DANCER

Posted on March 4, 2023March 4, 2023 by GO BANG MAG

Photo courtesy of DJ Rick Williams

Born in Chicago, raised in South Bend, IN, Anthony Tswang Gullens is a graduate from John Adams High School, Ivy Tech College and attendee of IUSB College for Business. He got started doing music while living in Chicago, IL from listening to his uncles’, mother, father, and grandparents’ listening to Blues, Funk, R&B, Pop, and Gospel music. He picked up his first instrument while imitating Michael Jackson and James Brown on TV. From elementary, through high school and some college, Tswang got into music classes and vocal choir. Fast forward to 1994, he was in a group by the name of N.I.N.E and wrote his first hit for the group which aired on a local radio station (Smoking99.1FM) from his hometown in South Bend, IN. Since then, Tswang has opened for Drake, Lyfe Jennings, Jeremih, Carl Thomas, Ginuwine, The Notre Dame Football Pep Rally, Trina, Sonya D, Michael Colyar, Michel’le, Full Force, Bizzy Bone, Jagged Edge, Usher, The Whispers, Rome, and Public Announcement.

Tswang, the multi-talented producer, writer, singer, and performer, is quickly establishing himself as one of the most exciting artists in the music industry today. Drawing inspiration from some of the most iconic figures in R&B and pop music, including Babyface, Roger, Michael Jackson, and Teddy Riley. Gullens’ music is characterized by its smooth melodies, infectious rhythms, and soulful vocals.

As a producer, Gullens brings a unique vision to the table, combining his knowledge of music theory with his creativity and expertise in the studio to create rich, dynamic soundscapes that enhance the emotional impact of his songs.

Photo courtesy of Dj Rick Williams

As a writer, his lyrics are heartfelt and honest, drawing inspiration from his personal experiences and the world around him.

As a singer and performer, Gullens brings a powerful presence to the stage, commanding the attention of his audience with his electrifying performances and magnetic charisma. His ability to connect with his fans on a deep level, both through his music and his live shows, has helped him build a loyal following and establish himself as one of the most exciting artists in the industry.

Gullens’ music has been featured on various platforms, and he has collaborated with several well-known artists in the music industry.

His brand-new singles “V.I.P Status” feat Lady Resin, and his groundbreaking single “I Aint No Quit-TA” are streaming on Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, iTunes, Amazon, Deezer and Apple Music.

VIP Status video

The second song, “I Aint No Quitta” written by myself and produced by J-Stylz from the Grammy Award winning group Blackstreet, is available on all digital platforms. Tswang even submitted some material to the “New Jack Swing King” himself, Teddy Riley.

“V.I.P Status feat Lady Resin” and “I Aint No Quitta” are finely crafted studio productions, fully written by Tswang. “V.I.P. Status” features the powerful vocals of both Tswang and Lady Resin. The track is intense with its bass-filled beats. “I Ain’t No Quitta ” features a fully realized hip hop melody with Tswang’s unique take on Hip Hop.

Tswang has gained fame opening for artists and writing songs for other artists in the studios like Teddy Riley. He also worked with Thrill Tha Playa from the 69 Boyz.

Tswang is quickly becoming a headliner in the hip hop scene.

Photo courtesy of DJ Rick Williams

GO BANG! Magazine: As a child, you had a talent in music and singing. Which instruments do you play and how long have you been performing?

Tswang: Yes, from what my mom says, I was always singing and dancing. Even in my pampers, I would be beating on the walls or trying to play on the red and white piano at our church, back in Chicago.

My main instrument is the Talk box. It’s the instrument that Teddy Riley, Roger Troutman, and his brothers Zapp, were known for. I also play keyboards. I can play drums, bass, and piano a little too. I used to play the violin and flute back in the day.

GO BANG! Magazine: Who are some of the groups or artists that influenced you and why?

Tswang: I’m mostly inspired from some of the most iconic figures in R&B and Pop music, including Al B Sure, Stevie Wonder, Babyface, Roger Troutman, Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley, and Usher.

GO BANG! Magazine: If you had the opportunity to perform with anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Tswang: Hands down, Michael Jackson, Al B Sure, Prince, and Teddy Riley.

Photo courtesy of Anna Marie Photography

GO BANG! Magazine: How would you describe Tswang the artist’s sound?

Tswang: I have always said I do Funk Hop, because of the wide range of musical influences. I listen to everything from Gospel, Rock, Pop, Jazz, EDM, and House music. I like Prince, Rick James, and Parliament. I also like Old School R&B like Sarah Vaughn and Billie Holiday. Then there’s Blues songs from B. B. King, Howling Wolf, and Muddy Waters.

My style is heavily influenced by Hip Hop, Bass Music, New Jack Swing, and anything by Quincy Jones or Stevie Wonder. You see what I mean? With Funk Hop I can do anything I want musically!

GO BANG! Magazine: What do you think about the current state of R&B and Hip Hop music?

Tswang: I think R&B and Hip Hop are at a level of expansion. We’ve always had changes in music over the years, from Blues, to Rock, Jazz to B Bop, R&B to Disco to Funk, to Hip Hop, to Rap, to New Jack Swing to Dirty South, to Mumble Rap, etc. History has proven that change is bound to happen. I think everything that’s happening in music right now is necessary.

GO BANG! Magazine: In addition to being a performer and a multi-instrumentalist, you are also a producer. How would you describe your production style?

Tswang: My production style varies. It depends on a lot of things, like what’s going on in my life or what I see or hear. Any producer, writer or arranger will tell you this. The way we produce is by what mood we are in or going through. Now there are a few of us who can give you an upbeat song even though we are feeling sad or a sad song when we are feeling completely happy. That’s where the said “genius” comes in. That’s where you learn to get out of the way and let the magic happen.

Teddy Bop video

GO BANG! Magazine: You’re also a dancer and you’ve created a dance and a movement called “Teddy Bop.” What inspired you to create the movement, the dance and how do you do it?

Tswang: Yes, I really do love dancing and creating new dance steps. It’s just one of my passions. The Teddy Bop dance was inspired by the one and only “King of New Jack Swing” himself, Teddy Riley.

Back in 2016, I had the pleasure of meeting Teddy Riley and J-Stylz after a “Black Street featuring Dave Hollister and Teddy Riley” show. This was in Indianapolis at the Black Expo. Any and everyone who knows me know that Teddy Riley is like one of my favorite producers.

So, I got a chance to talk with him about it. My A&R person, Oscar Shorty G Gullens, set up a meeting to happen between us. So, there was the man who had influenced my music career standing right in front of me. First, I met J-Stylz, one of the newest and younger members of the Black Street aka BS2 group. I got a chance to let him know that the show was amazing, and we talked about music and writing songs. We exchanged numbers right then and there because he was looking for some talk box on a couple of songs. Like I said earlier, the talk box is my instrument of choice.

Photo courtesy of Debi Landry Photography

After we finished talking, I could hear this group of women singing for Teddy Riley. He listened and gave some tips. Then Shorty G said, “Now listen Swang, you are going to meet him.” My heart dropped to the floor. But before I could even get myself together, there he was right in front of me saying. “What up T?” I looked at Shorty G, he looked back at me, and all I could do was smile and show him my music.

So, Teddy Riley asked me a question only true talk box players know the answer too. He said, “So tell me, did you downsize your tube?” My voice cracked and I said “Yes.” Not too many people will know the feeling of having Teddy Riley listening to your music while my friend, DJ Quicks Track and my Talk Box on top of music and be straight dancing to it. But yep, it happened to me.

But I’m not done. After we started to talk, we talked about songwriting and production and the new stuff he’s got coming out. I was asked to write some songs for the GUY Album, Black Street and his Solo Book project. So, Teddy Bop was one of the first songs I had wrote for Teddy Riley. But he wanted something slower. So, I kept it for myself. And put a dance to it, shot a video for it, and the rest is history. But that’s not all! I had started working on music with J-Stylz, who is now like my brother, and Teddy ended up calling my house, through Shorty G, and was like, “Swang. What’s up bro? Were you able to get the songs finished?” I’m like, “Yes, I have seven for you already registered with BMI and ready to go.” Right after that phone call, I got a call from both lead singers from the group TROOP (Allen and Steven) about working on some new songs, then Thrill Da Playa, from the 69 Boyz, J T Money, Uncle Luke, etc.

Photo courtesy of Anna Marie Photography

GO BANG! Magazine: Where do you see Tswang in the next five years?

Tswang: I see myself as an artist, writer, and producer mentioned amongst the top names. I see headlining with sold out shows. I see myself giving back to my community. I see myself as a top business “go to”, because I will be so wealthy from all my wonderful investments, which will enable me to bring wealth to my family. SUPERSTAR STATUS!

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

Tswang: April 2nd of this year, I will be giving a “Fan Appreciation Party” to all my superfans from the South Bend, IN community. I will be shooting a video to my new single “What I’ve Been Waiting On” feat Shorty G. With the pandemic being not as bad, I will be doing some live shows TBA and more radio interviews. I also have new music with J-Stylz coming and a lot of features coming through the label I’m signed under, Bentley Records. My latest is the “Arcane Compilation” album, which is #1 in top Hip Hop/Rap albums in Belgium’s Amazon charts Top 10. It had Bow Wow, Ayoo KD, Aridbeatz, Future, and Luca Dayz.

The next drop will be with Lil Wayne and Gucci Mane. This project, “Celebrity Compilation” is anticipated to be dropping during the upcoming couple of weeks.

GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, what do you want your legacy to be?

Tswang: I truly just want to make music to inspire and create some type of escapism. I want you to feel good, dance, have fun, understand, and be thankful for this thing called life. It is truly a blessing, even in all its ups and downs. We all are going through something. The key is to just keep on living.

I want to be able to create generational wealth and tell our story from our perspective so that people can see that we are not animals that live for death. Our people are intelligent and heartwarming individuals. We are soldiers, but underneath the shield, we are people.

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

Photo courtesy of Anna Marie Photography

Upcoming Events

Thursday, March 23
Wedding Reception • Md, MD • 7:00pm

Sunday, April 2
Tswang Fan Appreciation Party at The Majestic on the River • South Bend, IN • 6:00pm

YOU CAN FOLLOW TSWANG ON ALL SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

Bentley Records HyperLink

For more music by Tswang, please visit:

Website

YouTube

Facebook
Instagram
Twitter

LastFM

Apple Music

Spotify Link

Amazon

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.

Business/Music: JOHN HILL & TEAMJOHNHILL: THE MAN/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/Music/Poetry: CELEBRATING CHICAGO’S DJ/PRODUCER/REMIXER TERRY HUNTER GRAMMY NOMINATION

Posted on January 26, 2023January 26, 2023 by GO BANG MAG

Photo courtesy of Facebook

Wednesday, January 25, 2023 was the day in Chicago, IL for a celebration of The Chosen Few Djs’ Terry Hunter being nominated for a Grammy Award, for the remix of Beyonce’s hit single “Break My Soul.” In addition to Terry Hunter being nominated, poet J. Ivy was also nominated for a Grammy Award and was celebrated as well.

Photo courtesy of GO BANG! Magazine

The Grammy celebration was held at The Loft, located at 2251 N. Lincoln Avenue and brought out ALL of Chicago House Royalty, including House legend Senior Robert Williams, Singer/Songwriter Chantay Savage, Singer Chuck “ThaVoice” Roberts (“In the Beginning There Was Jack….”), Singer/Songwriter Jon Pierce, legendary DJ/Producer/The Lodge club owner Craig Loftis, DJ/Producer Stacy Kidd, DJ/Producer Steve Miggedy Maestro, DJ/Producer Dee Jay Alicia, and DJ/Promoter Mz. Nicki Devine, to name a few. All were there to congratulate and celebrate both, before they head out to Los Angeles for the big show!

Pierre A. Evans w/Chuck Roberts Craig Loftis Pierre A. Evans w/Stacy Kidd Donald Burns & Afrika Porter

Photos courtesy of GO BANG! Magazine

Dani Deahl, President and Mark Hubbard, Former President of The Chicago Chapter of the Grammys hosted the event.

Photos courtesy of Facebook

The turntables were manned and BEAT by Terry Hunter, Wayne Williams, Julius “The Mad Thinker” and Emmaculate DJ.

Terry Hunter

Photo courtesy of Facebook/Kellie Croasdell Hayles

The Chosen Few DJs founder Wayne Williams

Photo courtesy of Facebook/Arlis Ball

Julius “The Mad Thinker”

Photo courtesy of Facebook/Zeke Torres

DJ EMMACULATE

Photo courtesy of Facebook/Emmaculate

During the event, Terry played his Grammy nominated remix of Beyonce’s “Break My Soul” and J. Ivy blessed the crowd with a soul stirring poem and ALL of the Chicago artists and DJs that were in attendance all joined in on stage for a massive and historic Chicago Artist photo shoot with the Grammy reps and nominees. It was quite a night to remember!

Join GO BANG! Magazine and the entire Chicago House music community in congratulating and wishing Terry Hunter and J. Ivy luck in winning their Grammy awards!

They’re already winners, just by being NOMINATED!!!

TERRY HUNTER J. IVY

GO BANG fellas!

GO BANG!!!!

LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW!!!

FRANKIE KNUCKLES: “THE GODFATHER OF HOUSE” The Man; The Music; The Memories

Posted on January 18, 2023January 26, 2023 by GO BANG MAG

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!!!!”

Music: SIMONE GREEN – SULTRY SINGER / SONGWRITER / BUSINESSWOMAN

Posted on January 8, 2023January 9, 2023 by GO BANG MAG

Photo Credits: Evan Marcus Imagery

Simone Green is a singer and songwriter from Little Rock, Arkansas and is a graduate of the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. While at the University of Iowa, Simone was a member of the popular band Shade of Blue in Iowa where she opened for such renowned artists as the late “Queen of Blues,” Koko Taylor, Raheem DeVaughn, George Clinton & the P-Funk All Starts and Jazz legend Joe Lovano, Maceo Parker, and Roy Haynes. As a solo artist, she opened for Stokley and Denise Williams.

In 2022, Simone released her solo EP, East of Ordinary, on Anka Shank Music LLC, which delivers R&B, House, Contemporary and Adult selections. It is currently available across all major digital platforms including Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music and Bandcamp.

She is an active member of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and has lent her voice to several award-winning television commercials for major international companies such as Wal-Mart, Charmin, Toyota, WVON and the Illinois Lottery. Her songs have been used on the wildly popular dance video game, Dance Dance Revolution. Additionally, her song “Keep Ya Body Movin” was featured on the hit television series, Ugly Betty. The ADDY Awards is the world’s largest advertising competition with over 50,000 entries annually. The American Advertising Federation bestowed this honor upon advertising jingles performed by Simone in 2006.

Not only is Simone a celebrated vocalist, but she is also a highly respected businesswoman in the Chicago legal community. She is the Founder and Director of CLS Legal Staffing, which is one of the premier companies of its kind in Illinois. She is a sustaining member of the Illinois Paralegal Association, National Association of Legal Assistants and was a member of the Northwestern College and Wright College Paralegal Advisory Boards. Simone has served as an invited speaker at several major university paralegal programs on legal recruiting maters. She has conducted mock interviews at the Institute of Paralegal Studies at Loyola University Chicago and was a Career Counselor for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin’s resume critique program.

East of Ordinary EP is a music project recorded to debut all original material developed on behalf of Chicago, Illinois based singer, songwriter, and entertainer, Simone Green. As destiny would have it, the teaming of Simone with music producers Lee Pearson Jr and Erwin McEwen brought about many creative vibe sessions where these songs on East of Ordinary manifested from a synergy of artistry. Pearson and McEwen curated the music with the specific mindset to allow Simone’s vocals and authentic talents to shine. An added benefit to the project was Simone’s complete involvement from start to finish that includes conceptualizing song story lines, vocal arrangements and mixing of each song presented on the forthcoming EP release.

East of Ordinary delivers R&B, House, Contemporary and Adult-Oriented selections. While Simone has many outstanding proven performances that deliver on just about any musical genre, confidently, she takes her stance with this release to give existing and new audiences a taste and peek into her musical soul. Eager to have her recorded project in universal circulation, even more exciting will be her live performances of this body of work where she skillfully displays her ability to entertain and engage audiences far and wide.

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

Simone Green: I fell in love with music at a very young age. My parents always played music around the house, in the car and it was part of our daily lives. I heard my cousin sing a Clark Sisters song and from then on, I knew I wanted to sing.

GO BANG! Magazine: When did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in the music industry professionally?

Simone Green: In college at the University of Iowa. I was part of a four-girl group (Harmoney) and we performed at talent shows and showcases around the state.

GO BANG! Magazine: Who are some of the artists that inspired you early in your career and who inspires you now?

Simone Green: From the very beginning, I’ve been a huge fan of Prince. His talents are off the charts! I really miss him! Patti LaBelle was a big inspiration for me early on because I connected with her powerful vocals. As I’ve grown as an artist, I’m simply in awe of Aretha Franklin. Her range and what she can do vocally is impressive as hell! Right now, I’m inspired by artists right here in Chicago like Terry Hunter, Isaiah Sharkey, Terisa Griffin, and Maurice Mahon.

GO BANG! Magazine: How would you describe your “sound”, as far as your singing tone and songwriting style?

Simone Green: I would say my singing tone is more sultry and sometimes coarse. I sing hard! LOL.

GO BANG! Magazine: You are vocally and musically fluent in several different genres of music including R&B, Contemporary, Adult-Oriented and HOUSE! Of the four styles of music you perform, which is your favorite and why?

Simone Green: The House music and ballads are my favorites because I love how the audience responds to them. I feed off that energy and lose myself in the moment. That’s when you have some truly magical musical moments.

GO BANG! Magazine: March of 2020 is when the world went on lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The world opened back up in 2022. How did you cope during the pandemic?

Simone Green: For the first six to nine months of the pandemic, I was completely depressed. I have a very busy and hectic schedule and when all of that came to an abrupt halt, I didn’t know what to do with myself. I thrive on routine and suddenly that was thrown into chaos. I had no structure, nowhere to go and nothing to do. I coped by drinking lots of wine and snacking all damn day!

GO BANG! Magazine: Things are getting a lil better now and a “new normal” is here, which means live concerts are returning. Are there any concert tours planned for you any time soon? If so, when?

Simone Green: My dream is to go on a European tour in the next two years. In the short term, I’m hoping to take my Aretha Franklin Tribute on the road throughout the US in 2023, so stay tuned!

GO BANG! Magazine: Chicago loves them some Simone Green. What would you like to say, not only your Chicago supporters, but to your supporters and the GO BANG! Magazine readers, aka THE BANGERS, across the planet, regarding their support and love for you and your music?

Simone Green: To all my fans and THE BANGERS, I love y’all and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued love and support! It means the world to me, and I promise to keep striving for excellence!

GO BANG! Magazine: Earlier this year, you released your solo EP, “East of Ordinary.” Can you tell our readers all about the EP and what they can expect from it?

Simone Green: I am immensely proud of this project! I collaborated with a fantastic team of writers, Lee Pearson Jr., and Erwin McEwen, of Anka Shank Music on every song. The EP consists of all original songs and I’m proud to say that I’m a songwriter on every tune. It’s a mix of R&B and House music. It’s a nice and chill vibe that will make you wiggle in your seat and dream a little bit.

GO BANG! Magazine: One of the songs on the three-track EP that stood out to me, because it was House, is “Don’t Say Nothing.” I loved it! Tell us about that song and your involvement in the House music community.

Simone Green: I absolutely love that song! I connected with the track the first time I heard it! It’s a great dance tune and I hope to have a few remixes out before the summertime. I love House music and have been a fan since my college days in Iowa City. I’m from Little Rock, AR and didn’t hear House music until 1990. Several of our campus DJs were from Chicago, so House music was everywhere.

GO BANG Magazine: Are there any artists you would love to perform with or write for that you haven’t thus far?

Simone Green: To share the stage with the likes of Jill Scott, India Arie, The Roots, or Silk Sonic would be a dream come true. I love them all and it would be an honor to work with all of them.

GO BANG! Magazine: To follow up on that, are there any “dream” producers that you’d love to work with, but haven’t yet?

Simone Green: I would love to work with Terry Hunter (I’ve been manifesting it for a few years!) and I’d love to work with Raphael Saadiq. I love Raphael’s music and writing style….and Terry Hunter is the king of House music right now. I’m a big fan and praying I get the opportunity to work with him, sooner rather than later!

GO BANG! Magazine: In addition to being an outstanding singer/songwriter, you are also an astute businesswoman in the Chicago legal community. How has your legal background aided you in your career in the entertainment industry?

Simone Green: I’ve been working in legal recruiting for 25 years and have met and worked with lots of lawyers and legal professionals. The biggest benefit of this experience as a performer has been the skill of negotiating. I negotiate contracts and offers with my clients and candidates daily and I’m proud to say that I know how to close the deal. Because I manage my singing career, the art of negotiating has helped me with booking my gigs and executing contracts across the board.

GO BANG! Magazine: As we’re doing this interview, it’s the holiday season with Christmas and New Year’s knocking at the door. What are you thankful for this year and what are you hoping for next year?

Simone Green: I’m thankful for good health, my supportive and loving family and friends and the gift of doing what I love. I’m looking forward to recording with a couple of Grammy-award winning producers from Chicago this year and broadening my fanbase in 2023.

GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, I want to thank you for granting me this interview. I also want to wish you a HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON, as well as inform you that you have now officially been BANGED!!! GO BANG!

Simone Green: Thank you so much!

Watch Simone Green’s performance:

https://www.facebook.com/SimoneGreenLive/videos/413158447238898

https://www.facebook.com/SimoneGreenLive/videos/dont-say-nothing-by-simone-green/1240135716517302

Video courtesy of: Q’s Lounge

Video courtesy of : YouTube/Bird’s Eye View Productions

Simone released her solo EP, East of Ordinary, on Anka Shank Music LLC, which delivers R&B, House, Contemporary and Adult selections. It is currently available across all major digital platforms including:

(CLICK to purchase/download) Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music and Bandcamp.

You can catch Simone Green performing locally, in the Chicago area, at the following upcoming shows:
Friday, January 13th: Ques Lounge, 8404 S. Kedzie, (Chicago)
Sunday, January 15th: Linger Martini Bar, (Oak Forest)
Friday, January 27th: Copper Still Martini Lounge, (Homewood)
Friday, February 10th: Ques Lounge, 8404 S. Kedzie, (Chicago)
Saturday, February 11th: Dining On The Green (Park Forest)
Saturday, February 25th: Linger Martini Bar, (Oak Forest)
Friday, March 3rd: Ques Lounge, 8404 S. Kedzie, (Chicago)

Follow Simone Green on social media and website:
Website: http://simonegreenlive.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimoneGreenLive/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonegreenlive/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneGreenLive

Music: FELTON PILATE / CON FUNK SHUN

Posted on December 24, 2022January 26, 2023 by GO BANG MAG

All Photos courtesy of Felton Pilate/ConFunkShun

Felton Pilate is best known as the lead singer of Con Funk Shun, an R&B Old School band created in 1974, while in Memphis, TN.

Pilate was born in Jackson Mississippi to Felton Pilate Sr., a naval physician, and Benita Akines Pilate, a music major and social worker. After many military assignments, The Pilate family’s last move would be a move to Vallejo, CA, where Felton Jr. would spend his formative years.

Pilate knew from a very young age that music would be an important part of his life. He took trumpet and piano lessons very early and self-taught himself to play guitar and trombone. In high school, he created a band and performed locally while honing his craft.

Michael Cooper, who had another local band, asked him to join his group during their final high school years and with no hesitation, Felton said yes. That was the beginning of his career as a member of Project Soul who went on the road with Stax recording artists, The Soul Children, and moved to Memphis, TN. Project Soul got a record deal and were asked to change their name. The band chose Con Funk Shun and the rest, as they say, is history.

The band went on to record hit after hit in the 70’s & 80’s where Pilate served as co-producer and songwriter. He still performs with Con Funk Shun to date and proudly proclaims that the music business has been his only income since 1972.

ConFunkShun

Photo courtesy of ConFunkShun

Pilate’s accolades include Record Producer, Songwriter & Recording Artist with (USA) Diamond Platinum Sales Status and numerous Gold, Platinum, Multi-Platinum, and Mega-Platinum selling albums; participated in and contributed to numerous Grammy winning and nominated recording projects; Recording Engineer, Mixer, and Mastering Engineer. Pilate has 45+ years touring history as an internationally recognized R&B artist principal, recording studio owner and manager having trained numerous other eventual Grammy winning record producers.

Pilate gained his greatest world-wide acclaim for production/writing with rap phenom M.C. Hammer. The Hammer-Pilate joint effort staggers the imagination with sales from ‘89 to ‘92 alone, of 30 million, including “Please Hammer Don’t Hurt Em” the #2 all-time selling R&B LP. Other landmarks in Pilate’s Capital records days include his film and TV soundtrack work, such as his Oscar-nominated “Addams Groove” (Addams Family Movie theme) and “Hammerman” (Hammerman cartoon show). Pilate has many other accolades to his credit including his 2010 contribution of “I Wanna Play For You” to the Grammy award winning “The Stanley Clarke Band” album. Pilate has produced artists in other genres, such as Country, Rock, and Gospel.

When Pilate began touring, his soulful falsetto voice, sexy, romantic lyrics and his guitar, keyboards and trombone skills immediately gathered a loyal fan base that has remained with him for almost 50 years. His style of music is not just limited to R&B but is also influenced by many other music genres. His melodic mix creates a distinctive sound that intrigues and transports his listeners, and his larger-than-life persona on stage penetrates his fans hearts and souls.

In 2004, Pilate released a fantastic solo LP entitled, “Nothing But Love Spoken Here”. He provided all the production, vocals, and instrumental tracks and most of the songwriting. A Taste of Honey’s Janice Marie Johnson duets with him on it, and on “Only For You“, which is about that elusive quality: Devotion.

Pilate exquisitely demonstrates his many talents in the recording booth and at the mixing console too. During Covid, he released two singles, “We’re Still Here” and “Waiting Just to Dance” and is currently in the studio working on finishing the album. Both songs are doing extremely well on the charts worldwide. As for Con Funk Shun, Felton and Michael Cooper fine tuned Con Funk Shun’s new Christmas album, “Home For Christmas” released in the fall of 2022, and a new R&B album set for release in early summer 2023.

Pilate has a gift of perfecting and creating multiple projects at one time and is extremely busy with his music as well as writing, editing, and creating a soundtrack for a new TV pilot. Over the last two years, he has also developed several stage shows including “Everybody Dance!“, a tribute to Nile Rodgers and Chic, “I Love Music!”, a tribute to the Philly Sound, and “Rock Steady!”, a tribute to Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds.

In Pilate’s spare time, he loves to show off his magician skills to friends and family. He also enjoys taking photos, recording videos, and editing them, cooking, watching movies, and traveling!

Pilate resides in the Atlanta area with his wife Jennifer and loves spending time with their children, family, and friends.

GO BANG! Magazine: It is a pleasure and an honor for GO BANG! Magazine to have this opportunity to interview you Sir. When you were developing your talent in the early years of your life, who was your inspiration then and who do you admire now?

Felton Pilate: There’s been a piano in my home as far back as I can remember. My first inspiration was my mother, who was a music major and a very accomplished singer and pianist. Latter inspiration came from music I heard around the house. If my mother got to the “hi-fi” first, it was classical music, and if my father got to it first, it was the jazz masters of the day, like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, etc.

GO BANG! Magazine: March of 2020 is when the world went on lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The world opened back up in 2022. How did you cope during the pandemic?

Felton Pilate: It was a difficult year for Con Funk Shun performing live. We did a quarter of the gigs that we would have normally done. However, on the creative side, it gave me a lot of time and opportunity to work on the songs for the Christmas album that we just released within the last 30 days. It’s called “Home for Christmas” and has five original songs on it. We had a chance to perform four of the songs in front of our Bay Area audience when we performed at Yoshi’s this past weekend.

Home For Christmas – ConFunkShun

Video Courtesy of YouTube/ConFunkShun Band

ConFunkShun – Love’s Train – LIVE

Video courtesy of YouTube/LiveLikeItShows

GO BANG! Magazine: Things are getting a lil better now and a “new normal” is here, which means live concerts are returning. Are there any concert tours planned for Con Funk Shun and for you as a solo artist, any time soon? If so, when?

Felton Pilate: Silk Sonic’s release of “Loves Train” this year just happened to coincide with the song being released on the “To The Max” LP, 40 years ago. Although it’s been one of our most popular songs, the newfound interest allowed us to tour even more this year. We’ll have one more concert before the end of year that will be the end of the “Loves Train 40 Year Anniversary Tour.” We already have 20 or more gigs lined up for next year and are talking to promoters about us possibly touring Europe after the first of the year.

(L to R) Felton Pilate, Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Michael Cooper

GO BANG! Magazine: As you just said, Love Train was recently revived and covered by Silk Sonic on the 2022 Billboard Awards show this past spring in May. What did you think about their performance of your song, and have you had a chance to speak with them and provide any feedback to them? If so, what did you say and how did they respond?

Felton Pilate: Mike (Cooper) and I had a chance to fly to Las Vegas, meet with them, and thank them personally for recording the song. We were invited backstage at their performance at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. After 10 minutes of waiting in the reception room, Bruno Mars, followed closely by Anderson .Paak, burst through the door, dropped to his knees, and did his best Michael Cooper imitation singing “If by chance…“!! We spent the next few minutes talking music in general and learned that Silk Sonic initially had concerns about doing the song justice. Bruno asked did they do ok…

Silk Sonic Billboard Music Awards 2022 Performance “Love’s Train”

Video courtesy of YouTube/Bruno Mars

Puh-leezzzzz!!!! I think they did a magnificent job! They managed to keep the emotional intensity of the original recording, while adding their own signature flourishes. We didn’t know in advance that they were going to be recording it. Mike and I both found out on February 14th and the first time I heard it, I was blown away!

GO BANG! Magazine: Congratulations are in order for you as a producer, songwriter and Grammy award nominee and winning recording artist. Who are some of today’s producers, songwriters and recording artists that you admire?

Felton Pilate: I’ve been a Bruno Mars fan since he first came out. I will have to admit that I knew nothing about Anderson .Paak until the last two years, but I have recently come to really like what he does as a writer and producer. Artists such as Neyo, Kem, and Khalid are on my playlists and I’ve been paying close attention to producer, Ian Kirkpatrick.

GO BANG! Magazine: In that same vein as my previous question, are there any creatives that you would love to work with that you haven’t thus far? If so, who are some of them?

Felton Pilate: In addition to everyone I’ve mentioned, I would have loved to work with Quincy Jones. I still may get a chance to work with Babyface and Teddy Riley.

GO BANG! Magazine: You are a survivor in the music industry, with over 45 years of successful international performing and touring. While others have faded away. You have withstood the test of time. What is the secret to your longevity?

Felton Pilate: Well, I wouldn’t call it a “secret”, but I actually try to create with the word “longevity” in mind. There’s a reason why songs such as Lionel Richie’s “Endless Love“, Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You“, and Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You“, have survived over the decades and will be around and loved for decades to come. I believe it is entirely possible to stay relevant without having to completely depend on whatever the current musical trends are.

GO BANG! Magazine: Besides being a legendary artist, you have something else up your sleeve. We here at GO BANG! Magazine are fans of magic, and we heard that you are quite the magician. How did you get started in magic and are you really that good?

Felton Pilate: My mother bought me a magic set one Christmas when I was young and I’ve dabbled in it ever since. Nothing elaborate, just spur of the moment stuff with cards, rope, coins, etc.

GO BANG! Magazine: What’s your most popular, and, what’s your most favorite magic trick that you like to perform?

Felton Pilate: My best one so far was done decades ago (before cell phones). I had my girlfriend randomly select a card from a deck and put it into her back pocket. No one left the room and everyone stayed in plain sight. A few moments later her home phone rang and a mysterious voice told her what the card was. Everyone was quite impressed!

GO BANG! Magazine: What other hidden talents do you have, that our readers may not be aware of?

Felton Pilate: I take my cooking VERY seriously! I’m a big fan of Asian food of all kinds. I’ve got a wok and I’m not afraid to use it! I also have a salmon salad with sundried tomato pesto that’s quite popular.

GO BANG! Magazine: Felton, I want to give you your flowers while you’re still alive. You are blessed, talented and your music has touched the world and made it a better place to live. Your music has been the soundtrack to millions of people’s lives. Thank you! In conclusion, what would you like to say to all the GO BANG! Magazine readers, aka the BANGERS, around the world?

Felton Pilate: I have been blessed to have my music be my only source of income for over 50 years and I’m honored for my songs to have been a special part of people’s lives. Thank you, BANGERS, for allowing that to happen!

Stay tuned… there’s more to come! Happy Holidays!!!

GO BANG! Magazine: HAPPY HOLIDAYS Felton Pilate. You have now been BANGED!!!

You can follow Felton Pilate on social media @Felton Pilate and check out his website.

Music/Business: DJ/PRODUCER TERRY HUNTER

Posted on December 20, 2022 by GO BANG MAG

Photo courtesy of Terry Hunter

It’s one thing to hit the top. It’s another thing to stay there!

With over four decades of traveling the globe sharing his passion for House music, Terry Hunter’s career is the stuff of legends. As a DJ, his name consistently headlines some of the most renowned festivals including Miami’s Winter Music Conference, SuncéBeat, Groove Odyssey, 51st State and Amsterdam Dance Event. As a producer, his discography constantly updates with the music industry’s top artists including Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson, Jill Scott, John Legend, Mary J. Blige, R. Kelly, Raheem Devaughn, Terisa Griffin, Estelle, Chantay Savage, Byron Stingily (of Chicago’s Ten City), Syleena Johnson, Kanye West, Rhymefest, Barbara Tucker and as of recent, Chaka Khan and Beyonce’.

Born and raised in the city where it all began, even the start of his career includes the Chicago parties and nightclubs credited with creating the foundation for an entire genre. His first release in 1990 titled “Madness,” became an underground hit and would prove to be a precursor to a plethora of successful releases and #1’s on Traxsource & Beatport from his own label, T’s Box Records, started in 2004. Becoming the first new member of Chicago’s Chosen Few DJs in 2006, Terry went on to release the global dance classic, “Wonderful”, featuring Chicago songstress Terisa Griffin, followed with a remix of Marshall Jefferson’s house music anthem, “Move Your Body” and a hit remix of Avery Sunshine’s “Ugly Part Of Me.”

Named “Producer of the Year” by 5 Magazine in 2009, Terry’s work includes numerous collaborations such as 2011’s “Mass Destruction” project with his friend and colleague, Kenny Dope, with whom he remixed Kanye West’s “Addiction.”

In 2013, he released “We Are One: A Movement for Life,” a contemporary ‘message record’ addressing the violence impacting Chicago communities, from which all proceeds were donated to local non-profit organizations working to reduce the issue.

In 2014, Terry earned his first Grammy nomination for Jennifer Hudson’s “It’s Your World” followed by a career highlight of producing two songs — “I Will Survive” and “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” — for Aretha Franklin’s “Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Songs” project.

Signed to Ultra Records in 2019, Terry’s first full length album “Imagine No Music” is already making its mark. The first single “Angel” held a number one spot on Traxsource for over two weeks, and the second single “TSOC: The Sound of Chicago” featuring Common, Mike Dunn, Deon Cole, Chantay Savage, Corey “Coldhard” Johnson of Crucial Conflict, AM7 and Jamie Principle captured the same position after only four days of being released.

In December 2022, Terry Hunter was nominated for his 2nd Grammy Award in the Best Remixed Recording category for Beyonce’s “BREAK MY SOUL (Terry Hunter Remix).” Hunter was nominated by his peers of producers and engineers for his remix of the #1 smash hit.

After 40 years, Terry Hunter relevancy is stronger than ever. Sky’s the limit.

“During the completion of this interview, we are deeply saddened to report that Terry Hunter lost his dear mother, Myrtle Hunter (November 17, 1955 – December 8, 2022). Terry, we at GO BANG! Magazine offer you, your family, and friends our deepest sympathies and condolences on the loss of your mother. We pray that GOD comforts all your hearts during this difficult time.” – Pierre Andre’ Evans

Photo courtesy of DJ Terry Hunter/Facebook

“Just want to take a moment to thank everyone for their calls, emails, and text messages. The outpouring of love, encouragement, and prayers has meant the world to me and my family as we deal with this unimaginable loss. Thank you for your continued prayers and for respecting my family’s privacy during our time of grief. Now Rest Momma ” – Terry Hunter 12/17/22

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: When and how did you get started as a DJ, and when did you know that you wanted to pursue it professionally?

Terry Hunter: I was about 10 years old when I got introduced to House music. The first DJ I ever heard live as a kid was Frankie Knuckles and right after that DJ Brett Morrison from Chicago. After seeing them both, it changed my life. From that moment, I knew that I wanted to do music.

TERRY HUNTER’S T’S BOX RECORDS

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: In 2004, you started T’s Box Records. What prompted you to start your own record label?

Terry Hunter: It was time for me to take the next step in my career and really get in the business. I wanted to start a label for music that I thought was missing at the time.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Then in 2005, you were the first new member to be added to Chicago’s The Chosen Few (TCF) DJs, a pioneering and groundbreaking DJ collective group. What do you feel you bring to TCF DJs?

Terry Hunter: All the others were good friends from back in the day. When my friend Wayne Williams asked me to join, I said yes without any hesitation. Not to put words in their mouths, but I think I brought more of an international look on the group, because of the records I had put out and because of the travels. Photo courtesy of ChosenFewDjs.com

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: You were recently signed to Ultra Records in 2019 and you’ve released your first full-length album, Imagine No Music. “Angel” and “TSOC” have been released and both charted exceptionally well. How would you describe your album and what other songs can we expect soon?

Terry Hunter: I’m super excited about this album and it’s going to feature so many dope artists. The first song was “Self-Love” featuring Estelle, Chantay Savage, and J. Ivy.

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Music vibrations can affect or influence society. In my opinion, House music radiates love and peace. If YOU were to attempt to describe House music to someone that is unaware, how would you explain it?

Terry Hunter: It’s Simple. House music is something you can feel. When people say House Music is a spiritual thing, it’s really true.

Photo courtesy of thetribe.com

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: You have produced for Chicago’s own Chaka Khan, R. Kelly, Kanye West, Jennifer Hudson, Chantay Savage, and Terisa Griffin. Why is it important for you to work with hometown artists?

Terry Hunter: Chicago has some of the most incredible artists in the world. Tapping into the talent here keeps our city and the artistry here on the map. That’s important to me. Chicago has a “sound” and talent that influences the world.

Photos courtesy of Terry Hunter/Facebook

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Most recently, you were called and asked to do an official remix to Beyonce’s mega hit “Break My Soul.” You had a record release party for your new song “TSOC: The Sound of Chicago” and debuted your remix of “Break My Soul” here in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood at Chemistry. The remixed track was well received. I was there! Even more recent, you were nominated for a Grammy Award for it. CONGRATULATIONS!!! What are your thoughts on Beyonce’ and Drake making “House” inspired music and their attempts of bringing House to the mainstream?

Terry Hunter: Thanks! I think what Beyonce’ and Drake did was nothing short of incredible. They shed some light on House music.

YouTube Video of Break My Soul – Beyonce (Terry Hunter Remix) debuted at The Chosen Few Picnic 2022–

(video courtesy of PRECISE VIDEOS / ROLLING OUT MAGAZINE)

Terry and his mom

Photo courtesy of Terry Hunter/Facebook

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Lastly, I want to thank you Terry for granting me this interview and appreciate you even more for completing my interview during this mournful time of your life.

You have now officially been BANGED! GO BANG!!

“We Are One: A Movement for Life” -Terry Hunter

A contemporary ‘message record’ addressing the violence impacting Chicago communities, from which all proceeds were donated to local non-profit organizations working to reduce the issue.

Video courtesy of Terry Hunter/YouTube

Follow TERRY HUNTER on Social Media @ImagineNoMusicFestival

Booking Website: https://mn2s.com/booking-agency/dj-roster/terry-hunter/

T’s Box Records: http://terryhuntermusic.com/

Event / Music / Dance: THEE DEBAUCHERY BALL 2022

Posted on December 9, 2022 by GO BANG MAG

THE DEBAUCHERY BALL IS TODAY!!!!!!

Friday, December 9, 2022

Location to be announced to TICKET HOLDERS/MEMBERS ONLY

Tickets/MEMBERSHIP: https://www.theedebaucheryball.com/contact-8

THEE FOUNDER:

Khari Bowden – The Church of the Funky Soul presents – THEE DEBAUCHERY BALL

THEE MISSION:
The Debauchery Ball is a celebration of sensuality, liberation, and consent from a Black cultural lens. We reserved inclusive melanated spaces because African descendants across the diaspora deserve and are worthy of having places to feel safe, protected, and free where we may fully express our beauty, creativity, and sensuality, away from the European gaze and of our own making. House music is our foundation. Freedom is our creed. Lames, creeps, and inhibitions are strictly prohibited.

THEE EVENTS:

Black
Fantasy Ball

October 29th, 2022
St. Petersburg, FL

Representation, liberation, and a combination of Black fairies, cosplayers, and lifestyle communities in a beautiful collaboration with friends in Florida are behind this presentation. In sync with the DBall, a premium play space is arranged for creative expressions, kinks, and costuming complete with the most heart-racing soundtrack to keep the People moving all the night through.

Thee Debauchery
Ball

December 9th, 2022
Chicago, IL

The Afrofuturistic Black BDSM-themed flagship of the series. 18 years running, the DBall is the defining celebration borne out of the sensual and electric nature of Chicago’s House music culture. Today it is an audience revered, protected space for POCs to marvel and be marveled at as living works of art and experience an uninhibited abandon they may not have known they needed. It’s a sensory engaging feast designed 2 fill its attendees up with joy and a greater sense of self simply by being their most beautiful selves.

winter
babies
revenge

Summer 2023
Chicago, IL

Once upon a time some of the liveliest people in the Western zodiac born under particular signs were forced to celebrate their entrance into this world in the wintertime, specifically in the Midwest. Such an egregious error and insulting assault has been corrected with WBR, a summer Debauchery celebration.

PAINTED, DARK & DIVINE is a living exhibition of AfroEroticism, dance, and Black divinity. Think Met Ball but WAY nakeder, sweatier and more Afrocentric!

The Rebirth Reverie

Spring 2023
New Orleans, LA

Can you feel a brand new day? Honoring the hemisphere’s actual new year/Spring equinox, the doors of the “Church” open to costume, dance, and sweat into the wee hours of the night in one of the most celebratory cities in the country, New Orleans! The wonderful world of Oz (in the spirit of “the Wiz”) is the theme. Attendees wear elaborate costumes of red, gold, or green; to be seen.

THEE DOCUMENTARY:

What is Thee Debauchery Ball?

THE DEBAUCHERY BALL LIVING EXHIBITION IS, on its face, a tasteful, erotically-themed festival series where music, art, and live performance are synthesized into a memorable, highly-charged, sensual, sensory-engaging experience. Its foundation, however, is an odyssey into the world of sexual boundaries and allowance; into the protocol, custom, and social mores; into evolving attitudes and individual empowerment. It is a celebration of brown bodies freed from societal norms and conventional sexual expression. It’s a study of the relationship between collective freedom and individual comfort, all from a Black cultural lens. It’s a party but…
THE DEBAUCHERY BALL IS SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST A PARTY.

Y’all did a documentary about the ball?

Yes! We did! The story of Chicago’s Afro-futuristic, BDSM/kink/fetish-themed House music party and how it has reshaped the Black social scene and challenged the narratives of Black sexuality. Thee Debauchery Ball, tells the story of a single house music event that was intended to pay reverence to the original intention of House Music culture of Chicago. Born in 2005, it has grown to become the only
fetish-themed, BDSM-friendly, body-positive, House party in the city. It has helped to redefine Black music, community, art, and sexuality, all topics that are often maligned in the Black community. The documentary tells the personal story of the founder, the DJs, and the participants who look upon this event and the culture within as a bastion of freedom and an escape from preconceived notions.

THE BALL IS TODAY!!!!!!

Tickets/MEMBERSHIP: https://www.theedebaucheryball.com/contact-8

For more information, go to the WEBSITE: https://www.theedebaucheryballdoc.com/

As seen and captured by Seed Lynn.
Ring by CopperCandy
Shirt by Mike Sims

Khari Bowden: “I make poetry a contact sport.”

4 booking: bookings@disco-poetry.com

Dec

Podcast courtesy of Entrepreneurial Enclave Donald Crossley is a name synonymous with the birth of house music. As one of the founders of the iconic Warehouse nightclub in Chicago, he played a pivotal role in shaping Chicago’s vibrant dance music scene and fostering the birth of House music and dance culture worldwide. Donald Crossley, […]

Dec

Used by permission: Entrepreneurial Enclave SUBSCRIBE The interview with DJ Wayne Williams, founder of the renowned Chosen Few Djs House Music Festival, the longest-running house music festival worldwide, was captivating, leading to its early release on this page. Our in-depth conversation explores house music extensively. This was our first joint effort. I hope you enjoy […]

Nov

Hey, Go Bang Fam! The crisp autumn air is blowing through the streets of Chicago, and with it comes the warm glow of Thanksgiving! It’s a time for family, for feasting (let’s be real, mostly feasting!), and for reflecting on all the things we’re grateful for. And at the top of that list, we have […]

Nov

YouTube video courtesy of: The Entrepreneurial Enclave SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@theentrepreneurialenclave6392 Please check out this interview by Kevin Wortham for his YouTube podcast ENTREPRENEURIAL ENCLAVE.LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_R1gScFcPz4 I am honor to be interviewed, each and every time I am approached and a request is made. THANK YOU!!!! BIOPublisher, Journalist, Author, DJ, Dancer Pierre Andre’ Evans has taken the publishing, literary and […]

Aug

Photo courtesy of: https://www.facebook.com/jordonez1234 Tickets $27 – $100: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/body-house-dance-summit-2024-tickets-934277367757?aff=ebdsoporgprofile 4:00 PM – 8:45 PM August 29th: Workshops @ Steadfast Dance Center Date: Thursday, August 29th Time: 4PM – 8:45 PM Location: Steadfast Dance Center, 1860 S. Blue Island Ave, Chicago, IL Instructors & Class Schedule: 4:00PM Jay-J(Jus.be) , 5:11PM Trish (Devine Instant), 6:22PM Brand1 (Circle […]

Aug

Photos courtesy of Singles Films and Music Entertainment STREAMS EVERYWHERE ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2024 In the past 5 years, writer, director, and producer Billy Ray Valentine has entertained us with his visions. With streaming phenomenons such as “LIL CEASAR“, “ROSELAND“, “MAGIC“, “THE WALK OF RUFUS 1&2“, and “A MASQUERADE TRAPP“, Mr. Valentine now brings […]

Jun

Photo credit: Zmny Records Ozie Nzeribe who portrayed Royale Hughes in seasons 1 and 2 of the Apple TV+ series ‘Swagger’ is set to star in the Tubi thriller mystery ‘Rock The Boat 2, a project by Footage Films with Chris Stokes as director and Marques Houston as producer. Nzeribe will play Durell, a […]

Jun

Photo credits: Eric Logan / Videos credits: YouTube Vito Tisdale, also known as “Big V” or “Vito Banga,” is a former member and front man of the multiplatinum hip-hop group Nappy Roots. Big V has been credited as the architect of several of the group’s biggest hits including “Po Folks” and “AwNaw”. Hip Hop […]

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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

4450 North Clark Street

LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW!!!

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Silk Sonic Billboard Music Awards 2022 Performance “Love’s Train”

BlackFantasy Ball

October 29th, 2022St. Petersburg, FL

Thee DebaucheryBall

December 9th, 2022Chicago, IL

winterbabiesrevenge

Summer 2023Chicago, IL

The Rebirth Reverie

Spring 2023New Orleans, LA

NEVER MISS A HIT!!!

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Black
Fantasy Ball

October 29th, 2022
St. Petersburg, FL

Thee Debauchery
Ball

December 9th, 2022
Chicago, IL

winter
babies
revenge

Summer 2023
Chicago, IL

Spring 2023
New Orleans, LA