William “Smoke” Howard
Jan 29, 2012 Beyond The Music, Stars with a Pen, The Business of Music, Today's Stars
Do you remember the Ebonys? If you do, then you remember the Lead Singer, Mr William “Smoke” Howard.
There are some guest who make the process of interviewing effortless. Smoke Howard is one of those. It was extreme pleasure chatting with him this past Saturday, January 28, 2012 (which just happens to coincide with WDGP’s second anniversary, and we couldn’t think of a better way to commemorate it) The name of the show is Conversations and that is exactly what we did. Smoke is a man of strong conviction and that comes across in conversation. Take a listen to the interview and get a glimpse of this talented gentleman and enjoy the music, then go add it yo your collection.
“Smoke” has his second Solo Project completed entitled Give Me Your Heart. Smoke continues to reside in the Philadelphia area and works to keep the Philly sound alive. Join us as we chat with Mr Howard and explore the project.
You can follow Smoke on ReverbNation as well as Facebook
Music is available on CDBaby
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Tags: arranger, composer, encouragement, funk, giving back, Gospel, happy, Harmony, independent, independent record label, motivation, music, Old School, RnB, singer, singing, smooth, songwriter, Soulful, Talent, Uplifting, Vocalist
Meet LaVeda
Jan 15, 2012 Stars with a Pen, Today's Stars
On Saturday January 14, 2012, Conversations Hostess Diana Broomfield was blessed by a visit from the eclectic, talented, songstress, poet, producer, La Veda
La Veda is a soft spoken dynamo. She was introduced to various forms of music from her Father. At the age of seven she started her musical journey from her birth place of Miami Florida. She has been featured in TRACE magazine’s 1998’s Women in Music issue along with LAURYN HILL, MISSY ELLIOT, ERYKAH BADU, and JANET JACKSON, claiming the number nine (#9) spot. Not being confined to only singing, La Veda uses spoken word to help develop her songwriting skills and craft. In 1999, she took part in the DOUBLE TALK 3, HIP-HOP & RAP/POETRY festival in Amsterdam, featuring BAHAMADIA.
Listen to the interview and the music then find LaVeda on ReverbNation, Last FM, Bandcamp and Facebook.
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Tags: arranger, composer, funk, happy, Harmony, independent, independent record label, Jazz, music, Old School, performer, poet, preformer, producer, RnB, smooth, songwriter, Soulful, Talent, Vocalist
God is Speaking to Us
Dec 11, 2011 Beyond The Music, Spiritual Life, Stars with a Pen, Today's Stars
This is not just a title of one of Twon songs. it is indeed the message of most of the songs Twon writes and performs. On Saturday December 10, 2011, Twon sat down with Hostess Diana Broomfield and talked about his past, his family, his music and why he does what he does.
You see, Twon has a lot to say. He loves People and he wants you to know about the Goodness of God. Twon writes songs that give messages of Hope, Strength and Love. Add to that soulful beats and wonderful harmonies and you have the songs of Twon.
It’s hard not to love people when you grow up with 12 brothers and sisters. Twon and his family are known as the Gantt Singers. They grew up in the Detroit area and even auditioned at Motown, who wanted to sign them but Dad said no. None the less, Twon did get to perform with David Ruffin and has opened for Ms Vickie Winans.
Twon has been writing and recording music for years, and as such as a vast library of music ready to go. Take a listen to the interview and enjoy the music shared there. Then go to Twon’s website to sample more and most importantly, buy his CD’s
You can also find Twon on Facebook, befriend him there and look for his videos on YouTube as well.
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Tags: arranger, composer, Gospel, happy, Harmony, independent, independent record label, music, Old School, performer, singer, singing, smooth, songwriter, Soulful, Talent, Uplifting, Vocalist
Just Glow Listening Party
Nov 27, 2011 Stars with a Pen, Today's Stars
On November 26, 2011, Ms Gloria Ry’ann returned to Conversations after the digital release of her new EP Just Glow for a listening party with the WDGP listeners.
As always she was a gracious guest despite a few technical difficulties (we still don’t know how that Alien got in the studio) we were able to present the EP in it’s entirety and were even able to share a few other tidbits not included in the EP. Just Glow is a got to have it addition to your your music collection and you can download your copy straight from her website, Of course Gloria says if you see her anywhere she’ll be happy to sell you a hard copy on the spot. Either way, get it for your collection. Follow Gloria on Twitter and Facebook, she loves to interact with her Fans.
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Tags: funk, happy, Harmony, independent, independent record label, music, Old School, performer, RnB, singer, smooth, songwriter, Soulful, Talent, Uplifting, vocal range, Vocalist
Jayar of JACODA Records
Nov 6, 2011 Beyond The Music, Stars with a Pen, The Business of Music, Today's Stars
On Saturday November 5, Conversations hostess Diana Broomfield got to spend the evening with a truly handsome and talented gentleman who is about to celebrate 30 years in the music business. It was such a pleasure maneuvering down memory lane through his career.
Jayar is a Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, arranger, and producer, as well as a gifted singer. With an amazing four and a half octave range, his natural vocal talents are shared ranging from classic soul to hard-hitting blues. This extremely versatile artist has given many outstanding performances throughout the country and overseas. As a multi-instrumentalist, drums, bass, rhythm guitars, all keyboards and synthesizers are just a few of the more than 10 musical instruments JAYAR has mastered. JAYAR’s knowledge of musical arranging and orchestrating has enabled him to become a successful producer as well.
During their time together, Jayar told about the very first time he performed professionally and about his found memory of his father reaction to that event. He shared his first demo and thanked those who believed in him and encouraged him to be all he can be. They discussed how hard, determination and God’s will all combine into success. We also learned that Jayar is a perfectionist and the most critical of himself. He credited several mentors with teaching him how to excel in his craft and his business. Jayar is just an all around great guy. Take a listen and we’re sure you’ll agree. Connect with Jayar on Facebook.
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Tags: arranger, Band, composer, funk, Harmony, independent, independent record label, music, musician, Old School, performer, producer, RnB, singer, smooth, Soulful, Talent, Vocalist
Gloria Ry’ann the Songbird
Oct 9, 2011 Stars with a Pen, Today's Stars
On October 8, 2011, Conversations was pleased to a sit down with Ms Gloria Ry’ann. Gloria is a phenomenal singer, writer, arranger and sweet person.
She has taken the talent God gave her and honed it to the marvelous instrument you heard on her remake of Inside My Love, which is one of several gems to be heard on her EP Just Glow. Which is due to be released on November 11, 2011 in digital format, which means it will be available from you favorite music download site.
We caught up with Gloria right before her show in Springfield Mass. She told us that they were about to rock out in Springfield, we are positive that she did. Gloria shared that she has been singing all her life, according to her Mom, she was a singing baby. All we know is that she has a very very broad range. We have heard other vocalist try Minnie Rippleton’s Inside My Love, but she is the first one we have heard who might even surpass Minnie’s range. Take a listen to the interview and decide for yourself. You will be surprised at what she practiced to prepare for this feat. Once you have enjoyed the interview, head on over to her website to keep up with what’s going on in the world of Ms Ry’ann.
There is more good news. Gloria has agreed to return to WDGP next month for a formal Listening Party. We will keep you posted on the finalized date.
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Tags: arranger, composer, Harmony, independent, independent record label, motivation, music, Old School, performer, RnB, singer, singing, smooth, songwriter, Soulful, Talent, Uplifting, Vocalist
CitaGrandson (The Lost Episode)
Sep 28, 2011 Stars with a Pen, Today's Stars
This is an episode that aired on June 19, 2010 somehow it was lost during the transition to the new server in May of this year. So, just in case you missed it, it is reposted here.
Meet John Francis
Better known as John-John. John-John is a young man with an old soul. He is what used to be known as a “Crooner” He hails from Trinidad & Tobago and has a voice that is soulful beyond his years. He records on the Highway Records Label with Chromatics, Crown Prince of Hip Hop and can be heard delivering ear pleasing hooks on many of Chromatics’ and other Hip-Hop Artists on the label.
John-John also has his first solo CD available titled CitaGrandson. He chopped it up with Hostess Diana Broomfield on Conversations and among other things explained the name of his CD. Take a Listen to the interview and the music and follow John-John on Facebook.
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Tags: funk, Harmony, hip-hop, independent, independent record label, music, Old School, performer, RnB, singer, singing, smooth, Soulful, Talent, Vocalist
Jeff Majors
Sep 25, 2011 Beyond The Music, Legends, Today's Stars
Conversations was graced with the presence of DC’s Native Son Jeff Majors
As a native of Washington, D.C., music flowed throughout the household of JeffMajors courtesy of his mother Annie P. Fitzgerald — a talented jazz trumpeter in her own right with a circle of friends which included legendary actress and singer Pearl Bailey.
At age 15, JeffMajors had a dream in which he saw himself strumming the harp; an instrument he had never played before. Inspired, he used the dream to fuel his passion for music and literally change the course of his life. With the harp hand-made for him by a local music store owner, he began to pursue mastery of the
He spent the next several years in Los Angeles studying under the wings of jazz pianist and harpist Alice Coltrane, wife of jazz legend John Coltrane. He later teamed up with legendary jazz harpist Dorothy Ashby. He returned to the Washington D.C. area, where he formed several jazz bands and became a radio personality at Radio One. This led to the opportunity to host “Sunday Joy,” the semi syndicated inspirational and gospel on-air ministry that can be heard on Magic 95.9 and 102.3 in the Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia area. From there he evolved into the vice presidency of gospel music programming for the Radio One network of
Hailed as an inspirational jazz / gospel producer and renowned harp master JeffMajors has touched the hearts of millions through his television program, TV One’s “Gospel of Music with JeffMajors,” along with his faith-affirming, soul-stirring Sacred series and outreach initiatives that include his annual nationwide free concert tour “JeffMajors Blankets for the Homeless,” and most recently “Hiphop for the Homeless.” During which there are performances and provision of clothing, blankets and other items necessary for surviving life on the
After being welcomed to perform on her talk show, media mogul Oprah Winfrey stated that the music of JeffMajors, “…energizes my faith and transports my spirit. For me, it is the best way to start my day.” And when he was hand-picked by the Martin Luther King Family to perform at Coretta Scott King’s memorial service, JeffMajors demonstrated that his music could console a Nation
Today, he appears in more than 40 million homes through “The Gospel of Music with JeffMajors,” the flagship program on TV One. The hit show provides a venue for diverse well-known and emerging talent, and has showcased some of the biggest names in the industry, including James Ingram, Mavis Staples, Shirley Caesar, Yolanda Adams and Gerald Levert in his last television appearance.
It was my extreme pleasure to have this Gentleman on Conversations. It was even more special to know we are not only from the same city, but share the same values. If you are in any of the cities that will house Jeff Majors National Homeless Tour, I hope you will get involved in whatever way you can. Remember, For He who is much is given, much is expected. As Mr Majors said, “Give from the heart and you will be Blessed…”
Enjo the interview and keep up with Jeff Majors via his website.
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Tags: arranger, composer, encouragement, giving back, Harmony, harp, independent, independent record label, motivation, music, musician, Old School, performer, smooth
An Evening with Kroshet
Sep 18, 2011 Beyond The Music, Stars with a Pen, Today's Stars
On September 17, Conversations was graced by the presence of Realness in the form of Mr Kroshet Chaney.
Kroshet was our guest not just for an hour but for the entire show. Kroshet and Diana discussed everything from music to beliefs to hardships to perseverance to social networking to family and back to music with lots of fun and laughter mixed in. Kroshet shared that he has recently signed with a Label in the UK and will produce 7 more CD projects for them. We can’t wait to hear them. We knew Kroshet was a winner from the onset, but now the world does too. Kroshet won the 2011 World Competitions for R&B and Smooth Jazz. These competitions are held each year in different parts of the world with just over 42 countries taking part. This is to bring the best in the world in the area of Arts to the forefront. Kroshet won Gold for best Vocal Ability, Best Song Writer and Best Performance. This year’s competition was held at the Hilton Hotel in Burbank California. Kroshet will soon hit the road as he’s been invited to perform in many Countries. WDGP congratulates Kroshet on this magnificent complement to his awesome talent. It was a wonderful evening and if you missed it, you missed a treat. We have, however, provided an abbreviated version for your listening pleasure. Keep up with Kroshet via his Facebook Page and support him as you do all our Artists by purchasing your favorites for your personal collections.
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Tags: arranger, composer, Gospel, happy, Harmony, independent record label, Jazz, motivation, music, Old School, preformer, producer, RnB, singer, smooth, Soulful, Talent, Uplifting
Ms Candy Rose
Jul 19, 2011 Beyond The Music, Stars with a Pen, Today's Stars, Worthy Charities
” Queen of Hooks! Candy Rose Knows how to draw you in. She knows how to create a beat that moves the heart and a rhythm that frees the soul.” – Zack “The Mothman” Daggy – Producer, DJ, Radio Host & Author (Enough said)
Artist: Candy Rose
EP Title: Hooked On You
Release Date: May 1st, 2011
Label: CandyRose Inc.
Candy’s Website
Follow Candy on Facebook
and Twitter
Hooked On You is the latest offering from London based singer/Songwriter, Candy Rose. She’s been dubbed the Queen of Hooks, the Voice of Superdrug, and a very public advocate for the homeless, supporting the homeless charity, Shelter, through sales of her release, London. She has won international awards for her music, performed at International Music festivals and had her work featured in various movies/DVD’s.
A Nigerian born unsigned, independent Artist, whose music and lyrics has been striking the right chords since she hit the airwaves in 2009. She must be doing something right to have the likes of Paula Abdul, and Patrick Stump following her tweets; and have her songs featured in Superdrug branches around the UK, including Birmingham Bull Ring.
It was such a pleasure to speak with Ms Rose. She is someone who has it altogether. She has a plan and she remembers from where she came and gives back. Take a listen and I’m sure you will agree that she is both talented and real.
All music by Candy Rose can be found on iTunes, Amazon, CD baby, Rhapsody, Spotify and of course on her website as well as many more.
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Tags: artist, beautiful, confident, giving back, happy, Harmony, independent, music, preformer, singer, smooth, songwriter, Talent, Vocalist
