Derrick Hodge: My Church Roots to Career Sacrifices

Derrick Hodge fell in love with the electric bass when he was seven at Beulah Baptist Church in Philadelphia, and has never looked back. He continued developing his talent at Temple University, and while touring with Jill Scott. He has collaborated on over fifty albums with other artists such as …

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KEM: The Perfect “Kemistry” for Music

Kem Owens has a timeless appeal, which draws his fans into each lyric he sings. This Detroit native has graced the charts with music, which keeps us tuned in for his next creative project. This singer, songwriter, and producer, has a style that he solely owns, and is respected for doing. …

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Talib Kweli: Prisoner of Conscious

Talib Kweli has released some of the most seminal albums in hip-hop, such as Reflection Eternal with DJ Hi Tek, and Black Star his collaboration with Mos Def — among many other great releases. He appears as a guest with some of the cream of hip-hop, including Kanye West, Common …

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Chris Turner: Making Good Music and Loving Life

Chris Turner, originating from Oakland, California knew at the age of four he wanted to be a singer. What he didn’t know was the impact his sound would have on the world. Whether you listen to Hip-Hop, R&B, or jazz, Chris will definitely satisfy your need for music. His sounds …

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Earl Klugh: The Smooth Jazz Entrepreneur

Grammy Award-winning artist Earl Klugh tells how he keeps it fresh, balancing his Smooth Jazz Style with new Jazz artists in an ever-changing genre, Jazz. He brings an air of levity, friends, and fun into the production of his annual Boardmoor Jazz Festival amidst the Colorado Rockies. Earl received his …

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Pete Escovedo: Music as A Business

Latin Jazz legend, Pete Escovedo, has captivated audiences worldwide with his musical prowess and insight. From the early formation of the Escovedo Bros Latin Jazz Sextet, to his days with Santana alongside his brother Coke Escovedo—and the subsequent launch of their joint venture, Latin Rock-Jazz fusion group, Azteca. Staff Writer …

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Etienne Charles: The Melting Pot of Creole Soul

Etienne Charles is a versatile professional who serves in the multiple roles of performer, arranger, composer and educator at Michigan State University. He has already released three albums since 2006, and is releasing Creole Soul this year, an album that prominently includes Afro-Caribbean influences. Etienne Charles has an intelligent passion for music, which he displays …

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Maxine Gordon: The Life of Dexter Gordon

Dexter Gordon was one of the most definitive voices of the bebop movement.  Ranging from John Coltrane to Jackie McLean, Gordon sketched the stylistic framework for countless artists. As it often goes with jazz, he himself was a by-product of his musical predecessors—more specifically, Lester Young. Resulting from that exposure, …

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Algebra: Music is Just Good Arithmetic

Algebra Blessett, a singer and songwriter began singing background vocals for artists such as Bilal and Monica. In 2006, she released her first single, “U Do It For Me” and in 2008 her debut album, Purpose was released. This Atlanta native has also collaborated with India.Arie and Esperanza Spalding and …

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Maysa: Ten Albums and Still Going Strong

Maysa Leak, simply known as Maysa is celebrating the release of her 10th solo album, Blue Velvet Soul. Maysa has received much acclaim as a solo artist as well as her work with Incognito for many years. She has consistently given her audiences and fans the music and performances they …

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George Duke: His Last Words and Music Changed the World

When truly considering the task of the artist, it is then that we realize that they are the closest we will ever get to meeting gods on Earth. Out of nothing they create that which leaves us speechless. And yet, here we are, once again, attempting to articulate their conception …

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Chanté Moore: In the Moment

It’s no surprise that most singing artists have a foundation of singing in the church. Chanté Moore is no exception. Born in San Francisco, California, and raised in San Diego, Moore – the daughter of a minister, decided she would sing fulltime after playing Dorothy in her high-school’s rendition of …

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