1 00:00:08,460 --> 00:00:09,825 The In Black America theme music, an instrumental by Kyle Turner. 2 00:00:15,950 --> 00:00:17,989 From the University of Texas 3 00:00:17,990 --> 00:00:19,841 at Austin, KUT Radio, This 4 00:00:21,350 --> 00:00:23,179 is In Black America. 5 00:00:23,180 --> 00:00:24,059 Would you like to? 6 00:00:24,060 --> 00:00:26,099 This month was established June 7 00:00:26,100 --> 00:00:28,099 7th, 1979, 8 00:00:28,100 --> 00:00:30,199 and declared so at the urging 9 00:00:30,200 --> 00:00:31,729 of the Black Music Association, 10 00:00:31,730 --> 00:00:33,259 which is no longer in existence. 11 00:00:33,260 --> 00:00:35,209 But then President Jimmy Carter 12 00:00:35,210 --> 00:00:37,669 had been asked by Clarence Evans, 13 00:00:37,670 --> 00:00:39,739 the Godfather and numerous 14 00:00:39,740 --> 00:00:41,839 other people to host an event for 15 00:00:41,840 --> 00:00:43,429 the members of the Black music 16 00:00:43,430 --> 00:00:45,139 community. And it was a performance. 17 00:00:45,140 --> 00:00:47,449 That day was a picnic style event 18 00:00:47,450 --> 00:00:48,229 at the White House. 19 00:00:48,230 --> 00:00:50,119 I had the honor that day 20 00:00:50,120 --> 00:00:52,039 of sitting with Kenny Gamble 21 00:00:52,040 --> 00:00:54,169 and President and Mrs. 22 00:00:54,170 --> 00:00:56,509 Carter and their daughter Amy. 23 00:00:56,510 --> 00:00:58,009 So that was really exciting. 24 00:00:58,010 --> 00:00:59,359 It was my first visit to the White 25 00:00:59,360 --> 00:01:01,279 House. But that day 26 00:01:01,280 --> 00:01:03,379 we asked President 27 00:01:03,380 --> 00:01:05,089 Carter to acknowledge the 28 00:01:05,090 --> 00:01:06,949 African-American music industry, 29 00:01:06,950 --> 00:01:08,779 to recognize that Black music not 30 00:01:08,780 --> 00:01:11,329 only was a tremendous cultural 31 00:01:11,330 --> 00:01:13,429 lightning rod, but also 32 00:01:13,430 --> 00:01:15,559 an economic engine that 33 00:01:15,560 --> 00:01:17,419 is exported all over the 34 00:01:17,420 --> 00:01:18,049 world. 35 00:01:18,050 --> 00:01:20,329 Dyana Williams, radio and television 36 00:01:20,330 --> 00:01:22,369 personality, music industry, 37 00:01:22,370 --> 00:01:24,529 professional journalist, celebrity 38 00:01:24,530 --> 00:01:26,179 coach, member of the Board of 39 00:01:26,180 --> 00:01:27,859 Directors, National Museum of 40 00:01:27,860 --> 00:01:29,839 African American Music and 41 00:01:29,840 --> 00:01:31,879 co originator and co-founder 42 00:01:31,880 --> 00:01:34,129 of Black Music Month. 43 00:01:34,130 --> 00:01:35,989 This past June, we celebrate the 44 00:01:35,990 --> 00:01:38,179 41st anniversary of the 45 00:01:38,180 --> 00:01:40,909 American Music Appreciation Month, 46 00:01:40,910 --> 00:01:42,899 first introduced on June seven 47 00:01:42,900 --> 00:01:45,109 of 1979 by President 48 00:01:45,110 --> 00:01:46,219 Jimmy Carter. 49 00:01:46,220 --> 00:01:48,199 When it was Black Music Month, 50 00:01:48,200 --> 00:01:50,179 President Barack Obama renamed 51 00:01:50,180 --> 00:01:52,189 a national observance as 52 00:01:52,190 --> 00:01:54,439 African-American Music Appreciation 53 00:01:54,440 --> 00:01:55,399 Month. 54 00:01:55,400 --> 00:01:57,469 Created to recognize and celebrate 55 00:01:57,470 --> 00:01:59,449 the influence of African-Americans 56 00:01:59,450 --> 00:02:01,699 have had on the music industry 57 00:02:01,700 --> 00:02:03,589 is produced to honor the many 58 00:02:03,590 --> 00:02:06,049 artists, writers, song and albums 59 00:02:06,050 --> 00:02:07,969 that have inspired music lovers 60 00:02:07,970 --> 00:02:10,549 and shaped American pop culture. 61 00:02:10,550 --> 00:02:12,829 Had it not been for Williams effort, 62 00:02:12,830 --> 00:02:14,509 this celebration would not have 63 00:02:14,510 --> 00:02:15,619 happened. 64 00:02:15,620 --> 00:02:16,620 I'm John L. Hanson Jr. and 65 00:02:17,810 --> 00:02:19,789 welcome to another edition of In 66 00:02:19,790 --> 00:02:21,859 Black America on this week's 67 00:02:21,860 --> 00:02:23,869 program, Black Music Month and 68 00:02:23,870 --> 00:02:25,909 the National Museum of African 69 00:02:25,910 --> 00:02:29,299 American Music with Dyana Williams 70 00:02:29,300 --> 00:02:30,709 In Black America. 71 00:02:30,710 --> 00:02:32,209 One of the people who've been at the 72 00:02:32,210 --> 00:02:34,669 forefront of documenting and sharing 73 00:02:34,670 --> 00:02:36,649 Black folk contributions in 74 00:02:36,650 --> 00:02:37,699 America. 75 00:02:37,700 --> 00:02:39,439 You've got to see what our wonderful 76 00:02:39,440 --> 00:02:41,479 curators have done are 77 00:02:41,480 --> 00:02:43,879 doing in Nashville with the museum. 78 00:02:43,880 --> 00:02:44,929 I did a hard hat visit. 79 00:02:44,930 --> 00:02:46,639 Let me tell you a little story. 80 00:02:46,640 --> 00:02:48,589 After a board meeting, I went 81 00:02:48,590 --> 00:02:50,479 with Henry Hicks, the CEO 82 00:02:50,480 --> 00:02:52,429 of our museum, to a 83 00:02:52,430 --> 00:02:54,259 hard hat visit, and I 84 00:02:54,260 --> 00:02:56,719 cannot tell you the level of pride 85 00:02:56,720 --> 00:02:58,609 that I felt walking through this 86 00:02:58,610 --> 00:03:01,519 still under construction facility. 87 00:03:01,520 --> 00:03:03,439 But seeing the vision, knowing 88 00:03:03,440 --> 00:03:05,659 the vision from our countless hours 89 00:03:05,660 --> 00:03:08,119 of board meetings and conversations 90 00:03:08,120 --> 00:03:10,039 and fundraising events, 91 00:03:10,040 --> 00:03:11,989 I cannot wait to take my 92 00:03:11,990 --> 00:03:14,419 86 year young mama 93 00:03:14,420 --> 00:03:16,579 in the fall to Nashville 94 00:03:16,580 --> 00:03:18,649 to walk her through our 95 00:03:18,650 --> 00:03:19,759 history. 96 00:03:19,760 --> 00:03:21,709 Our museum will document 97 00:03:21,710 --> 00:03:23,659 our contributions culturally in 98 00:03:23,660 --> 00:03:26,239 America, starting in the 1600s 99 00:03:26,240 --> 00:03:28,309 right to this day. 100 00:03:28,310 --> 00:03:30,169 Dyana Williams is a mover 101 00:03:30,170 --> 00:03:31,159 and shaker. 102 00:03:31,160 --> 00:03:33,019 She has been a constant force in 103 00:03:33,020 --> 00:03:35,029 the entertainment industry for over 104 00:03:35,030 --> 00:03:36,709 four decades. 105 00:03:36,710 --> 00:03:38,539 The Harlem, New York native began 106 00:03:38,540 --> 00:03:39,540 her career at WHUR FM 107 00:03:41,060 --> 00:03:43,369 Howard University's campus. 108 00:03:43,370 --> 00:03:45,229 She later returned home to W 109 00:03:45,230 --> 00:03:47,299 Beale Film after 110 00:03:47,300 --> 00:03:48,739 making history as the first 111 00:03:48,740 --> 00:03:50,599 African-American woman to join an 112 00:03:50,600 --> 00:03:53,269 on-air team in Rock radio. 113 00:03:53,270 --> 00:03:54,270 At WRQX FM where 114 00:03:56,090 --> 00:03:57,919 she then landed her first on 115 00:03:57,920 --> 00:04:00,079 camera position as an entertainment 116 00:04:00,080 --> 00:04:02,599 reporter on Parade and magazine, 117 00:04:02,600 --> 00:04:04,489 which aired on Washington, DC. 118 00:04:04,490 --> 00:04:08,149 CBS affiliate WUSA. 119 00:04:08,150 --> 00:04:10,519 In 1980, Williams made Philadelphia 120 00:04:10,520 --> 00:04:12,379 how she accepted 121 00:04:12,380 --> 00:04:14,659 an on air position w DHS 122 00:04:14,660 --> 00:04:15,859 AFM. 123 00:04:15,860 --> 00:04:17,599 Williams has been a news and 124 00:04:17,600 --> 00:04:19,309 entertainment reporter for Black 125 00:04:19,310 --> 00:04:21,139 Entertainment Television and 126 00:04:21,140 --> 00:04:23,119 a music consultant for VH 127 00:04:23,120 --> 00:04:25,339 one's The Soul of VH 128 00:04:25,340 --> 00:04:26,389 one. 129 00:04:26,390 --> 00:04:28,339 Along with her ex-husband Killing 130 00:04:28,340 --> 00:04:30,679 Gamble and broadcaster Ed Wright, 131 00:04:30,680 --> 00:04:32,719 she helped establish June 132 00:04:32,720 --> 00:04:34,639 as Black Music Month. 133 00:04:34,640 --> 00:04:36,709 Recently In Black America spoke 134 00:04:36,710 --> 00:04:38,509 with Dyana Williams. 135 00:04:38,510 --> 00:04:40,489 Born in Queens, raised in 136 00:04:40,490 --> 00:04:42,379 the Bronx and Harlem 137 00:04:42,380 --> 00:04:43,789 in Puerto Rico. 138 00:04:43,790 --> 00:04:46,729 I am passionate about Black culture, 139 00:04:46,730 --> 00:04:48,709 specifically Black music. 140 00:04:48,710 --> 00:04:49,909 I'm a mother. 141 00:04:49,910 --> 00:04:52,249 I have three grown children, 142 00:04:52,250 --> 00:04:53,689 very grown. 143 00:04:53,690 --> 00:04:55,249 I spoke to them last night and we 144 00:04:55,250 --> 00:04:56,209 were laughing because I'm like, 145 00:04:56,210 --> 00:04:58,039 Y'all are old and grown. 146 00:04:58,040 --> 00:05:00,139 And I'm also a man of a five 147 00:05:00,140 --> 00:05:01,969 year old young man 148 00:05:01,970 --> 00:05:03,799 who is smart and very 149 00:05:03,800 --> 00:05:06,079 opinionated and keeps his mama 150 00:05:06,080 --> 00:05:07,849 on her toes. 151 00:05:07,850 --> 00:05:10,129 I think that kind of concisely, 152 00:05:10,130 --> 00:05:12,259 you know, I'm a broadcaster, 153 00:05:12,260 --> 00:05:14,989 I'm a Black music activist 154 00:05:14,990 --> 00:05:17,109 and I love God and 155 00:05:17,110 --> 00:05:19,119 a life that summarizes 156 00:05:19,120 --> 00:05:21,069 me perfectly. 157 00:05:21,070 --> 00:05:22,959 Speaking of activism, 158 00:05:22,960 --> 00:05:24,759 I'm assuming that you were in 159 00:05:24,760 --> 00:05:27,759 Philadelphia during the 1980s. 160 00:05:27,760 --> 00:05:29,739 I was actually moved to 161 00:05:29,740 --> 00:05:31,689 Philadelphia in 1980. 162 00:05:31,690 --> 00:05:33,549 I started coming here in 163 00:05:33,550 --> 00:05:34,749 the seventies. 164 00:05:34,750 --> 00:05:36,879 However, 1980 165 00:05:36,880 --> 00:05:39,219 is when I moved to Philly full time 166 00:05:39,220 --> 00:05:41,409 and was on the radio at a heritage 167 00:05:41,410 --> 00:05:43,539 station, which is still 168 00:05:43,540 --> 00:05:45,309 pretty major in the community. 169 00:05:45,310 --> 00:05:48,309 WP 105.3 170 00:05:48,310 --> 00:05:50,139 But I moved here because I had 171 00:05:50,140 --> 00:05:52,209 fallen in love with Kenny Gamble, 172 00:05:52,210 --> 00:05:54,489 who is my co partner and 173 00:05:54,490 --> 00:05:56,439 the creator of June Black 174 00:05:56,440 --> 00:05:57,459 Music Month. 175 00:05:57,460 --> 00:05:59,319 So yes, and after we broke 176 00:05:59,320 --> 00:06:01,449 up in the nineties, 177 00:06:01,450 --> 00:06:03,729 I remained in Philadelphia 178 00:06:03,730 --> 00:06:05,169 with him. 179 00:06:05,170 --> 00:06:08,109 We raised our children together, so. 180 00:06:08,110 --> 00:06:09,549 But my mother tells me, John, that I 181 00:06:09,550 --> 00:06:11,499 was conceived in Philadelphia 182 00:06:11,500 --> 00:06:13,419 when my father was stationed 183 00:06:13,420 --> 00:06:14,649 at the Navy Yard. 184 00:06:14,650 --> 00:06:16,839 So I've got deep Philly roots. 185 00:06:16,840 --> 00:06:18,819 Having lived in Philadelphia 186 00:06:18,820 --> 00:06:20,829 doing some of his infamous 187 00:06:20,830 --> 00:06:22,689 times. What are your thoughts about 188 00:06:22,690 --> 00:06:24,969 the current events happening today? 189 00:06:24,970 --> 00:06:27,249 I'm thrilled to see young people 190 00:06:27,250 --> 00:06:29,649 and our allies peacefully 191 00:06:29,650 --> 00:06:30,489 protesting. 192 00:06:30,490 --> 00:06:32,469 It is our First Amendment right 193 00:06:32,470 --> 00:06:35,619 to articulate our discontent 194 00:06:35,620 --> 00:06:37,899 with the level of ongoing, 195 00:06:37,900 --> 00:06:40,479 consistent, sustained 196 00:06:40,480 --> 00:06:42,939 racism, police brutality 197 00:06:42,940 --> 00:06:44,949 and many more ills. 198 00:06:44,950 --> 00:06:46,809 Ironically, it's happening 199 00:06:46,810 --> 00:06:48,879 during the coronavirus 200 00:06:48,880 --> 00:06:51,429 pandemic going on worldwide. 201 00:06:51,430 --> 00:06:53,979 But I admire the courageousness 202 00:06:53,980 --> 00:06:55,779 of everyone who was fighting the 203 00:06:55,780 --> 00:06:57,639 good fight to bring 204 00:06:57,640 --> 00:06:59,709 some equity and parity 205 00:06:59,710 --> 00:07:01,719 to our existence 206 00:07:01,720 --> 00:07:03,819 in this in this world, 207 00:07:03,820 --> 00:07:05,799 specifically in America. 208 00:07:05,800 --> 00:07:07,389 How did you get to the point that we 209 00:07:07,390 --> 00:07:09,789 need to celebrate Black Music 210 00:07:09,790 --> 00:07:12,129 Month in June? 211 00:07:12,130 --> 00:07:13,899 Well, June Black Music Month was 212 00:07:13,900 --> 00:07:15,909 established June 7th, 213 00:07:15,910 --> 00:07:18,039 1979, and declared 214 00:07:18,040 --> 00:07:19,899 so at the urging of the Black 215 00:07:19,900 --> 00:07:21,399 Music Association, which is no 216 00:07:21,400 --> 00:07:22,809 longer in existence. 217 00:07:22,810 --> 00:07:25,059 But then President Jimmy Carter 218 00:07:25,060 --> 00:07:27,819 had been asked by Clarence Avant, 219 00:07:27,820 --> 00:07:30,099 the Godfather, and numerous 220 00:07:30,100 --> 00:07:32,139 other people to host an event for 221 00:07:32,140 --> 00:07:33,729 the members of the Black music 222 00:07:33,730 --> 00:07:34,689 community. 223 00:07:34,690 --> 00:07:35,769 And that was the performance. 224 00:07:35,770 --> 00:07:37,839 That day was a picnic style event 225 00:07:37,840 --> 00:07:40,029 of both the White House. 226 00:07:40,030 --> 00:07:42,369 I had the honor that day 227 00:07:42,370 --> 00:07:44,259 of sitting with Kenny Gamble 228 00:07:44,260 --> 00:07:46,089 and President and 229 00:07:46,090 --> 00:07:47,919 Mrs. Carter and 230 00:07:47,920 --> 00:07:48,879 their daughter Amy. 231 00:07:48,880 --> 00:07:50,409 So that was really exciting. 232 00:07:50,410 --> 00:07:51,729 It was my first visit to the White 233 00:07:51,730 --> 00:07:53,739 House, but that day 234 00:07:53,740 --> 00:07:56,019 we asked President 235 00:07:56,020 --> 00:07:57,699 Carter to acknowledge the 236 00:07:57,700 --> 00:07:59,559 African-American music industry, 237 00:07:59,560 --> 00:08:01,359 to recognize that Black music not 238 00:08:01,360 --> 00:08:03,459 only was a tremendous 239 00:08:03,460 --> 00:08:05,949 cultural lightning rod, 240 00:08:05,950 --> 00:08:08,319 but also an economic 241 00:08:08,320 --> 00:08:10,689 engine that is exported 242 00:08:10,690 --> 00:08:12,309 all over the world. 243 00:08:12,310 --> 00:08:14,379 So this was the original idea 244 00:08:14,380 --> 00:08:15,759 of Kenny Gamble. 245 00:08:15,760 --> 00:08:18,069 And really he started thinking about 246 00:08:18,070 --> 00:08:20,469 this period of time, concentrated 247 00:08:20,470 --> 00:08:22,089 period of time, where we could 248 00:08:22,090 --> 00:08:23,739 celebrate the outstanding 249 00:08:23,740 --> 00:08:25,809 contributions of people past, 250 00:08:25,810 --> 00:08:28,179 present and the generations to come. 251 00:08:28,180 --> 00:08:30,009 So this is our 252 00:08:30,010 --> 00:08:32,529 41st anniversary. 253 00:08:32,530 --> 00:08:34,479 Somewhere in the country there is 254 00:08:34,480 --> 00:08:36,519 some kind of Black Music Month 255 00:08:36,520 --> 00:08:38,529 event going on all the digital 256 00:08:38,530 --> 00:08:40,509 platforms services from 257 00:08:40,510 --> 00:08:42,668 Tidal to Apple 258 00:08:42,669 --> 00:08:44,529 to Spotify to Black 259 00:08:44,530 --> 00:08:46,839 Music Month campaigns, 260 00:08:46,840 --> 00:08:48,669 as well as most of 261 00:08:48,670 --> 00:08:50,079 the major record companies, 262 00:08:50,080 --> 00:08:52,179 independents and 263 00:08:52,180 --> 00:08:54,279 major corporations have also 264 00:08:54,280 --> 00:08:56,919 started chiming in and recognizing 265 00:08:56,920 --> 00:08:59,139 that Black music is 266 00:08:59,140 --> 00:09:01,089 America's indigenous music, 267 00:09:01,090 --> 00:09:02,169 and it belongs to all of us. 268 00:09:02,170 --> 00:09:04,779 John, Even though it is created 269 00:09:04,780 --> 00:09:06,369 by Black people and I'm talking 270 00:09:06,370 --> 00:09:08,409 about all genres hip hop, jazz, 271 00:09:08,410 --> 00:09:10,689 R&B, soul, gospel, 272 00:09:10,690 --> 00:09:13,359 spiritual, all of that rock 273 00:09:13,360 --> 00:09:15,549 emanated from Black folk 274 00:09:15,550 --> 00:09:16,809 in America. 275 00:09:16,810 --> 00:09:18,729 Talk to us about some of the artists 276 00:09:18,730 --> 00:09:20,559 that came out of Philadelphia 277 00:09:20,560 --> 00:09:22,389 International Records. 278 00:09:22,390 --> 00:09:23,390 Mm hmm. 279 00:09:23,950 --> 00:09:26,259 Well, Kenny Gamble, his partners 280 00:09:26,260 --> 00:09:28,839 Leon Huff and Thom Bell, 281 00:09:28,840 --> 00:09:30,729 remarkable men who did not go 282 00:09:30,730 --> 00:09:32,679 to the Wharton School of Business. 283 00:09:32,680 --> 00:09:34,449 But what they did was built a 284 00:09:34,450 --> 00:09:36,759 multi-million dollar record company 285 00:09:36,760 --> 00:09:38,859 and have given us music that is 286 00:09:38,860 --> 00:09:40,749 indeed the soundtrack to many of 287 00:09:40,750 --> 00:09:41,769 our lives. 288 00:09:41,770 --> 00:09:43,839 They signed artists such as 289 00:09:43,840 --> 00:09:45,939 Phyllis Hyman, Patti LaBelle, 290 00:09:45,940 --> 00:09:47,939 The O'Jays, Harold Melvin 291 00:09:47,940 --> 00:09:49,179 and the Blue Note, Teddy 292 00:09:49,180 --> 00:09:51,219 Pendergrass, who came out of Harold 293 00:09:51,220 --> 00:09:53,379 Melvin and the Blue Note Gene 294 00:09:53,380 --> 00:09:54,699 Kahn. 295 00:09:54,700 --> 00:09:55,649 Oh, that's the one. 296 00:09:55,650 --> 00:09:57,639 Zell, who also I should 297 00:09:57,640 --> 00:09:59,739 mention, John, was the 298 00:09:59,740 --> 00:10:01,449 head of the orchestra for mother, 299 00:10:01,450 --> 00:10:02,619 father, sister, brother. 300 00:10:02,620 --> 00:10:04,659 And let us be at the White 301 00:10:04,660 --> 00:10:06,069 House that day. There was also a 302 00:10:06,070 --> 00:10:06,999 performance. 303 00:10:07,000 --> 00:10:08,889 Billy Eckstine, Chuck Berry, 304 00:10:08,890 --> 00:10:10,329 one of the architects of rock and 305 00:10:10,330 --> 00:10:12,849 roll, Sara Powell, 306 00:10:12,850 --> 00:10:14,739 Andre Crouch and 307 00:10:14,740 --> 00:10:15,669 Evelyn Champagne. 308 00:10:15,670 --> 00:10:17,649 King performed that day 309 00:10:17,650 --> 00:10:19,059 under the direction of Dexter 310 00:10:19,060 --> 00:10:20,699 Wenzel, who was also a. 311 00:10:20,700 --> 00:10:23,069 Artist, Philadelphia International 312 00:10:23,070 --> 00:10:23,939 Records. 313 00:10:23,940 --> 00:10:26,129 Let's see. People's choice. 314 00:10:26,130 --> 00:10:27,699 Oh, my goodness. So many artists. 315 00:10:27,700 --> 00:10:29,369 I feel like I'm leaving some out. 316 00:10:29,370 --> 00:10:31,469 But it was a major roster, 317 00:10:31,470 --> 00:10:33,359 long forgotten world. 318 00:10:33,360 --> 00:10:35,069 But yeah, there were a lot of major 319 00:10:35,070 --> 00:10:36,899 artists on the roster 320 00:10:36,900 --> 00:10:39,329 and Gamble and Huff and Tom Bell 321 00:10:39,330 --> 00:10:41,429 did a lot of the soundtrack 322 00:10:41,430 --> 00:10:42,299 to America. 323 00:10:42,300 --> 00:10:43,529 You know, you had Motown in the 324 00:10:43,530 --> 00:10:46,649 Sixties, but then in the seventies, 325 00:10:46,650 --> 00:10:48,599 Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff and Tom Bell 326 00:10:48,600 --> 00:10:50,429 just dominated the top of the 327 00:10:50,430 --> 00:10:53,069 record charts and Black airwaves 328 00:10:53,070 --> 00:10:54,869 and other airwaves throughout the 329 00:10:54,870 --> 00:10:56,879 seventies and eighties, and 330 00:10:56,880 --> 00:10:58,289 they still get airplay. 331 00:10:58,290 --> 00:10:59,219 So, yeah. Philadelphia 332 00:10:59,220 --> 00:10:59,819 International. 333 00:10:59,820 --> 00:11:01,529 Records. If you're just joining us, 334 00:11:01,530 --> 00:11:03,089 I'm John L. Hanson Jr. 335 00:11:03,090 --> 00:11:04,649 And you're listening to In Black 336 00:11:04,650 --> 00:11:06,569 America from Country Radio 337 00:11:06,570 --> 00:11:08,789 and speaking with Dyana Williams 338 00:11:08,790 --> 00:11:10,679 radio and television personality, 339 00:11:10,680 --> 00:11:12,299 celebrity coach, member of the board 340 00:11:12,300 --> 00:11:14,219 of directors, National Museum of 341 00:11:14,220 --> 00:11:16,049 African American Music. 342 00:11:16,050 --> 00:11:18,149 And we're also talking about 343 00:11:18,150 --> 00:11:20,279 Black Music Month. 344 00:11:20,280 --> 00:11:22,079 Dyana, talk to us about what was 345 00:11:22,080 --> 00:11:24,989 going on in Memphis in your 2002 346 00:11:24,990 --> 00:11:26,639 when they were talking about putting 347 00:11:26,640 --> 00:11:28,859 the African American 348 00:11:28,860 --> 00:11:31,679 Music Museum together? 349 00:11:31,680 --> 00:11:33,179 Well, I would tell you, John, I was 350 00:11:33,180 --> 00:11:35,039 not a part of those discussions 351 00:11:35,040 --> 00:11:36,689 in 2002. 352 00:11:36,690 --> 00:11:38,429 But I do know that a group of people 353 00:11:38,430 --> 00:11:40,319 who were committed to I think 354 00:11:40,320 --> 00:11:42,239 initially the museum started off 355 00:11:42,240 --> 00:11:44,039 as a Black history museum for 356 00:11:44,040 --> 00:11:45,989 Nashville, but a group 357 00:11:45,990 --> 00:11:47,639 of people very passionate and 358 00:11:47,640 --> 00:11:49,499 committed about culture and 359 00:11:49,500 --> 00:11:51,539 Black culture in particular 360 00:11:51,540 --> 00:11:53,759 started the process of fundraising. 361 00:11:53,760 --> 00:11:55,979 And at some point, the direction 362 00:11:55,980 --> 00:11:58,289 changed to become music. 363 00:11:58,290 --> 00:11:59,819 Nashville is, you know, John is 364 00:11:59,820 --> 00:12:02,099 Music City and known primarily 365 00:12:02,100 --> 00:12:04,079 for country music, although there 366 00:12:04,080 --> 00:12:06,689 is a long legacy of gospel 367 00:12:06,690 --> 00:12:08,759 as well as soul 368 00:12:08,760 --> 00:12:10,619 music, R&B out of 369 00:12:10,620 --> 00:12:12,209 Nashville as well. 370 00:12:12,210 --> 00:12:13,979 And so, in fact, I would say the 371 00:12:13,980 --> 00:12:15,899 first Black 372 00:12:15,900 --> 00:12:17,909 music ambassadors from 373 00:12:17,910 --> 00:12:19,529 the United States to travel to 374 00:12:19,530 --> 00:12:21,419 Europe and elsewhere were 375 00:12:21,420 --> 00:12:23,189 the fifth Jubilee Singers. 376 00:12:23,190 --> 00:12:24,419 And that was we're talking back in 377 00:12:24,420 --> 00:12:26,729 the 1800s, a long time ago. 378 00:12:26,730 --> 00:12:28,439 So Nashville has a rich music 379 00:12:28,440 --> 00:12:30,329 history as it pertains to 380 00:12:30,330 --> 00:12:31,379 Black music. 381 00:12:31,380 --> 00:12:32,789 So at some point, the direction 382 00:12:32,790 --> 00:12:35,159 change and the decision was made 383 00:12:35,160 --> 00:12:37,169 to make the museum 384 00:12:37,170 --> 00:12:39,059 related to Black music in all 385 00:12:39,060 --> 00:12:40,019 genres. 386 00:12:40,020 --> 00:12:41,879 And since that time, we have 387 00:12:41,880 --> 00:12:44,219 raised $60 million. 388 00:12:44,220 --> 00:12:45,869 We still have a few more money into 389 00:12:45,870 --> 00:12:46,739 raised, and we're going to be 390 00:12:46,740 --> 00:12:48,719 constantly raising money for 391 00:12:48,720 --> 00:12:50,579 this endeavor. But we are 392 00:12:50,580 --> 00:12:52,589 very excited because we are very 393 00:12:52,590 --> 00:12:55,319 close to the opening of the doors 394 00:12:55,320 --> 00:12:57,599 of our museum. 395 00:12:57,600 --> 00:12:59,609 And I've been on the board for a few 396 00:12:59,610 --> 00:13:01,439 years now, and prior to that I was 397 00:13:01,440 --> 00:13:04,109 on the advisory board of the museum. 398 00:13:04,110 --> 00:13:05,999 So I'm also the co-chair of the 399 00:13:06,000 --> 00:13:08,099 Music Industry Relations 400 00:13:08,100 --> 00:13:09,119 Collective. 401 00:13:09,120 --> 00:13:11,039 It's a group of people from Gail 402 00:13:11,040 --> 00:13:12,899 Mitchell, who is a senior 403 00:13:12,900 --> 00:13:15,899 Black editor at Billboard magazine, 404 00:13:15,900 --> 00:13:17,939 to Robyn Lyon, who 405 00:13:17,940 --> 00:13:20,189 is the founder and CEO 406 00:13:20,190 --> 00:13:22,349 of Baller Alert, which has millions 407 00:13:22,350 --> 00:13:23,399 of followers. 408 00:13:23,400 --> 00:13:25,229 So I have an aggregation of music 409 00:13:25,230 --> 00:13:27,509 industry super 410 00:13:27,510 --> 00:13:29,609 stars who are also supporting 411 00:13:29,610 --> 00:13:31,499 our efforts in Nashville to 412 00:13:31,500 --> 00:13:33,059 get the word out to the community 413 00:13:33,060 --> 00:13:36,179 about this 56,000 414 00:13:36,180 --> 00:13:38,189 square foot facility. 415 00:13:38,190 --> 00:13:39,389 John, you've got to come. 416 00:13:39,390 --> 00:13:41,279 Please accept my personal invitation 417 00:13:41,280 --> 00:13:43,859 now, because you, as 418 00:13:43,860 --> 00:13:45,359 one of the people who've been at the 419 00:13:45,360 --> 00:13:48,209 forefront of documenting and sharing 420 00:13:48,210 --> 00:13:50,159 Black folks contributions in 421 00:13:50,160 --> 00:13:52,109 America, you've got to see 422 00:13:52,110 --> 00:13:54,419 what our wonderful curators 423 00:13:54,420 --> 00:13:56,399 have done are doing in 424 00:13:56,400 --> 00:13:57,779 Nashville with the museum. 425 00:13:57,780 --> 00:13:58,829 I did a hard hat visit. 426 00:13:58,830 --> 00:14:00,539 Let me tell you a little story. 427 00:14:00,540 --> 00:14:02,639 After a board meeting, I went 428 00:14:02,640 --> 00:14:04,499 with Henry Hicks, who's the CEO 429 00:14:04,500 --> 00:14:06,419 of our museum to a 430 00:14:06,420 --> 00:14:07,739 hard hat visit. 431 00:14:07,740 --> 00:14:09,449 And I cannot tell you the level of 432 00:14:09,450 --> 00:14:11,429 pride that I felt 433 00:14:11,430 --> 00:14:13,229 walking through this still under 434 00:14:13,230 --> 00:14:15,449 construction facility. 435 00:14:15,450 --> 00:14:17,339 But seeing the vision, knowing 436 00:14:17,340 --> 00:14:19,529 the vision from our countless hours 437 00:14:19,530 --> 00:14:21,959 of board meetings and conversations 438 00:14:21,960 --> 00:14:23,879 and fundraising events, 439 00:14:23,880 --> 00:14:25,799 I cannot wait to take my 440 00:14:25,800 --> 00:14:28,199 86 year young mama 441 00:14:28,200 --> 00:14:30,089 in the fall to 442 00:14:30,090 --> 00:14:32,759 Nashville to walk her through 443 00:14:32,760 --> 00:14:34,289 our history. 444 00:14:34,290 --> 00:14:36,239 Our museum will document 445 00:14:36,240 --> 00:14:38,159 our contribution culturally in 446 00:14:38,160 --> 00:14:40,709 America, starting in the 1600s 447 00:14:40,710 --> 00:14:43,289 right to this day. 448 00:14:43,290 --> 00:14:45,269 So all genres 449 00:14:45,270 --> 00:14:47,639 of Black music will be represented. 450 00:14:47,640 --> 00:14:49,589 So and subgenres as 451 00:14:49,590 --> 00:14:50,459 well. 452 00:14:50,460 --> 00:14:52,109 So, John, I know you love our 453 00:14:52,110 --> 00:14:54,059 culture and our history. 454 00:14:54,060 --> 00:14:55,919 You will feel a tremendous 455 00:14:55,920 --> 00:14:57,749 sense of pride to come to the 456 00:14:57,750 --> 00:14:59,459 National Museum of African American 457 00:14:59,460 --> 00:15:01,289 Music in Nashville, and if 458 00:15:01,290 --> 00:15:03,209 people want more information, they 459 00:15:03,210 --> 00:15:05,039 can go to Black Music 460 00:15:05,040 --> 00:15:06,669 Museum Board. 461 00:15:06,670 --> 00:15:09,059 To learn more about our movement 462 00:15:09,060 --> 00:15:11,309 and we invite you to join 463 00:15:11,310 --> 00:15:12,299 as well. 464 00:15:12,300 --> 00:15:15,179 We have memberships starting at $25, 465 00:15:15,180 --> 00:15:17,009 and it's a small price to pay 466 00:15:17,010 --> 00:15:19,799 for the amount of information 467 00:15:19,800 --> 00:15:21,649 and. As you know, John, knowledge 468 00:15:21,650 --> 00:15:23,509 is power. So people will come out of 469 00:15:23,510 --> 00:15:25,429 that museum with a 470 00:15:25,430 --> 00:15:27,409 tremendous amount of power 471 00:15:27,410 --> 00:15:29,059 and information. 472 00:15:29,060 --> 00:15:30,679 I was looking at the layout in 473 00:15:30,680 --> 00:15:31,699 person. 474 00:15:31,700 --> 00:15:33,439 I heard that I was looking at the 475 00:15:33,440 --> 00:15:34,849 layout of the museum. 476 00:15:34,850 --> 00:15:36,739 There's a pathway 477 00:15:36,740 --> 00:15:38,599 that actually takes you through 478 00:15:38,600 --> 00:15:40,309 the different genres. 479 00:15:40,310 --> 00:15:42,619 Wade in the Water Cross 480 00:15:42,620 --> 00:15:44,659 Rogue's Gallery, A Love Supreme 481 00:15:44,660 --> 00:15:45,829 Gallery. 482 00:15:45,830 --> 00:15:47,839 One Nation Under the Groove and 483 00:15:47,840 --> 00:15:49,490 the Message Gallery. 484 00:15:50,590 --> 00:15:52,329 Who came up with the concept. 485 00:15:52,330 --> 00:15:53,799 I guess that's the question I want 486 00:15:53,800 --> 00:15:55,389 to ask. When you are having those 487 00:15:55,390 --> 00:15:56,199 discussions, well. 488 00:15:56,200 --> 00:15:58,419 We have a great curatorial team, 489 00:15:58,420 --> 00:16:00,339 which is some dynamic people who 490 00:16:00,340 --> 00:16:02,169 have submitted 491 00:16:02,170 --> 00:16:03,009 their. 492 00:16:03,010 --> 00:16:05,049 First of all, we have Dr. 493 00:16:05,050 --> 00:16:07,029 Portia Mosby, who formerly 494 00:16:07,030 --> 00:16:08,919 was at InDyana University and 495 00:16:08,920 --> 00:16:11,049 created this tremendous repository 496 00:16:11,050 --> 00:16:13,269 of Black research and music. 497 00:16:13,270 --> 00:16:15,429 So she is an ethnomusicologist 498 00:16:15,430 --> 00:16:17,139 and one of the foremost on planet 499 00:16:17,140 --> 00:16:19,569 Earth. So we have an aggregation 500 00:16:19,570 --> 00:16:21,879 of brilliant minds, knowledgeable 501 00:16:21,880 --> 00:16:23,949 people. Dr. John Fleming, 502 00:16:23,950 --> 00:16:25,809 who when you ask, 503 00:16:25,810 --> 00:16:26,979 who are the people who are 504 00:16:26,980 --> 00:16:29,079 orchestrating those galleries? 505 00:16:29,080 --> 00:16:31,809 I've got to give direction and 506 00:16:31,810 --> 00:16:33,309 I've got to give credit to those 507 00:16:33,310 --> 00:16:35,349 individuals because they are 508 00:16:35,350 --> 00:16:36,549 some of the people who have 509 00:16:36,550 --> 00:16:38,619 participated in creating 510 00:16:38,620 --> 00:16:40,329 these tremendous galleries that you 511 00:16:40,330 --> 00:16:41,349 just mentioned. 512 00:16:41,350 --> 00:16:43,059 But if people go to the Black 513 00:16:43,060 --> 00:16:44,889 Museum, like Music 514 00:16:44,890 --> 00:16:46,839 Museum Board, 515 00:16:46,840 --> 00:16:48,669 they can learn more about our 516 00:16:48,670 --> 00:16:51,189 movement and see our galleries 517 00:16:51,190 --> 00:16:52,839 and some of our collections because 518 00:16:52,840 --> 00:16:55,839 we have an incredible 519 00:16:55,840 --> 00:16:58,479 collection of artifacts, 520 00:16:58,480 --> 00:17:00,009 some that have been donated. 521 00:17:00,010 --> 00:17:02,799 Our curators have literally combed 522 00:17:02,800 --> 00:17:04,809 the ends of the earth 523 00:17:04,810 --> 00:17:06,639 to get items that will be on 524 00:17:06,640 --> 00:17:08,259 display in our galleries. 525 00:17:08,260 --> 00:17:09,338 You just mentioned. 526 00:17:09,339 --> 00:17:11,439 When did you realize you had this 527 00:17:11,440 --> 00:17:12,969 gift for broadcasting? 528 00:17:12,970 --> 00:17:14,379 You know, I wanted to be a jazz 529 00:17:14,380 --> 00:17:15,549 musician of flowers. 530 00:17:15,550 --> 00:17:17,588 When I was 16, 17, 531 00:17:17,589 --> 00:17:19,659 I studied with the legendary 532 00:17:19,660 --> 00:17:21,129 musician Jimmy Keith out of 533 00:17:21,130 --> 00:17:23,769 Philadelphia. I studied in Harlem, 534 00:17:23,770 --> 00:17:25,868 where I grew up as a teenager, 535 00:17:25,869 --> 00:17:27,189 and then I met Hubert Laws. 536 00:17:27,190 --> 00:17:28,419 And when I heard him play, I was 537 00:17:28,420 --> 00:17:29,559 like, There's no way in the world 538 00:17:29,560 --> 00:17:30,819 I'm ever going to be able to play 539 00:17:30,820 --> 00:17:32,349 like that because I had an 540 00:17:32,350 --> 00:17:34,329 appreciation for the music. 541 00:17:34,330 --> 00:17:36,849 I just didn't have the talent. 542 00:17:36,850 --> 00:17:38,679 So I went to City College in 543 00:17:38,680 --> 00:17:40,419 Harlem when I graduated out of high 544 00:17:40,420 --> 00:17:42,519 school and went in as a music 545 00:17:42,520 --> 00:17:44,139 major, that's where I discovered I 546 00:17:44,140 --> 00:17:45,279 was honey. 547 00:17:45,280 --> 00:17:47,019 Terrible, because when it came to 548 00:17:47,020 --> 00:17:49,689 jazz, it was my jazz improvization 549 00:17:49,690 --> 00:17:51,549 class that made it crystal clear 550 00:17:51,550 --> 00:17:53,379 to me that I needed to find another 551 00:17:53,380 --> 00:17:54,279 career. 552 00:17:54,280 --> 00:17:56,109 So one day I was invited to 553 00:17:56,110 --> 00:17:57,339 the radio station. 554 00:17:57,340 --> 00:17:59,049 I didn't even know we had a radio 555 00:17:59,050 --> 00:18:01,019 station, KCRW. 556 00:18:01,020 --> 00:18:03,009 It was a carrier current station, 557 00:18:03,010 --> 00:18:04,899 meaning that the signal only went in 558 00:18:04,900 --> 00:18:07,569 the immediate campus area. 559 00:18:07,570 --> 00:18:09,909 But my campus was on 138th 560 00:18:09,910 --> 00:18:11,799 Street in Compton, in the 561 00:18:11,800 --> 00:18:14,169 heart of Harlem, West Harlem. 562 00:18:14,170 --> 00:18:15,170 And so 563 00:18:16,150 --> 00:18:17,919 that was significant for me later, 564 00:18:17,920 --> 00:18:20,439 because I did 565 00:18:20,440 --> 00:18:21,909 fall in love when I first walked 566 00:18:21,910 --> 00:18:23,169 into the radio station with the 567 00:18:23,170 --> 00:18:25,089 turntables, the microphone. 568 00:18:25,090 --> 00:18:26,499 I bet, Jon, you probably had a 569 00:18:26,500 --> 00:18:28,299 similar experience as a radio 570 00:18:28,300 --> 00:18:29,439 personality. 571 00:18:29,440 --> 00:18:31,059 And I knew I was home. 572 00:18:31,060 --> 00:18:33,189 Yeah, I knew that was for me because 573 00:18:33,190 --> 00:18:35,019 I could incorporate my love of 574 00:18:35,020 --> 00:18:36,879 music, my knowledge of music, 575 00:18:36,880 --> 00:18:39,009 especially American classical music, 576 00:18:39,010 --> 00:18:40,599 which is what Nina Simone referred 577 00:18:40,600 --> 00:18:42,609 to as jazz that white people 578 00:18:42,610 --> 00:18:43,749 call jazz. 579 00:18:43,750 --> 00:18:46,239 But I got my own show. 580 00:18:46,240 --> 00:18:48,129 I started booking artists 581 00:18:48,130 --> 00:18:50,229 to come and perform like Gary Bartz, 582 00:18:50,230 --> 00:18:52,539 Uber, Bauhaus, tons of people. 583 00:18:52,540 --> 00:18:54,669 But radio then become became 584 00:18:54,670 --> 00:18:55,629 my path. 585 00:18:55,630 --> 00:18:57,339 And that was in 1960. 586 00:18:57,340 --> 00:18:58,539 I graduated from high school in 587 00:18:58,540 --> 00:19:00,219 1971. 588 00:19:00,220 --> 00:19:03,519 I started this radio show in 1972. 589 00:19:03,520 --> 00:19:05,559 And then one day I was invited to do 590 00:19:05,560 --> 00:19:07,689 a public access show 591 00:19:07,690 --> 00:19:09,369 for a new cable outlet called 592 00:19:09,370 --> 00:19:10,689 Teleprompter. 593 00:19:10,690 --> 00:19:11,739 And I did. 594 00:19:11,740 --> 00:19:13,749 I started doing TV as well. 595 00:19:13,750 --> 00:19:15,129 And this was all while I was in high 596 00:19:15,130 --> 00:19:15,909 school. 597 00:19:15,910 --> 00:19:17,439 But my first job was offered to me 598 00:19:17,440 --> 00:19:19,239 by Bob Michael Terry. 599 00:19:19,240 --> 00:19:20,799 You may have seen in the movie, Talk 600 00:19:20,800 --> 00:19:21,759 to me. 601 00:19:21,760 --> 00:19:24,069 He offered me a job at 96.3, 602 00:19:24,070 --> 00:19:26,439 which you are, which is the original 603 00:19:26,440 --> 00:19:28,929 quiet storm station. 604 00:19:28,930 --> 00:19:30,849 And that format founded by my best 605 00:19:30,850 --> 00:19:32,409 friend, Cathy. 606 00:19:32,410 --> 00:19:33,939 So long answer to your short 607 00:19:33,940 --> 00:19:35,919 question, but that's how I got into 608 00:19:35,920 --> 00:19:37,899 radio and television, and 609 00:19:37,900 --> 00:19:39,339 I've been doing it ever since. 610 00:19:39,340 --> 00:19:41,289 Talk to us about TV one 611 00:19:41,290 --> 00:19:42,219 unsung. 612 00:19:42,220 --> 00:19:43,809 TV, one unsung. 613 00:19:43,810 --> 00:19:45,009 I've had the pleasure of 614 00:19:45,010 --> 00:19:47,919 participating in this broadcast. 615 00:19:47,920 --> 00:19:49,929 In fact, was 28 616 00:19:49,930 --> 00:19:51,309 when it first started. 617 00:19:51,310 --> 00:19:53,499 And I also have colleagues 618 00:19:53,500 --> 00:19:55,329 that produced the episode on Teddy 619 00:19:55,330 --> 00:19:56,979 Pendergrass that season. 620 00:19:56,980 --> 00:19:59,019 We want an image 621 00:19:59,020 --> 00:19:59,859 of Ward. 622 00:19:59,860 --> 00:20:01,989 So I was very proud to be part of 623 00:20:01,990 --> 00:20:03,999 that group of producers 624 00:20:04,000 --> 00:20:05,349 who brought that meaningful, 625 00:20:05,350 --> 00:20:07,239 substantive television 626 00:20:07,240 --> 00:20:09,039 programing to audiences around the 627 00:20:09,040 --> 00:20:09,939 world. 628 00:20:09,940 --> 00:20:11,919 So Unsung is one of my favorite. 629 00:20:11,920 --> 00:20:13,899 When when I get the call from Mark 630 00:20:13,900 --> 00:20:16,539 Roland, who is I call him the father 631 00:20:16,540 --> 00:20:18,729 of Black of 632 00:20:18,730 --> 00:20:20,709 Unsung series, when 633 00:20:20,710 --> 00:20:22,119 he calls me and says, okay, we're 634 00:20:22,120 --> 00:20:23,679 doing so-and-so and we're doing 635 00:20:23,680 --> 00:20:24,639 so-and-so. 636 00:20:24,640 --> 00:20:26,469 Most of those artists, John, my 637 00:20:26,470 --> 00:20:27,759 friends, the people that I was 638 00:20:27,760 --> 00:20:29,409 involved with because I've been on 639 00:20:29,410 --> 00:20:31,239 the radio for so long, 640 00:20:31,240 --> 00:20:33,129 I have played most of the artists 641 00:20:33,130 --> 00:20:35,949 that we showcase on Unsung. 642 00:20:35,950 --> 00:20:37,959 So I love the affiliation because 643 00:20:37,960 --> 00:20:39,819 it is directly 644 00:20:39,820 --> 00:20:42,129 linked up with my mission 645 00:20:42,130 --> 00:20:43,839 as a Black music activist. 646 00:20:43,840 --> 00:20:45,759 So love sharing 647 00:20:45,760 --> 00:20:47,589 documentary form is also 648 00:20:47,590 --> 00:20:49,939 something that I favor and. 649 00:20:49,940 --> 00:20:52,339 And an honor to be a voice 650 00:20:52,340 --> 00:20:54,199 on unsung all of 651 00:20:54,200 --> 00:20:55,369 these many years. 652 00:20:55,370 --> 00:20:57,049 Tell me about your relationship with 653 00:20:57,050 --> 00:20:58,429 Cathy Hughes. 654 00:20:58,430 --> 00:20:59,809 How much time do you have, Don? 655 00:21:01,430 --> 00:21:03,259 Cathy Hughes is I met 656 00:21:03,260 --> 00:21:05,539 Cathy, who's in 1973, 657 00:21:05,540 --> 00:21:07,669 and she is I have I have 658 00:21:07,670 --> 00:21:09,919 a great group, an inner circle 659 00:21:09,920 --> 00:21:12,209 group of friends, male and female. 660 00:21:12,210 --> 00:21:13,819 But Cathy is the queen bee and 661 00:21:13,820 --> 00:21:15,199 everybody knows it. 662 00:21:15,200 --> 00:21:16,999 She is my best friend. 663 00:21:17,000 --> 00:21:17,869 She is. 664 00:21:17,870 --> 00:21:19,699 In fact, she I've given her 665 00:21:19,700 --> 00:21:21,529 power over my estate and 666 00:21:21,530 --> 00:21:22,879 anything that has to do with my 667 00:21:22,880 --> 00:21:23,929 finances. 668 00:21:23,930 --> 00:21:25,249 Well, of course, she has her own 669 00:21:25,250 --> 00:21:27,649 money, but she is a broadcast 670 00:21:27,650 --> 00:21:29,569 dynamo and we have 671 00:21:29,570 --> 00:21:30,979 supported each other and nurtured 672 00:21:30,980 --> 00:21:32,929 each other with each other's biggest 673 00:21:32,930 --> 00:21:33,829 fans. 674 00:21:33,830 --> 00:21:35,509 But we have worked together on and 675 00:21:35,510 --> 00:21:37,849 off since 1973. 676 00:21:37,850 --> 00:21:39,829 I have great admiration for 677 00:21:39,830 --> 00:21:42,139 her, her vitality 678 00:21:42,140 --> 00:21:44,149 as an American broadcaster and 679 00:21:44,150 --> 00:21:45,289 entrepreneur. 680 00:21:45,290 --> 00:21:46,699 I don't think she gets enough credit 681 00:21:46,700 --> 00:21:48,679 for what she has done, who 682 00:21:48,680 --> 00:21:50,809 she is as a company that's 40 683 00:21:50,810 --> 00:21:52,639 years young. 684 00:21:52,640 --> 00:21:54,169 Let me keep that 40 years. 685 00:21:54,170 --> 00:21:56,209 But not many Black businesses 686 00:21:56,210 --> 00:21:58,399 and certainly not generational 687 00:21:58,400 --> 00:22:00,289 businesses that have been 688 00:22:00,290 --> 00:22:02,149 in existence as long as urban 689 00:22:02,150 --> 00:22:04,459 one. Cathy had a vision. 690 00:22:04,460 --> 00:22:06,289 I remember when she expressed 691 00:22:06,290 --> 00:22:08,479 her desire to own a radio station 692 00:22:08,480 --> 00:22:10,669 and now some 50 something radio 693 00:22:10,670 --> 00:22:12,619 stations later, syndicated 694 00:22:12,620 --> 00:22:15,619 broadcast TV network, 695 00:22:15,620 --> 00:22:17,539 interactive one that houses 696 00:22:17,540 --> 00:22:19,969 many of our online portal. 697 00:22:19,970 --> 00:22:20,809 I'm proud of her. 698 00:22:20,810 --> 00:22:22,849 I'm proud to have 699 00:22:22,850 --> 00:22:24,709 a friend who is one of the 700 00:22:24,710 --> 00:22:26,449 strongest, most committed Black 701 00:22:26,450 --> 00:22:28,369 people I've ever encountered in my 702 00:22:28,370 --> 00:22:30,379 life. And again, we're cut 703 00:22:30,380 --> 00:22:31,999 from the same cloth, which probably 704 00:22:32,000 --> 00:22:33,799 explains our friendship. 705 00:22:33,800 --> 00:22:35,959 I just absolutely adore her. 706 00:22:35,960 --> 00:22:37,039 That's my baby girl. 707 00:22:37,040 --> 00:22:38,899 But let me just tell you this, John. 708 00:22:38,900 --> 00:22:41,119 Every Sunday we do 709 00:22:41,120 --> 00:22:42,859 a Zoom call with one of our other 710 00:22:42,860 --> 00:22:45,109 girlfriends named Yuko Broyard. 711 00:22:45,110 --> 00:22:47,119 We call it the Queen's Counsel, and 712 00:22:47,120 --> 00:22:48,649 we cover the waterfront and talk 713 00:22:48,650 --> 00:22:49,909 about politics. 714 00:22:49,910 --> 00:22:51,339 Our children, our men. 715 00:22:52,430 --> 00:22:53,809 Everything. Everything. 716 00:22:53,810 --> 00:22:55,939 We confide your secrets. 717 00:22:55,940 --> 00:22:57,739 We laugh, we gossip. 718 00:22:57,740 --> 00:22:58,849 We do everything. 719 00:22:58,850 --> 00:23:00,679 And I love Cathy for that, 720 00:23:00,680 --> 00:23:01,639 too. 721 00:23:01,640 --> 00:23:02,629 She's just. 722 00:23:02,630 --> 00:23:03,919 She's a staple in my life. 723 00:23:03,920 --> 00:23:05,539 And one of the strongest 724 00:23:05,540 --> 00:23:07,429 inspirations other than my parents 725 00:23:07,430 --> 00:23:08,430 and my grandparents. 726 00:23:09,860 --> 00:23:11,149 And everybody should have a chance 727 00:23:11,150 --> 00:23:12,339 to meet her before they leave the 728 00:23:12,340 --> 00:23:13,219 planet. 729 00:23:13,220 --> 00:23:14,569 She's remarkable. 730 00:23:14,570 --> 00:23:17,269 What if And I love my allowance. 731 00:23:17,270 --> 00:23:18,109 I love it. 732 00:23:18,110 --> 00:23:20,539 However, the person's coach thinks. 733 00:23:20,540 --> 00:23:22,669 Yes, I helped develop 734 00:23:22,670 --> 00:23:24,619 media strategies for high profile 735 00:23:24,620 --> 00:23:25,669 people. 736 00:23:25,670 --> 00:23:27,499 The majority of my clients, 737 00:23:27,500 --> 00:23:29,449 past and present, are in the 738 00:23:29,450 --> 00:23:30,739 music industry. 739 00:23:30,740 --> 00:23:32,419 However, I've worked with actresses, 740 00:23:32,420 --> 00:23:34,939 actors, directors, athletes. 741 00:23:34,940 --> 00:23:36,889 I worked with Roy Jones, junior 742 00:23:36,890 --> 00:23:38,509 heavyweight boxer. 743 00:23:38,510 --> 00:23:40,519 I worked with Allen Iverson 744 00:23:40,520 --> 00:23:42,019 some years ago, of course, one of 745 00:23:42,020 --> 00:23:43,399 the greatest ballplayers of all 746 00:23:43,400 --> 00:23:44,299 time. 747 00:23:44,300 --> 00:23:46,159 So my roster 748 00:23:46,160 --> 00:23:47,989 of artists, my company and the 749 00:23:47,990 --> 00:23:50,389 field influence entertainment 750 00:23:50,390 --> 00:23:51,829 people can visit influence 751 00:23:51,830 --> 00:23:53,719 entertainment dot com to learn 752 00:23:53,720 --> 00:23:55,129 more about the company and the 753 00:23:55,130 --> 00:23:56,749 artists that I have worked with. 754 00:23:56,750 --> 00:23:58,489 But what I do, John, is I help these 755 00:23:58,490 --> 00:24:00,739 artists develop their strategies 756 00:24:00,740 --> 00:24:02,569 for what they want to share with 757 00:24:02,570 --> 00:24:04,399 the media. As you well know, 758 00:24:04,400 --> 00:24:06,199 the basic tenets of journalism are 759 00:24:06,200 --> 00:24:08,119 who, what, where, when, why and how. 760 00:24:08,120 --> 00:24:10,139 And you would be surprised that even 761 00:24:10,140 --> 00:24:11,839 high profile people can't always 762 00:24:11,840 --> 00:24:13,069 articulate. 763 00:24:13,070 --> 00:24:14,959 That's when I get the phone calls. 764 00:24:14,960 --> 00:24:16,789 I also have done crisis with 765 00:24:16,790 --> 00:24:18,739 someone who many people 766 00:24:18,740 --> 00:24:20,209 know T.I. 767 00:24:20,210 --> 00:24:21,529 for. I worked with T.I. 768 00:24:21,530 --> 00:24:23,359 for eight years during his tenure 769 00:24:23,360 --> 00:24:25,069 at Atlantic Records, and as you 770 00:24:25,070 --> 00:24:26,839 know, he was in and out of jail for 771 00:24:26,840 --> 00:24:27,629 gun charges. 772 00:24:27,630 --> 00:24:29,449 And so I worked and 773 00:24:29,450 --> 00:24:31,009 did crisis with his publicist, 774 00:24:31,010 --> 00:24:32,479 Sidney Marcus, and from Atlantic 775 00:24:32,480 --> 00:24:33,409 Records. 776 00:24:33,410 --> 00:24:36,109 So, yeah, I've worked with Rihanna. 777 00:24:37,400 --> 00:24:39,379 Mary, Mary, I just a plethora 778 00:24:39,380 --> 00:24:41,029 of artists. Faith Evans. 779 00:24:41,030 --> 00:24:43,219 I coached most of Puffy's artists 780 00:24:43,220 --> 00:24:45,469 with him when he had Bad Boy. 781 00:24:45,470 --> 00:24:46,999 I started his label. 782 00:24:47,000 --> 00:24:49,609 So it's helping artists 783 00:24:49,610 --> 00:24:51,289 navigate the currents of their 784 00:24:51,290 --> 00:24:52,339 public persona. 785 00:24:52,340 --> 00:24:54,319 It's probably the simplest way 786 00:24:54,320 --> 00:24:56,479 to explain it to you. 787 00:24:56,480 --> 00:24:58,229 So, yes, I work with a lot of 788 00:24:58,230 --> 00:24:58,879 talent. 789 00:24:58,880 --> 00:25:00,859 I am glad you you went 790 00:25:00,860 --> 00:25:02,909 with that last sentence. 791 00:25:02,910 --> 00:25:05,389 Our artists today understanding 792 00:25:05,390 --> 00:25:07,459 there's two words in show 793 00:25:07,460 --> 00:25:09,109 and business. 794 00:25:09,110 --> 00:25:11,089 There's the show, but there's also 795 00:25:11,090 --> 00:25:13,069 the business. And they have a better 796 00:25:13,070 --> 00:25:14,979 understanding of what the industry 797 00:25:14,980 --> 00:25:16,459 is really about. 798 00:25:16,460 --> 00:25:17,779 You say, do they understand now? 799 00:25:17,780 --> 00:25:20,059 Many of them don't come to me, 800 00:25:20,060 --> 00:25:21,799 for instance, with my young hip hop 801 00:25:21,800 --> 00:25:23,239 artist, because I work with a lot of 802 00:25:23,240 --> 00:25:25,759 hip hop artists as well 803 00:25:25,760 --> 00:25:26,869 of this generation. 804 00:25:26,870 --> 00:25:29,299 I've worked with Meek Mill, PNB 805 00:25:29,300 --> 00:25:30,769 Rock. The list is long. 806 00:25:30,770 --> 00:25:32,719 Trina Little can many, many 807 00:25:32,720 --> 00:25:34,399 hip hop artists, but I give them a 808 00:25:34,400 --> 00:25:36,499 book called The Big Payback, written 809 00:25:36,500 --> 00:25:37,849 by Dan CHARNAS. 810 00:25:37,850 --> 00:25:39,859 It's about the history of the 811 00:25:39,860 --> 00:25:41,749 rap hip hop gang. 812 00:25:41,750 --> 00:25:43,999 So I'm really big on educating 813 00:25:44,000 --> 00:25:45,139 my clients. 814 00:25:45,140 --> 00:25:46,789 I tell them that you must know what 815 00:25:46,790 --> 00:25:48,799 happened before and to understand 816 00:25:48,800 --> 00:25:49,869 why and where you. 817 00:25:49,870 --> 00:25:51,069 Why now? 818 00:25:51,070 --> 00:25:53,139 And to have some kind of inkling 819 00:25:53,140 --> 00:25:55,179 of what the future will look like. 820 00:25:55,180 --> 00:25:57,279 So I'm real big on I browbeat 821 00:25:57,280 --> 00:25:59,499 my clients into learning 822 00:25:59,500 --> 00:26:00,969 and I tell them, as I mentioned 823 00:26:00,970 --> 00:26:02,859 earlier, knowledge is power. 824 00:26:02,860 --> 00:26:03,759 And the more knowledge and 825 00:26:03,760 --> 00:26:05,739 information you have that cannot 826 00:26:05,740 --> 00:26:07,239 be taken away from you, it makes you 827 00:26:07,240 --> 00:26:09,519 a more powerful individual. 828 00:26:09,520 --> 00:26:11,379 And I also talk to them about they 829 00:26:11,380 --> 00:26:12,999 are their brand and they are 830 00:26:13,000 --> 00:26:13,959 entrepreneurs. 831 00:26:13,960 --> 00:26:15,909 Some of them never consider the fact 832 00:26:15,910 --> 00:26:17,889 that they are entrepreneurs or that 833 00:26:17,890 --> 00:26:19,539 they themselves represent their 834 00:26:19,540 --> 00:26:20,529 brand. 835 00:26:20,530 --> 00:26:21,939 That's part of what I do as a 836 00:26:21,940 --> 00:26:24,189 celebrity coach and strategist. 837 00:26:24,190 --> 00:26:26,289 So, yes, I am big on education 838 00:26:26,290 --> 00:26:27,429 for all my clients. 839 00:26:28,660 --> 00:26:30,309 Before we end this interview, 840 00:26:30,310 --> 00:26:32,169 Deanna, talk to me about 841 00:26:32,170 --> 00:26:33,849 your mom and grandmother. 842 00:26:33,850 --> 00:26:35,199 Oh, that is beautiful. 843 00:26:35,200 --> 00:26:37,329 My grandmothers, my mother, 844 00:26:37,330 --> 00:26:39,159 Professor Nancy Newman 845 00:26:39,160 --> 00:26:41,589 is a retired college professor. 846 00:26:41,590 --> 00:26:43,599 Ten years, many years. 847 00:26:43,600 --> 00:26:45,519 She taught at NYU Hunter 848 00:26:45,520 --> 00:26:46,899 College, the University of Puerto 849 00:26:46,900 --> 00:26:48,879 Rico. However, she retired from 850 00:26:48,880 --> 00:26:50,949 Jersey City State University. 851 00:26:50,950 --> 00:26:52,179 Public Health Nursing was my 852 00:26:52,180 --> 00:26:53,289 mother's lane. 853 00:26:53,290 --> 00:26:55,179 She also was part of the team 854 00:26:55,180 --> 00:26:57,129 that did the hip hop laws that 855 00:26:57,130 --> 00:26:58,719 many of us find when we go to the 856 00:26:58,720 --> 00:26:59,529 doctor. 857 00:26:59,530 --> 00:27:00,459 So I'm very proud. 858 00:27:00,460 --> 00:27:01,749 She was born in San Juan, Puerto 859 00:27:01,750 --> 00:27:03,879 Rico. She is stunningly beautiful 860 00:27:03,880 --> 00:27:04,899 at 86. 861 00:27:04,900 --> 00:27:06,879 She is without a doubt the 862 00:27:06,880 --> 00:27:09,789 most vibrant person I know. 863 00:27:09,790 --> 00:27:11,679 And I love her. And she is she is my 864 00:27:11,680 --> 00:27:13,869 closest confidant, my mama, 865 00:27:13,870 --> 00:27:16,149 my world, my grandmothers, 866 00:27:16,150 --> 00:27:18,009 beautiful women, my mother's mother, 867 00:27:18,010 --> 00:27:19,659 Puerto Rican as well. 868 00:27:19,660 --> 00:27:21,729 She was an honorable homemaker 869 00:27:21,730 --> 00:27:23,259 who taught me Spanish. 870 00:27:23,260 --> 00:27:24,729 I learned Spanish before I learned 871 00:27:24,730 --> 00:27:25,569 English. 872 00:27:25,570 --> 00:27:27,999 And she was a strong, strong 873 00:27:28,000 --> 00:27:29,889 matriarch from my family 874 00:27:29,890 --> 00:27:31,999 and my father's mother as well. 875 00:27:32,000 --> 00:27:33,489 From Culpeper, Virginia. 876 00:27:33,490 --> 00:27:35,859 On television personality, music 877 00:27:35,860 --> 00:27:37,929 industry, professional journalist, 878 00:27:37,930 --> 00:27:39,279 celebrity coach. 879 00:27:39,280 --> 00:27:40,659 Member of the Board of Directors, 880 00:27:40,660 --> 00:27:42,579 National Museum of African American 881 00:27:42,580 --> 00:27:44,679 Music and co originator 882 00:27:44,680 --> 00:27:46,689 and co-founder of Black Music 883 00:27:46,690 --> 00:27:47,709 Month. 884 00:27:47,710 --> 00:27:49,299 If you have questions, comments or 885 00:27:49,300 --> 00:27:51,279 suggestions that she future In Black 886 00:27:51,280 --> 00:27:53,229 America programs, email 887 00:27:53,230 --> 00:27:54,810 us at In Black America at kut.org. 888 00:27:57,610 --> 00:27:59,829 Also, let us know what radio station 889 00:27:59,830 --> 00:28:01,179 you heard us over. 890 00:28:01,180 --> 00:28:02,829 Don't forget to subscribe to our 891 00:28:02,830 --> 00:28:04,929 podcast and to follow 892 00:28:04,930 --> 00:28:06,609 us on Facebook. 893 00:28:06,610 --> 00:28:08,109 You can hear previous programs 894 00:28:08,110 --> 00:28:09,110 online at kut.org. 895 00:28:11,710 --> 00:28:13,659 The views and opinions expressed on 896 00:28:13,660 --> 00:28:15,699 this program are not necessarily 897 00:28:15,700 --> 00:28:17,649 those of the station or 898 00:28:17,650 --> 00:28:19,389 of the University of Texas at 899 00:28:19,390 --> 00:28:20,409 Austin. 900 00:28:20,410 --> 00:28:22,359 Until we have the opportunity again 901 00:28:22,360 --> 00:28:23,739 for a technical producer. 902 00:28:23,740 --> 00:28:25,599 David Alvarez I'm 903 00:28:25,600 --> 00:28:26,600 John L. Hanson Jr. Thank 904 00:28:27,700 --> 00:28:29,319 you for joining us today. 905 00:28:29,320 --> 00:28:31,689 Please join us again next week. 906 00:28:31,690 --> 00:28:33,639 CD copies of this program 907 00:28:33,640 --> 00:28:35,469 are available and may be purchased 908 00:28:35,470 --> 00:28:37,539 by writing to In Black America 909 00:28:37,540 --> 00:28:39,499 CDs, KUT Radio, 910 00:28:39,500 --> 00:28:41,709 300 West Dean 911 00:28:41,710 --> 00:28:43,839 Keeton St, Austin, Texas 912 00:28:43,840 --> 00:28:45,520 78712. 913 00:28:47,189 --> 00:28:48,189 This 914 00:28:57,400 --> 00:28:58,712 has been a production of KUT Radio.