My musical journey began in 1977 as a rapper and DJ (www.thafoundation.com ) with aspirations of becoming the next Hank Spann. My career path changed however, after meeting producer Freddie Perren who advised me to go to college and study music. After receiving my degree from VSU, I went to work for Hush Productions managing tours for Freddie Jackson, Najee, Meli’sa Morgan and others.
After four years with Hush, I became a Talent Agent for ABC representing Phyllis Hyman, Anita Baker, BB King, Regina Belle and signed artists Salt and Pepa, Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince and more. Realizing my dream of working in the record business, I landed a job at CEMA Distribution. During that time I produced and published the #1 Billboard single from Eric Gable, “Remember The First Time” as well as the rap hit “Midnight Hour” by Spice MC, both on EMI.
Next, I met my mentor Glynice Coleman who took me to EMI where she and Varnell Johnson groomed me to be a record executive. During my tenure at EMI, I worked in various positions including sales, marketing and promotion for artists such as Natalie Cole, The O’Jays, Jaz & Jay Z and Arrested Development. After EMI, I began creating record labels and distribution companies for artists such as Teena Marie, JT Taylor (Kool & the Gang) and Prince.
I then opened Celebrity Talent Agency and worked as an agent for musician and actors including Lynn Whitfield, Derek Luke and Pam Grier. I published my first book “The Grandmaster Flash Story” (Doubleday) and also negotiated TV commercials, reality shows and projects such as “The Get Down” and “God’s Not Dead 3” for Grandmaster Flash and Dr. Cissy Houston. My passion is now my career and the theatrical business has become my lifestyle. The song that once inspired my career has now become my anthem, “The Other Side of the Rainbow” by Melba Moore.
I can be reached at www.celebritytalentagency.com