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Charles Perry Celebrates 20 Years in Music
July 11th, 2012 
Rest is not a word that exists in Charles Perry’s vocabulary, not at this point and time. Fresh off of the BET Music Matters stage at the BET Awards, he’s celebrating a milestone in his career, 20 years in the music business. From New York’s musical theatre stages to the pinnacle of Black entertainment, Charles Perry has steadily laid a foundation and footpath towards twenty years in a business that eats its young.
Each step has been in excellence
Excellence is a word that comes up often in conversation with Perry; it’s his driving force, his eternal quest as an artist and a man. That pursuit of excellence has kept him up for nights on end as he films music videos, works to complete his debut album and put together a show befitting of its cause. As a result, he’s driving the staff of the show insane with his demands, because he wants to make sure that his family, friends and fans are treated to a memorable night that celebrates the journey from Brooklyn to the top of the world.
The story of Charles Perry dates back to the early 80’s in Brooklyn or millions of light years away on Planet Soul. Regardless of his origins, he landed in Luther Vandross’ sight while performing in Mama I Want to Sing as a teenager and he’s shared stages with some of the greatest artists of our time like Luther and Michael Jackson. His talent undeniable, his drive unrelenting and goals just a touch away, Charles Perry has steadily worked towards showcasing his gifts on a large stage.
Funny that a YouTube clip of him performing Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes’ “Home” caught the attention of the BET braintrust and earned him an invite to perform at the award show. The video finds Charles at his animated best, showcasing his personality alongside his soulful, gospel-tinged voice. A few months ago that rendition swept the internet, last week, it was performed live in front of millions.
Blessings
As he prepares to step on stage at Joe’S Pub, in the heart of New York City, Charles Perry has lost count of the blessings in his life. However, he’s able to share two with those who are fans of his music, his incredible voice and the twenty years he’s put into the business. He’s brought in a load of some of the best talent around to share the stage with him and by the end of the night, everyone in attendance will have felt the excellence Charles Perry pursues. There are still a few tickets remaining for tomorrow’s show (www.joespub.com) and if you have the misfortune of not being able to attend, follow him on Twitter @TheCharlesPerry or “like” his Facebook page www.Facebook.com/thecharlesperrymusic and as always, may the Soul be with you!
Q Parker Falls Back Into Step with 112; Continues Solo Stumping
July 11th, 2012
Q Parker has been a busy man lately; he’s been on the road promoting his single “Show You How”, in the studio putting the finishing touches on debut album The MANual and being a devoted husband and father. However, he took a break from his busy schedule to find himself in a familiar place…in line with Mike, Slim and Daron as 112 hit the stage at Atlantic City’s House of Blues for the first time in close to seven years.
Those first few rehearsal sessions found the guys of out-of-sync, but once they found their groove, it felt like 1996 all over again. Then 1998, 2001, 2003 and next thing Q knew they were onstage before a crowd that’s waited with baited breath for 112’s return. Much to the delight of the crowd, the kinks were worked out and the guys looked and sounded like they haven’t missed a beat as they poured through their catalog and then individually went into solo stage time. Being on stage with the guys had to feel great, but the reaction Q received when he performed “Show You How” had to be especially special; the eruption when the beat dropped and the ladies singing along was proof positive that all of his hard work was paying off.
It wasn’t the first eruption he caused for the night, which came as he took his shirt off, officially making it a 112 party! He’s been the “one that takes his shirt off” since the group’s inception and has done a great job not only keeping in shape, but maintaining a healthy living lifestyle. He displays his physique a bit more candidly, as well as a few fitness tips in this year’s edition of his fitness calendar, visit www.qparkerfitnesscalendar.com for more information.
Time hasn’t robbed Q Parker of the wisdom and experience it offers us all; he’s paid tremendous detail to the lessons 16 years in this business has taught him and he’s applying as he launching his solo career on his own terms. Over the next few months, you’ll find Q Parker in a city near you doing spot dates on his own and with 112. Follow him on Twitter @qparker112 and Facebook.com/qparkermusic to stay up-to-date on news, concert dates and release information.
See you in the next chapter…
Egypt Sherrod Interviews the Queen of Soul
July 4th, 2012
Since Egypt Sherrod made the decision to take her top-rated radio show to Atlanta’s V-103, she’s infused the South’s Metropolis with her brand of star power and community awareness, while keeping her finger square on the pulse of the city. In recent weeks she’s interviewed the much-maligned Mimi Faust (“Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta”), the soon-to-be Mrs. Chad Ochocino Evelyn Lozada and the always entertaining Braxton sisters.
However, it was her recent interview with the legendary Aretha Franklin that ranks among the crowning jewels of Egypt’s stellar career. The Queen of Soul recently called into the Queen of the Radio’s show to discuss a variety of subjects.
Read’s Egypt’s thoughts on interviewing the legend:
I thought the highlight of my career was when PRINCE surprised me in the studio and talked to me on my show for a whole 45 minutes – in person! But today may have even trumped that. The Living Soul Legend, Ms. Aretha Franklin, The QUEEN OF SOUL, called me today. We talked about her honorary doctorate degree from Princeton University, her top three most memorable moments in her career, and the status of her biopic!
Listen or read the interview at Egypt Said So…
Avery*Sunshine Live at Drom: Memories in the Making
April 16th, 2012
A few hundred feet below Avenue A in New York City, Drom provided the intimate atmosphere needed for an evening with Avery*Sunshine. From the moment she stepped onstage to the very last CD she signed, you never got the feeling that you weren’t family to the Chester, PA native, ATL resident, as she laughed, joked, shared and relived moments many of us have similar memories of. The ever-present smile on Avery*Sunshine’s face eased the tedium of your 9-5, because on this night, your worries were left at the top of the stairway and you were in the presence of the one of the brightest lights in music.
Oh yeah, she sings too…
The opening lines from her debut single “All in My Head” drew a rousing response from the audience as she belted out the familiar story of misconstrued relationship speak, but it was the transition into Anita Baker’s timeless classic “Sweet Love” that put me on notice that we were in for a special evening. There’s something about Avery*Sunshine that separates her from other artists; it’s more than her amazing vocal range, it has much to do with who she is as a woman and how she connects to those in her presence, in your iPod or in-person. To this point, she moved from behind her piano and photographed each section of the audience with her phone before casually sitting down to resume the show.
It’s those moments and the stories in her songs that relate Avery*Sunshine to the everyday fan; they may not all be her stories, but they are stories that you and I have lived. For instance, “Pinin’” tells the story of a relationship that’s run its course and years later, she’s still aching over that man or as the old folks say, pining. Tell me you haven’t been there. To hear her sing it live is to know her pain, know her struggle with moving forth, you know it’s real.
Nestled in a corner area stage right were members of her family, including sister Maia Wilson (currently performing in Book of Mormon on Broadway) and her niece who was celebrating a birthday. They would come to play a prominent part in the night’s festivities as the show was interrupted when the venue’s staff brought out a birthday cake and Ms. Sunshine stopped the music to sing “Happy Birthday”, before promptly picking up right where she left off. It was also the calls from that corner of the room that turned our Thursday night into revival. Showing off her background leading some of the most dynamic choirs on the East Coast, she led her family and the audience through “Blessin’ Me” from her debut album and the Gospel mainstay, “Safe in His Arms”, the latter bringing most of the crowd to its feet in praise…not for her, but for the God who made it possible for them to be at Drom that night.
The emotions were running high and the time low, but there were enough ticks remaining to go into “Ugly Part of Me”, her latest release. We learned during her prelude that radio programmers didn’t believe she had a radio friendly song on 2010’s Avery*Sunshine, but nearly two years later, “Ugly Part of Me” is in rotation around the country and the video is on VH1-Soul and other stations. However, you won’t hear the rousing version she performed in New York City anywhere else, nor will that version have the special appearance her sister made. It was truly a beautiful moment in music to hear their voices mesh to make magic.
“I Got Sunshine” is a motivational anthem with the type of upbeat instrumentation that’s guaranteed to get you moving and coupled at her piano with her niece the birthday girl, it was the perfect note to end the show on, until the evening’s mistress of ceremonies Fiona Bloom urged her return to the microphone for an encore. Crowd participation was on display as she led us through versions of Aretha Franklin’s “Jump to It”, Luther Vandross’ “Never Too Much” and Michael Jackson “Rock with You”, an exclamation point on an extraordinary night.
Five minutes away from Drom I stopped and smiled. I remembered a little anecdote from the show, then a song, a note, the reaction of the crowd and I recognized that the moment I just experienced was turning into a sweet memory. Turn your moments into memories when Avery*Sunshine comes to a city near you, visit www.AverySunshine.com to unlock her social media portal to stay up-to-date with the magic she creates.
This post was submitted by Al-Lateef Farmer.
Charles Perry Covers “Home”
March 12th, 2012
You gotta love Charles Perry! I can’t recall anyone having as much fun as he does musically; his facial expressions, the way he bends his notes, teases with his range and the energy that goes into his performances, live and otherwise. And of course, the aliases: Soul Boy, the Soul Superhero and a list of others if you give him time to tell you.
An example of that fun is the recent YouTube clip he released of his cover of “Home”, originally performed by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. I know the word “who” popped into mind, but that’s exactly what makes Charles Perry so unique, his knack of making anything soulful and his! A simple Google search will find him putting his “stank” on various classics and a taste of what his live show is like.
For now, enjoy this rendition of “Home” and prepare for the Charles Perry takeover…
This post was submitted by Al-Lateef Farmer.
Egypt Sherrod Kicks Off 2012 with a Bang!
March 2nd, 2012
(New York, NY / Atlanta, GA – March 1, 2012) — 2012 is proving to be a year of change, growth and exciting new opportunities for nationally recognized TV host and top-rated radio personality, Egypt Sherrod.
As 2012 marks a year of great promise, it also welcomes new ventures. Egypt has accepted a position as the new midday host at Atlanta’s #1 radio station, WVEE / V-103 (owned by CBS Radio). This move allows Egypt to connect with millions of listeners throughout the Atlanta metro area, while also giving her New York listeners and others nationwide a chance to tune into her daily radio show which will also stream online at www.v-103.com.
“I’m very excited about Egypt joining the V-103/WAOK-CBS Radio family. Egypt is one of the top air personalities in the country, and we look forward to her being a part of our TEAM,” states Reggie Rouse, VP of Urban Programming for CBS Radio and Program Director for V-103/WAOK – Atlanta.
CBS Radio’s Sr.VP/Atlanta Market Manager, Rick Caffey adds, “Egypt’s talent, national appeal and professionalism is the perfect combination to compliment our current all star line-up and take mid-days to the next level.”
Prior to accepting the position at V-103, Egypt (a 16-year broadcasting veteran) ended 2011 on a high note as one of New York City’s top ranking midday radio personalities impacting millions of listeners each day with her popular radio program, “Middays with Egypt” which aired daily 10 am-3 pm. In less than two years, Egypt helped catapult the ratings for her daypart to #1 ranking among other New York City urban adult contemporary stations and #4 among all stations (in the adult 25-54 year old demo), across all formats in the “big apple” (according to Arbitron research data).
Egypt continues to expand her brand as the newest addition to HGTV’s highly-rated network as the host season #8 of the hit series, “Property Virgins.” She debuted on HGTV in January of this year with strong ratings week after week. Egypt’s new duty has further broadened her audience appeal, and exposed them to her vast knowledge about one of her other passions and professions, real estate.
Egypt also expanded her acting resume by co-starring in “LIFE, LOVE, SOUL.” This tragedy-to-triumph story of a seventeen-year-old honor student coping with the sudden death of his mother, played by Tami Roman, actress and star of VH1′s hit reality show “Basketball Wives.” In the film Egypt plays (Carrie) the “tell it like it is” sister to Tami Roman’s character (Renee). “LIFE, LOVE, SOUL” recently won the 2012 “Audience Award” at the renowned Urbanworld Film Festival. The film also stars seasoned actors, Jamie Hector (NBC’s “Heros” and HBO’s “The Wire”) and Terri Vaughn (“Meet The Browns,” “All Of Us,” and “The Steve Harvey Show”).
In addition to her growing list of titles, Egypt’s most exciting new role is having become a mommy January 12, 2012 with the birth of her daughter, Kendall Rae Jackson.
“It’s hard to fully express how blessed I feel at this moment about everything that is coming to fruition in my career and personal life. Joining the CBS Radio family at Atlanta’s #1 rated station V-103 which features not only top-notch on-air talent like Frank Ski & Wanda Smith, Ryan Cameron, Greg Street, but leadership by first-class executives with vision like Rick Caffey and Reggie Rouse is so refreshing!” stated Egypt. “Add to that my new hosting position with Property Virgins on HGTV, the most prominent acting role I’ve had thus far and the birth of my daughter, and I literally feel like I am on top of the world,” Egypt added.
“Even after working with her for 16 years, I still marvel at how Egypt does such a phenomenal job of giving her absolute best to her thriving career, her family and her faith. She is a winner in every sense of the word! By Egypt joining powerhouse broadcasting outlets, CBS Radio’s V-103 in Atlanta and HGTV, 2012 is already proving to be a year full of excitement and growth,” added Amber Noble-Garland, Egypt’s manager and CEO of I For Talent Management.
For more information on Egypt Sherrod, please visit www.EgyptSherrod.com, www.EgyptSaidSo.com, www.EgyptCares.org, Twitter.com/EgyptSaidSo, www.Facebook.com/EgyptSherrod.
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This post was submitted by Al-Lateef Farmer.
A Little “Love Sick” on Valentine’s Day
February 14th, 2012Candice Anitra moves to the beat of the funky drummer and that’s never been more evident than with her new release “Love Sick”; an urgent plea for self-love and an aggressive approach for self-respect. When she is moved, she flows and words and images attach to the parts of her brain that creates aural and visual magic for her thoughts.
“Love Sick” is not your typical song and releasing it on Valentine’s Day is typical for Anitra, as she attempts to spread the love she has developed for herself to young woman who in her words, “Find themselves in a body they don’t have an owner’s manual for”. “Love Sick” is as important as Candice Anitra is right now. She’s a voice to those that believe no one is speaking for them.
Candice Anitra releases her second album, “The Big Tree”, March 28th.
This post was submitted by Al-Lateef Farmer.
Raheem Devaughn Takes Us to “Loveland” with “Be the One”
February 13th, 2012
Fresh off of his upcoming EP, “Destination: Loveland (hosted by DJ Snoop A Delic)”, Raheem Devaughn delivers “Be the One” with an assist from Hip-Hop legend Snoop Dogg just in time for Valentine’s Day.
“Destination: Loveland” features appearances from world-renowned poet Dr. Maya Angelou, Grammy nominated artist Marsha Ambrosius, R&B crooner Dwele and 368 Music Group recording artist Phil Ade and will be released especially for the lovers on February 14.
The self-proclaimed “R&B Rockstar, Neo-Soul Hippie” continues to bridge the gap between 70′s Soul music and contemporary R&B as only Radio Raheem can do.
This post was submitted by Al-Lateef Farmer.
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