Category Archives: Sharing the facts

Larry Dunn- Earth, Wind and Fire Keyboardist-Ahead of his time

Check out the keyboard player of Earth, Wind and Fire,  Larry Dunn.  This man was truly ahead of his time, yet he was always quiet and humble, a compliment to his character.  How many songs featured his genius style of playing that left so many other keyboard players using his style as a template for solos and song chord structures.  He has a few video on Youtube, but this does not show enough of the talent this man has showed over the past thirty (30) years,  or his musical creative genius!  I was amazed at some of the licks and his interlude which was magical for the era.  I can still listen to his interlude today and find inspiration!  Again, he was ahead of his time.  Larry, EWF would not have been the successful, great band it was without your contributions!  Thank you, so much for the creative listening, nurturing and magical flow, that you allowed to be fulfilled.

Earth, Wind and Fire Music Arranger Charles Stephney

Check out the Youtube video of Earth, Wind and Fire’s Maurice White and other band members testimonial to the work of Charles Stephney leading to their crossover success in the 70’s.  His musical and vocal arrangements took them to another level-as their guitar player states, along with Ramsey Lewis and many others.  The Keyboard player Larry Dunn and Phillip Bailey also give him credit and praise.  Check out the arrangements this man contributed to not only EWF, but Minnie Ripperton, Rotary Connection, and many other artists and labels during that era.  He passed early, leaving us all wondering what amazing arrangements he would have continued to elevate to another level had he still been with us.  Again, like I gave Kudos to Maurice White, I also must give the same to Mr. Charles Stephney.  Check out the video on Youtube of him-type in Charles Setphney and it will show a limited selection of this man’s great contribution to the music industry!  Thank you so much for you contributions Mr. Stephney and God bless your legacy and may you, as Quincy Jones, continue to inspire many more arrangers and producers in the industry!

Earth, Wind and Fire’s Founder Maurice White

Shout out to all.  We need prayers for strength, love and encouragement to Earth, Wind and Fire’s founder and leader, Maurice White.  We all miss seeing him perform with the group and give him love and support for his health challenges.  Maurice’s group, along with our departed arranger Mr. Charles Stepney gave us all so much inspiration! I don’t know about you guys, but this group was the most positive, loving and spiritual group that I have ever witnessed.  Maurice, you contributed so much to so many, all over the planet!  God bless you always.

International Keywords and Marketing

Is the same talent that was discovered by Motown Records in the 60’s still available in Detroit today?

Think about it!  We need to start a co-op record label that rewards any and all who provide new talent that results in major CD/DVD sales.  There are just as many talented vocalists and musicians out there today that were available to Berry Gordy in the 60’s.  We just have to do the same thing that Berry Gordy did.  Recognize, develop and market new talent, both for musical recordings and videos.  In fact,  it would be much easier to produce, record and market new talent today than it has ever been!  Berry recognized that there was a market that was untapped that, if properly   developed and promoted, could be million sellers-and he did.  Anyone can put out a CD or Video today, due to the technology and the internet.  Do you realize that you could market your own artists anywhere in the planet with the push of a button?  Yes, it would require translating the language of the videos, but perhaps not!  Look and how many American artists are moving millions of CDs/DVDs all over the planet in English!  It seems  that the language does not matter, in fact, there is no language barrier!  Check out how many English artists are touring and selling more units overseas than in the continental US-its mind blowing.  Even the Chinese are buying American rap artists material, and learning to speak the same slang.  We must take advantage of the internet to get that free exposure that was never available in the past.  I have people listening to my music from all over the planet!

Keyword searches is the magic!  So,  base your keyword hits so that they will not only get hits in the US, but worldwide.  Perhaps there is a universal translator software product available that will allow you to tap into foreign search engines-hmm,  sounds like an opportunity to me!

Everything in music production requires a system!

Did you ever think how much and time and work goes into a finished product or even a demo?  Try putting all of the steps in your production from concept to a tangible product on a flow chart and you will be amazed at how many steps are actually involved in the process of music /video production.  From concept or the first thought, continuing on and even including writing down on a paper napkin at the restaurant while you are eating, that first thought of the melody, lyric or rhythm section playing in your mind is the first step.  The finished product, for some of the newer, major played artists includes videos, which can really increase the sales of the product.