“You get to spend time with people
on a personal level and talk about Soul Train. It is the foundation of how most
black acts got their exposure. Don [Cornelius]
basically gave black acts the exposure that showed the rest of the world how
black entertainment was done,” he says.
Although they’ve been performing
since 1963, their first recoding was in 1964 which is why they hope to release
a new album in 2014. Yet, Scott revealed
that with today’s music industry climate that may not happen since veteran acts
have a tougher time securing airplay and promotional support. “Hopefully we can
come out with some new product. The bigger problem is in today’s market we are
trying to get distribution and marketing, but I can’t say we will at this
point. We’ve also written a book about our career and are trying to get that
distributed too.”
If The Whispers
need additional career support one person they can turn to is Double XXposure
Media Relations founder, Angelo Ellerbee.
As we reach the end of African-American Music Appreciation Month, Ellerbee shared with us some essential thoughts on the
state of African-American music and the need for greater artist development.
“People are around picking up checks not doing the job and not giving the kind
of direction that an artist needs to have today,” he asserts.
Ellerbee understands this firsthand having worked with some of music’s biggest names
ranging from Michael Jackson to DMX (whom he also managed). It was Ellerbee’s experience with the latter that demonstrates
the kind of support he believes today’s rising talent desperately needs. “With DMX we are talking about him dealing with his own demons.
When I managed him and did publicity subliminally I did artist development. He
was very religious and when he would get upset I would say ‘Earl did you pray
today?’ I would find myself praying with him and telling him how much he meant
to me. He had family issues and that had to be resolved to get to a point of
success.” Ellerbee continues to give
such care to his current clients as he simultaneously works on a book and TV
show about the music business from his perspective.
Aspiring singers seeking their
chance to perform before Hollywood’s shot callers will want to be part of Showtime in Hollywood on
June 27th featuring a special guest performance by Tank. The winner receives $500 and the chance to return
and defend their title. The woman behind the event is power publicist, branding
director and author, Elvira Guzman.
.
Giving further exposure to
tomorrow’s stars is actress/photographer Chenoa Maxwell. Recently
she debuted her solo exhibition at Canoe Studios in New York, Leaders of the New Cool.
The one-night pop-up photo exhibit highlighted those who are defining today's
pop culture landscape including Chef Roble,
supermodel Sessilee Lopez and singer/TV
personality Po Johnson. The project was a
passionate endeavor for Maxwell who
shares a special connection to each subject, especially Johnson.
“Po
specifically came into my life and taught me the power of grace,” she says. “In
every situation this woman emits a warm wonderful light that reminds me that
even in the worst moments, if you choose to stay a class act and lead with
love, positive things follow.”
The event was taped for the OWN
pilot of a reality show titled, “Girls Interrupted.” The concept involves four
close women supporting each other through real life crises including breast
cancer, relationship issues, career challenges and in the case of Maxwell, infertility.
One of the major health issues
affecting the African-American community in the United States is HIV, according
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In light of this fact, international HIV/AIDS activist Hydeia Broadbent continues to bring awareness to National
HIV Testing Day which is Thursday June 27.
Taking care of one’s health comes
first before you can even consider being around to celebrate 50 years of
anything in life.
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