muscle. But without even knowing it? Uptown was ALWAYS the party.”

Harrell’s onetime intern Sean “Puffy” Combs would later step into an A&R role at Uptown during the label’s most successful years in the early Nineties. However, tensions rose between Harrell and Combs and the latter, after being fired from Uptown, quickly formed Bad Boy Records, taking the recently discovered the Notorious B.I.G. with him.

Combs’ exit signaled Uptown’s decline, and in 1995, Harrell himself would leave the label he founded to become CEO of Motown Records, although that stint was short-lived. Two decade later, Combs would hire his old boss Harrell to serve as vice chairman of the rapper/producer’s Revolt music network.

Earlier this year, BET announced plans for a miniseries based on Uptown Records’ rise, with Harrell in a producer role. In a statement at the time, Harrell said the miniseries would “share my story, the rise of Uptown Records and successful black entrepreneurship, and the management and cultivation of some of the most iconic artists to come out of the late ’80s and ’90s hip-hop, R&B and soul music era.”

“We are mourning the loss of a cultural icon, Andre Harrell, a chief architect of the modern hip-hop and R&B sound,” BET President Scott Mills said in a statement. “Andre was tremendously excited about sharing the origin story of Uptown Records, and its pivotal role in the urban music landscape. With his tragic passing, BET is committed to ensuring that the Uptown limited series event tells both the Uptown story and Andre’s story – that of the incredible music innovator, man and friend to so many.”

Music: SOUL SINGER BETTY WRIGHT PASSES AT 66

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

Reprint of Rolling Stones Magazine
By DANIEL KREPS
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/betty-wright-dead-obituary-997071/

Bessie Regina Norris (December 21, 1953 – May 10, 2020)

Betty Wright, the R&B and soul singer behind the hits “Clean Up Woman,” “Tonight Is the Night” and “Girls Can’t Do What the Guys Do,” has died at the age of 66.

Wright’s family confirmed to Essence that the singer died Sunday, with Billboard adding that Wright died from cancer in her native Miami. On May 2nd, Chaka Khan tweeted that Wright was “in need of all your [prayers].”

After growing up in a gospel-singing family, Wright released her first solo album — 1967’s My First Time Around — when she was just 14 years old, and scored her first hit at the age of 15 with “Girls Can’t Do What the Guys Do.”

Throughout the Seventies and Eighties, Wright released a series of hit singles including 1971’s “Clean Up Woman,” her most enduring song, “Tonight Is the Night,” “Dance With Me” and 1988’s “No Pain, No Gain.”

In 1975, Wright won the Grammy for Best R&B Song for her “Where Is the Love.” The singer was nominated for a total of six Grammys, including an Album of the Year nod in 2008 for her contribution to Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III; Wright appeared on that album’s “Playing With Fire.”

Wright’s music also laid the foundation for future hits by other artists: Her “Clean Up Woman” was sampled by artists like Chance the Rapper (“Favorite Song”), Mary J. Blige (her 1993 “Real Love” remix with Notorious B.I.G.) and SWV (“I’m So Into You”), and Beyoncé’s 2006 song “Upgrade U” sampled Wright’s “Girls Can’t Do What the Guys Do.”

In addition to her own work, Wright was also an in-demand studio vocalist, serving as background singers for dozens of artists including Stevie Wonder, Clarence Clemons, Stephen Stills, Peter Tosh, David Byrne and Erykah Badu.

Wright’s last album was the 2011 album Betty Wright: The Movie, an LP co-created by the Roots and featuring an all-star guest list that included Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg and Joss Stone; Wright previously served as co-producer on Stone’s breakout 2003 album The Soul Sessions. In 2016, Wright appeared alongside Kendrick Lamar and Big Sean on DJ Khaled’s “Holy Key.”

Wright’s husband Noel “King Sporty” Williams, who co-wrote Bob Marley’s “Buffalo Soldier,” died in 2015.

Music/Event: FOR THE LOVE OF DJ RON HARDY: A Musical Marathon/Fundraiser

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

On Friday, May 8, 2020, over 106,000 house music lovers came together and “HISTORY WAS MADE!”

The Frankie Knuckles Foundation, The Chosen Few DJs, and Le Nocturne Chicago united to present a 10-hour musical marathon/benefit honoring the birthday of the late legendary DJ, Ron “Heart Attack” Hardy, and to raise money to buy a headstone for his resting place.

A Go Fund Me account was established with a goal of $2,500, but to date they have raised over $8,100. The excess monies will be donated to a charity of the Hardy family’s choice. The purpose of the Go Fund Me drive is as follows:

“On March 2nd 1992 the #HouseMusic community lost one of its great pioneers, the legendary DJ Ron Hardy. Since that time, his final resting place has gone unmarked. Three years ago, Chicago attorney and co-founder of the Frankie Knuckles Foundation, the late Randy Crumpton came up with the idea to raise funds to purchase a memorial marker for Ron. Crumpton mentioned his idea to FKF President/Executive Director Frederick Dunson who then spoke with Chosen Few DJ members @DJWayneWilliams, @DJAlanKing and @DJTerryHunter about a collaboration to purchase the stone and remedy the situation.

Fast forward to this year… a few weeks ago during a conversation, Dunson mentioned the idea again to Hunter, who enthusiastically responded “Let’s do it!”

So on May 8th, to observe and celebrate what would have been Ron’s 63rd birthday, the @ChosenFewDJs + the @FrankieKnucklesFoundation join forces to host a fundraising effort to raise funds to purchase a marker. The day will consist of a marathon of DJ sets featuring ANDRE HATCHET, BILL HARDY (Ron’s nephew), CELESTE ALEXANDER , CRAIG LOFTIS, GENE HUNT, JAMIE 3:26, MIKE DUNN, RON CARROLL, TERRY HUNTER and WAYNE WILLIAMS broadcasted live from @LeNocturneChicago 12pm-10pm (CST) on their Twitch, Facebook and YouTube. Donations to the cause can be made via GoFundMe.com/For-The-Love-Of-Ron.”

Well, GO BANG! Magazine tuned in to Le Nocturne’s YouTube channel @12 noon and the party wasn’t over until 10:30 pm…10 ½ hours later. It felt like back in the day, when we’d go the the Box on a Saturday night after 12 midnight, and emerge 10 hours later to a bright Sunday morning. The comments during the event were heartfelt and hilarious. Even more entertaining were the comments after it ended. Viewers were posting comments like “let’s all meet up for breakfast”, or “my clothes are drenched”, “I threw my back out” and “Let’s go to Valois.”

The DJ line up was fierce, even including one of Ron’s nephews, Bill Hardy. Each DJ gave a Ronnie inspired performance. DJ Celeste Alexander, the only female and the final DJ, brought the house down, and was the perfect DJ finale. After her set, they teased her saying that they’re glad she didn’t throw up this time. Once before, back in the day, Celeste DJ’d at the Box and threw up in Ron’s DJ booth.

Overall, Ronnie’s marathon was an overwhelming success and it showed the power and unity of the House community! We came together, showed up, and showed out!

ONE LOVE, ONE HOUSE, ONE FAMILY!

In closing, Fredrick Dunson of the Frankie Knuckles Foundation (FKF) says, “We have been inundated with so many positive comments from a number of 106,000 viewers that tuned in via one of the several platforms that the tribute was streamed on. On behalf of the Chosen Few + the Frankie Knuckles Foundation I’d like to thank all of the individuals whose donations in honor of Ron that we received helped us surpass our goal…we couldn’t have done it without your support…again thank you for your generosity!” 

Frederick Dunson
President/Executive Director
Frankie Knuckles Foundation


To contribute: https://www.gofundme.com/For-the-love-of-Ron

HAPPY 63RD BIRTHDAY RONNIE!!!!!!!

WE HOPE YOU’RE HAPPY WITH YOUR HOUSE FAMILY!!!

Continue RESTING IN BEATS!!!!!!

PLEASE LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT THE EVENT OR RON HARDY MEMORIES BELOW!

#ForTheLoveOfRon



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. In addition, he’s 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, on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.

Music: Icon Little Richard’s Death

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

Little Richard
12/5/32 – 5/9/20

REPRINTED FROM: Biography.com 

https://www.biography.com/musician/little-richard

Known for his flamboyant performances, Little Richard’s hit songs from the mid-1950s were defining moments in the development of rock ‘n’ roll.

Who Was Little Richard?

Little Richard helped define the early rock ‘n’ roll era of the 1950s with his driving, flamboyant sound. With his croons, wails and screams, he turned songs like “Tutti Frutti” and “Long Tall Sally” into huge hits and influenced such bands as the Beatles.

Early Years

Born Richard Wayne Penniman on December 5, 1932, in Macon, Georgia, Little Richard was the third of 12 children. His father, Bud, was a stern man who made his living selling moonshine and didn’t do much to hide his disdain for his son’s early signs of homosexuality. At the age of 13 Richard was ordered to move out of the family home, and his relationship with his father was never repaired. When Richard was 19, his father was shot dead outside a local bar.

The childhood that Richard did manage to have was largely shaped by the church. Two of his uncles, as well as his grandfather, were preachers, and Richard was involved with the church as much as anyone in his family, singing gospel and eventually learning to play the piano.

Upon moving out of his family’s home, Richard was taken in by a white family who owned a club in Macon, where Richard eventually began performing and honing his talent.

In 1951 Richard caught his first major break when a performance at an Atlanta radio station yielded a record contract with RCA. But with a repertoire of mainly mild blues numbers that masked the searing vocals and piano that would come to define his rock music, Richard’s career failed to take off as he’d hoped it would.

Commercial Success

In 1955 Richard hooked up with Specialty Records producer Art Rupe, who’d been hunting for a piano-pounding frontman to lead a group of musicians in New Orleans. In September, Richard stepped into the recording studio and pumped out “Tutti Frutti,” an instant Billboard hit that reached No. 17.
Over the next year and a half, the musician churned out several more rock hits, including “Long Tall Sally,” “Good Golly Miss Molly” and “Send Me Some Lovin’.” With his blood-pumping piano playing and suggestive lyrics, Little Richard, along with the likes of Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis, established rock as a real musical form and inspired others, most notably the Beatles, to make a go of it. In addition to his records, Little Richard appeared in several early rock films, such as Don’t Knock the Rock (1956), The Girl Can’t Help It (1957) and Mister Rock ‘n’ Roll (1957).

Later Years

But as his success soared, Little Richard, fueled by his earlier connections to the church, saw his doubts about rock deepen. In 1957 he abruptly and publicly quit performing rock and committed himself to the ministry and recording gospel songs. He recorded his debut religious album, God Is Real, in 1959.
In 1964, following the Beatles’ recording of “Long Tall Sally,” Little Richard plunged back into rock music. Over the ensuing decades, Little Richard would continue to perform and record, but the public response failed to match the enthusiasm that greeted his earlier success.

Still, his importance in the development of rock music has never been questioned. In 1986 Little Richard was one of the 10 original inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences in 1993, and a year later the Rhythm & Blues Foundation honored him with its prestigious Pioneer Award.

In recent years, the once-dynamic performer has taken a break from the concert stage. He fell ill during a show in Washington, D.C., during the summer of 2012. The following September, Little Richard suffered a heart attack. He described the incident to Cee Lo Green during an interview in Atlanta: “The other night, I didn’t know I was having a heart attack. I was coughing, and my right arm was aching.’

The singer took baby aspirin, which his doctor credited with saving his life. The deeply religious music icon attributed his survival to a higher power: “Jesus had something for me. He brought me through.”

Death

Little Richard’s agent confirmed that the singer passed away on May 9, 2020, in Nashville, Tennessee from bone cancer.




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. In addition, he’s 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, on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.

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