Kool & the Gang is a 2024 inductee in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction will be on Saturday, October 19th at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio. Kool & the Gang has been around for 60 years. Robert “Kool” Bell and his brother Ronald Bell got their start in clubs, mastering a repertoire of jazz standards and Motown covers. In 1969, they signed to newly formed De-Lite Records and released the up-tempo instrumental “Kool & the Gang.” Their big break came in 1973 with the album “Wild and Peaceful,” which gave us the infectious singles “Funky Stuff,” “Jungle Boogie,” and “Hollywood Swinging” – three instant classics. To watch all of Gary's interviews with Robert "Kool" Bell visit www.blackmeninamerica.com.
Jackie Jones, Dean of the School of Global Journalism & Communication at Morgan State University and a veteran newswoman, joined the Thought Brothers Podcast to discuss and exchange views with veteran Republican strategist Raynard Jackson. Jackson is President and CEO of Raynard Jackson &Associates, LLC--a government/public relations and political consulting firm in Washington, D.C.
Topics on the table for discussion included Donald Trump's visit to the the National Association of Black Journalist (NABJ), the state of the presidential race, the effectiveness of the Congressional Black Caucus, Donald Trump's accomplishments and more.
Calculations Talk Show Host & Producer Gary Johnson, invited "The Thought Brothers," to the show to interview entrepreneur Bruce George. George is the Co-Founder of the award winning “Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam.” He’s also a writer, poet and activist. Bruce is the Founder of the “Genius Is Common” movement. Most of us have heard the old saying, “Common sense is not that common.” Well, in the mind of Bruce George, “Genius Is Common.” Let that sink in for a moment. By the time you finish watching this exclusive interview with Bruce George, you will have a better sense of your genius.
Angelo Ellerbee is an institution! Check out the conversation with the "Sultan of SWAG" and the Thought Brothers (Bill, Carlos, C.J. and Gary). Angelo discusses his new motivational book, "Before I Let You Go." Angelo has worked with and guided the careers of icons and legends such as Dionne Warwick, Mary J. Blige, Melba Moore, James Mtume, Robert "Kool" Bell, DMX, Frankie Beverly (Maze) and leading actors. He has built a legacy that continues to flourish decades after he began. The Newark, NJ native, who began his stellar career working in the fashion industry--designing, styling and hosting shows as fundraisers to combat the global issue of HIV/AIDS--soon found himself in the world of publicity and artist relations, working with the late, great James Mtume. Angelo oversaw the stable of artists on the music great's entertainment company roster and soon became the talk of the industry because of his meticulous sense of style and pristine attention to detail. For more information visit his website at www.dxxnyc.com.
Angelo Ellerbee is an institution! Check out my exclusive conversation with the "Sultan of SWAG." The public relations maverick has worked with and guided the careers of icons and ingenues, legends and leading actors and he has built a legacy that continues to flourish decades after he began. The Newark, NJ native, who began his stellar career working in the fashion industry--designing, styling and hosting shows as fundraisers to combat the global issue of HIV/AIDS--soon found himself in the world of publicity and artist relations, working with the late, great James Mtume, super producer and jazz impresario. Ellerbee oversaw the stable of artists on the music great's entertainment company roster and soon became the talk of the industry because of his meticulous sense of style and pristine attention to detail. For more information visit his website at www.dxxnyc.com.
Dr. Carlotta A. Berry is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. She is the 2021-2024 Lawrence J. Giacoletto Endowed Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering for 2021-2024 and the 2024 Visiting Scientist at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. Dr. Berry graced The Thought Brothers with an exclusive interview where she shared her passion for diversifying the engineering profession by recruiting more underrepresented populations and women to the field. Dr. Berry believes that the profession should reflect the world that we live in order to solve the unique problems that we face. Dr. Berry is the author of the textbook, "Mobile Robotics for Multidisciplinary Study" and editor of "Mitigating Bias in Machine Learning." Due to her work in engineering education, diversity and robotics, she was named one of "30 Women in Robotics You Need to Know About," awarded the TechPoint Foundation for Youth Bridge Builder Award, FIRST Indiana Gamechanger, and named an American Society of Engineering Education Fellow. If that's not enough, Dr. Berry is also romance novelist, writing under the pen name Carlotta Ardell. "Ardell" writes youth-friendly romance novels featuring Black protagonists who work in STEM fields. On this evening, Dr. Berry talked about how she got started on this journey and why she wants to make STEM a little easier and a little steamier.
Marcus Devine has served as Music Director, Producer, Support Vocalist, and Songwriter for a variety of music artists such as Ashanti, Ginuwine, BETH, Aaliyah, Charlie Wilson, Silk, Destiny’s Child, 112, Dave Hollister, Deitrick Haddon, Xscape, Teddy Pendergrass, Latocha Scott, Mario, Monica, Kelly Price, Shirley Murdock, Day 26, Brownstone, and Men of Standard to name a few. Currently Marcus is busy making music with the release of his new single, “Greatest Show,” and promoting his designer sunglasses line “Marcus Devine Signature Shades.”
“Black Tech” is a part of a series of non-fiction children’s books designed to showcase the contributions that African Americans have made and are still making in the development of the United States and the world. Our children engage with technology daily and this book will highlight a few African American contributors in the technology space. It is written for 6-to 8-year-olds or 1st to 3rd graders. For more information and to purchase the book visit www.synergytrainingsolutions.org.
Media Veteran Dyana Williams discussed her role in the upcoming street renaming for music icon Frankie Beverly. The event will take place on Saturday, May 18th, at 12 noon, in the East Germantown area of Philadelphia on North Norwood Street, between Church Lane and West Godfrey – the neighborhood where Frankie Beverly was raised. Frankie Beverly will retire later this year after more than 50 years of creating and performing his classic hits.
Singer BETH has toured nationally and internationally with R&B greats Anita Baker, The O’Jays, KEM and Najee. BETH also was the body double for R&B legend Whitney Houston in the film "Sparkle." On NBC’s The Voice, BETH was a finalist during Season 16 with Kelly Clarkson and John Legend as her coaches and was also a featured vocalist on ABC’s "Dancing with The Stars" (Season 22). She has appeared in four feature films, numerous stage plays, and commercials for both TV and radio.
This is my tribute to the "cat in the hat" singer. In 1978, I was working in the music business listening to songs on cassette tape sharing my opinions with low-level record executives and consultants. One day, I heard this song on the radio in my hometown of Washington, DC, by a new artist Bobby Caldwell. The song was "What You Won't Do For Love." I LOVED the song. I assumed that Bobby Caldwell was a new Black soul singer. I went to the record store later that day and purchased the album. Bobby's picture was not on the album. I thought oh well. Then a few weeks later, I was watching the TV show "American Bandstand," because I heard that Bobby Caldwell was one of the guests. The host Dick Clark introduced him. The song started and Bobby walked into the camera view. "Holy Shit Batman!" Bobby Caldwell is white! Just goes to show you, good music has no color.
March 14, 2024, will mark one year since Bobby Caldwell died losing his battle against the severe side effects of the medicine fluoroquinolone, which ultimately contributed to his heart disease and passing at age 71. To put it in the vernacular, Bobby Caldwell had been “floxed,” a term used to describe the terrible and numerous side effects caused by fluoroquinolone.
According to Mary, Bobby was preparing for a 20-show tour in Japan and went to an urgent care clinic because he was bothered by a runny nose and cough. Bobby came home with a prescription for cough syrup and levofloxacin. For the next seven days, Bobby took the medication — until one morning, he wasn’t able to stand. Mary and Bobby later learned that both of his Achilles had ruptured, one of the odd symptoms the FDA warned consumers about back in 2008.
I thoroughly enjoyed talking with Mary, and at the same time, I could see the pain on her face at times and hear the emotion in her voice when she spoke about Bobby. She clearly misses him.
Mary has since been vocal about the dangers of this medication, aiming to raise awareness and prevent similar suffering among others.
In this interview Mary talks about how she met Bobby, life with and without him, how much Bobby loved other people covering his music, his relationship with Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire, how Bobby got sick and what everyone needs to do to protect themselves against the potentially deadly side effects from commonly prescribed antibiotics.
Bobby's timeless classic, "What You Won't Do For Love" has been recorded and sampled by more than 100 artists. All combined, Bobby's songs and samples have contributed to over 40 million sales.
I will be interviewing Bobby's wife, Mary Caldwell, in two weeks. Check this page soon to watch that interview.
The following artists have covered or sampled Bobby's song “What You Won’t Do For Love”
Go West (#1 AC)Tupac Shakur (#1 Rap, Gold Single)Over 80 covers and samples, including Michael Bolton/Tatyana AliDionne Warwick/Pride & PolitixNatalie Cole & Peabo Bryson/Phyllis HymanDavid Sanborn/Roy Ayers/Ricky Peterson/LunizAretha Franklin - Classic Soul Ballads (2004)
Other artists who have recorded Bobby's compositions include:
Click the button below to watch the interview.
Dave Wooley is a Director, Producer, Author and Entrepreneur based in Wilmington, Delaware. His most notable accomplishments include long-standing work with Dionne Warwick. The NAACP Image Awards announced on January 25, 2024 that Wooley is nominated in the category for Outstanding Directing in a documentary television or film, for his documentary, Dionne Warwick: Don't Make Me Over. Dave and Gary Johnson, Host of "Calculations Talk Show," had a great conversation. Hope you enjoy it.
Melba Moore is a five octave singer and award-winning actress. She has had success as an actor on Broadway, and as a singer with Soul/R&B, Pop, Rock, Jazz, Gospel, and Classical music. This is "Calculations Talk Show" host Gary Johnson's second interview with Melba Moore. This interview focused on her "comeback" at the 54 Below Supper Club in NYC in March 2024. Melba also talked about her connection to comedian Katt Williams and her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Gary Johnson, Host of the "Calculations Talk Show," interviewed film producer Pat Hartley, an African American actress of Black and Hungarian descent. Hartley was also a model and a photographer. Her husband, Dick Fontaine, was a British documentarian and filmmaker. “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” has been described as a work of political history about the civil-rights movement—and about the ongoing failure of the United States to make good on the promise of justice and equality for Black Americans. For more information visit www.pathartleyfilms.com.
The Thought Brothers Podcast and the host of Calculations Talk Show joined forces for a wide-ranging interview with Philosopher, Distinguished Professor, Author, Music Historian, Cultural Icon and 2024 Presidential Candidate Dr. Cornel West. Watch Lead Host Bill Spivey, Co-Hosts Carlos Prillman and Christopher "C.J." Johnson and Executive Producer Gary Johnson engage Dr. West for an informative and relaxed conversation about some of the issues facing our nation and community.
In July 2023, scholar and activist Dr. Cornel West announced he’s running as a presidential candidate for the People’s Party. West, a former Professor of the practice of public philosophy at Harvard University and professor emeritus at Princeton University, stated that he cares more about voters and their quality of life than other political parties. Dr. West is part of a critical conversation discussing the plight of Black American farmers.
Eugenia Foxworth and Susan Greenfield are two very powerful women who continue to make a difference in the real estate market domestically and internationally. Eugenia Foxworth, the recent Past President (2021-2022) of the International Real Estate Federation for the United States, known as FIABCI-USA. Eugenia's life journey also includes scholar, fashionista, owner of a fine art gallery, flight attendant/courier, scholarship committee executive and podcast host with her show The Foxworth Theory. Susan Greenfield ranks among the top 1% of brokers in Manhattan, NY. In 2021, she closed over $60 million’s worth of sales. Ms. Greefield has been in the real estate business for over 40 years and is a Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker at Brown Harris Stevens. Eugenia and Susan spoke with Gary Johnson to talk about their careers and a very important event coming up next week. You can read the entire print feature on the Black Men In America.com website at www.blackmeninamerica.com.
The musical BORN TO SWING tells the story of the 85-year career of a renowned concert pianist, composer/arranger, entertainer, and philanthropist Lillette Harris (later known as Lillette Jenkins). It also tells how she and her husband, Actor & Comedian Bud Harris, 1945 were the first Blacks to own Lillette’s Rhythm Club, a Nightclub, Casino, and Hotel in Sparks-Reno Nevada during the racially charged Jim Crow era. While performing concerts around the world she also entertained the troops for four years in the USO during World War II. She later recorded five separate jazz and gospel albums that are still selling. Films, TV, Broadway, and Off-Broadway shows as Musical Director are also part of her legendary career. The musical has an all-female production team featuring Musical Director Jeanine McAdams, Stage Director Mary Seymour and Writer/Executive Producer Adrienne Lillette Harris.
I had my first sip of whiskey yesterday. Some of you may be asking, "Why now?" I made a promotional video that tells the story of Nathan Green, a slave who taught Jack Daniels how to brew whiskey. Nathan Green, who later became known as "Uncle Nearest" has a unique story that was brought to the public by entrepreneur Fawn Weaver, who manages Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. So while at this event, I had access to the whiskey and decided to take a sip. I have no frame of reference, but I was expecting something that was strong and bitter. My first sip was smooth and did not burn my chest, which was kind of scary. One man told me to be careful and R.W.L. I asked, "What's R.W.L?" He replied: "Run, Walk and Lay Down." I promptly put my glass down.
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey is the fastest-growing American whiskey brand in U.S. history, and the best-selling African American-founded spirit brand of all time. Uncle Nearest has exceeded sales of US $100 million and is on track to more than double revenue by the end of 2023. Click on the link to read the story and watch the video about Uncle Nearest Whiskey: https://blackmeninamerica.com/uncle-nearest-whiskey/
Check out this great interview with musician André Ward. Bestowed with a music performing scholarship at the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, André toured and worked with some of the biggest names in music. André Ward does not disappoint with his latest effort "Africa Rising." André's dynamic performances have captivated audiences worldwide by creating an environment of smooth, sweet, hypnotic, sounds that seem surreal. André took the time to talk with Gary.
Andrew Minott’s autobiography, "PROVE EM WRONG," is the poignant, powerful, and personal story of a young man who traveled from Jamaica to America believing he would land in the place where dreams come true, in a relationship with a father who was ready to make room for the child he had left behind. But he landed on his own without the father he thought he was joining in the dream, with a brother who was ready to conquer NYC and his own manhood, leaving him on his own journey.
Angelo Ellerbee, the visionary CEO of Double XXposure Public Relations. Angelo has mentored, developed and guided the careers of Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Dionne Warwick, Roberta Flack, James Mtume, Ginuwine, Mary J. Blige, Melba Moore, Robert "Kool" Bell, Alicia Keyes, Antonio Fargas, Laura Branigan, Ronald Isley, Big Daddy Kane, Dru Hill and more for over 50 years. Click here to read the full print feature: https://blackmeninamerica.com/masterclass-angelo-ellerbee/
Over a four-decade career, Melba Moore has been successful on the stage, screen and in the recording studio. She’s had 8 top 10 R&B hits including two #1 smash hits and 3 GRAMMY nominations, several American Music Awards, a Tony Award, Ellis Island Award, Artist Guild Award, Trumpet Award of Excellence, NAACP Spingarn Award, and a History Makers Tribute feature. Watch the interview and click below to check out our print feature at https://blackmeninamerica.com/melba-moore/.
Robert “Kool” Bell, is the co-founder of the iconic band Kool & the Gang. The band, formed in 1969 has earned two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, 25 Top Ten R&B hits, nine Top Ten Pop hits and 31 gold and platinum albums. The group is the second most sampled band in Hip-Hop and R&B music, second only to James Brown. Learn more about Robert "Kool" Bell by reading Gary Johnson's print feature at https://blackmeninamerica.com/robert-kool-bell/
Check out this exclusive 4-part interview with Mildred Muhammad. As the ex-wife of the DC Sniper, Mildred travels and speaks on a global platform to discuss her life of terror, abuse, and heartache, all while promoting Domestic Abuse/Violence Awareness and Prevention. To watch our other exclusive interviews visit www.blackmeninamerica.com/mildred-muhammad
Maysa makes music for your soul. She just released a new double album, "Music For Your Soul!" If you are not familiar with Maysa, she is a GRAMMY nominated, and Soul Train Award winning recording artist from Baltimore, MD. She's been in the music business for 32 years starting as a vocalist for the Acid Jazz band Incognito, to a solo artist (including collaborations with Stevie Wonder, Angela Bofill, Will Downing, Jonathan Butler, Phil Perry to name a few. CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON MAYSA.
Donnese Monique is a very fit and healthy married mother of two, who had a heart attack. She almost IGNORED the signs that she was having a heart attack, because she did not RECOGNIZE the signs of a heart attack. Had it not been for a colleague who is a Nurse Practitioner, who immediately directed her to call her husband to notify him that she was going to the Emergency Room, Donnese may not be alive to share her story.
This is part 2 of a scheduled 4-part series of exclusive interviews conducted by Gary Johnson with Mildred Muhammad, an Award-Winning Global Keynote Speaker, Certified Consultant with the US Dept. of Justice/Office for Victims of Crime, Media Contributor, Domestic Abuse Survivor, Certified Domestic Violence Advocate, Advisory Board Member & Public Speaking Instructor for The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault Advocacy Network's Advisor, Best-Selling Author, Former Internet TV Talk Show Host, Trainer & Educator as well as a Certified Professional/Personal Development Consultant. As the ex-wife of the DC Sniper, Mildred travels and speaks on a global platform to discuss her life of terror, abuse, and heartache, all while promoting Domestic Abuse/Violence Awareness and Prevention. This conversation was conducted on April 27, 2022. For more exclusive and insightful interviews visit www.calculationstalkshow.com and www.blackmeninamerica.com #StopDomesticViolence #StopDomesticAbuse #CalculationsTalkShow
This is part 2 of a scheduled 4-part series of exclusive interviews conducted by Gary Johnson with Mildred Muhammad, an Award-Winning Global Keynote Speaker, Certified Consultant with the US Dept. of Justice/Office for Victims of Crime, Media Contributor, Domestic Abuse Survivor, Certified Domestic Violence Advocate, Advisory Board Member & Public Speaking Instructor for The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault Advocacy Network's Advisor, Best-Selling Author, Former Internet TV Talk Show Host, Trainer & Educator as well as a Certified Professional/Personal Development Consultant. As the ex-wife of the DC Sniper, Mildred travels and speaks on a global platform to discuss her life of terror, abuse, and heartache, all while promoting Domestic Abuse/Violence Awareness and Prevention. This conversation was conducted on April 27, 2022. For more exclusive and insightful interviews visit www.calculationstalkshow.com and www.blackmeninamerica.com #StopDomesticViolence #StopDomesticAbuse #CalculationsTalkShow
Watch parts 1 and 2, and learn how you can help in the challenge to STOP domestic violence.
Scott Frankfurt has an eye for talent, a golden ear and a platinum touch when it comes to developing and getting the most out of the talent that enters the studio bearing his name. Scott has had input or creative genius on thousands of recordings in almost every genre featuring Barbra Streisand, John Legend, Whitney Houston, The Temptations, The Khardashians, Sergio Mendes, Kool Moe Dee, Earth, Wind & Fire, Ashlee & Evan, Alphonso Johnson, Yo Yo Ma, Mervyn Warren (Take 6), Joe Brooks, Grant Fonda, Billy Joseph, Savannah Burrows, Chaka Khan, JP Saxe, The Manhattan Transfer, Christopher Cross, Vi Jordan, Smokey Robinson, and more.
Few stars, however, have been both celebrated and vilified by Black America to the extent of polarizing pop culture icon, Kanye West. He is the subject of a captivating new biography by author, professor, and Hip-Hop culture analyst Dr. Joshua Wright. The book is entitled, “Wake Up Mr. West: Kanye West and the Double Consciousness of the Black Celebrity.”
NOMAD is not only a career musician, he is “THE” Career Musician! He is a veteran in the entertainment business with credits and experience that spans decades. As a professional guitarist, he has worked and played with many of the most respected celebrity artists in music. He remains committed to pushing the envelope and has broadened his career by seeking and securing opportunities in other facets of the industry; such as operating as Music Director for Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, composing for film and television, and oh yeah, creating a podcast to help musicians have a sustainable career in the music business.
Ivana Céspedes Jordan, professionally known as Vi Jordan, is a Cuban-Mexican studio vocalist with expertise performing as a soloist and group singer in Latin, Jazz, R&B, Classical and Gospel genres. She is also an accomplished classical pianist, teacher and accompanist. Watch as she tells the story of how she got members of Earth, Wind & Fire to play on her first video and single. This is a story of perseverance and letting folks know what you want and need to be successful.
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