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Rest In Peace Al Abrams, Motown’s First Publicist

Hype & Soul by Al AbramsAl Abrams​ was such a great guy. I interviewed him for a couple of stories about Motown, and he was always funny and very excited, not only about the history he helped create, but about the future of music in Detroit. I’m glad to have known him.

From the Detroit Free Press:

Al Abrams was Motown before Motown even had its name.

Abrams, the first employee of Berry Gordy Jr. and the man who pushed artists like the Supremes and Stevie Wonder into news headlines around the world, died Saturday morning at home in Findlay, Ohio. He was 74.

The Detroit-born Abrams was the first press officer for Gordy’s Motown Records, grabbing media coverage and airplay for the fledgling label and its stable of young stars — and helping blast through entrenched racial walls in the process.

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Better Late Than Never! Joe Jaber CD Release Party, Oct 17, The Park Bar in Detroit

It has been some months since the debut of Joe Jaber’s highly anticipated second recording and it’s accompanying video, both entitled “Keys to the House”, and the key to the perfect place and time to showcase and celebrate the projects had seemed frustratingly elusive….until the arrival and advice of friend, fan, seasoned performer and benefactor Ty Stone… ”Just do it,” said Stone, “Throw the damn party….Better late, than never!”

Joe Jaber CD Release Party

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1st Annual Michigan Mega Jam at the Michigan State Fair

So much talent!! It was an honor and a privilege to work with the best of the best for the First Annual Fifth Third Bank Michigan State Fair Michigan Mega Jam on Labor Day, September 7, 2015. This amazing assemblage of performers gave it their all to demonstrate the high quality of musical talent that we have in this state. Strong performances of original material and favorites by Michigan artists and songwriters from many genres emphasized the strength of our musical heritage and its musical present and future. I’m so proud! Thanks to everyone who participated and attended!

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Performers at the 1st Annual Fifth Third Bank Michigan State Fair Michigan Mega Jam!

 — (left to right) Thornetta Davis-Anderson, Caleb Gutierrez, Jill Jack, Dezi Magby (aka DJ Psycho of the Detroit Techno Militia), Steffanie Christi’an, Brandon Calhoon,Alison Albrecht, Yorg Kerasiotis, Brett Lucas, Nadir Omowale, Chris Codish, James Simonson, Sean Blackman, Tosha Owens and Todd Glass.

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Racist Imagery at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston – July 3, 2015

Racist Imagery at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston - July 3, 2015Our family made a pilgrimage to Mother Emanuel AME Zion Church in Charleston, SC today to pay our respects to those who lost their lives in the senseless, racist terrorist attack just two weeks ago.Among the dozens of flowers and other tributes that line the front gate, I saw this stuffed monkey. Some may say I'm overreacting, but where I come from, this is well known racist imagery. What I see is a monkey being lynched right in front of this house of worship where the whole world is mourning. Someone wanted to add insult to our injury. Someone spit on the graves of our murdered brothers and sisters here.I'm not sure how many people have noticed this, but as soon as I saw it, I understood the message. This brings me so much sadness and disappointment. In this place where so many people of all races are coming to honor the lives we lost here, some evil hearted soul used the opportunity to perpetuate the hatred. Happy Birthday, America. It is clear to me that we have a very long way to go.#motheremanuel #emanuelamezion #charleston #racistimagery #blacklivesmatter #Happy4thofjuly #terrorism #welcometoamerica
Our family made a pilgrimage to Mother Emanuel AME Zion Church in Charleston, SC today to pay our respects to those who lost their lives in the senseless, racist terrorist attack just two weeks ago.Among the dozens of flowers and other tributes that line the front gate, I saw this stuffed monkey.

Some may say I’m overreacting, but where I come from, this is well known racist imagery. What I see is a monkey being lynched right in front of this house of worship where the whole world is mourning. Someone wanted to add insult to our injury. Someone spit on the graves of our murdered brothers and sisters here.I’m not sure how many people have noticed this, but as soon as I saw it, I understood the message.

This brings me so much sadness and  disappointment. In this place where so many people of all races are coming to honor the lives we lost here, some evil hearted soul used the opportunity to perpetuate the hatred. Happy Birthday, America. It is clear to me that we have a very long way to go.

#motheremanuel #emanuelamezion #charleston #racistimagery #blacklivesmatter #Happy4thofjuly #terrorism #welcometoamerica

VIDEO: Rest In The Funk Terry Thunder Hughley

terrythunderI am terribly saddened to hear that powerhouse Detroit drummer Terry Thunder Hughley made his transition today. Always ready with that winning smile and his righteous pocket, Terry anchored Detroit’s legendary Sun Messengers, and was also the house drummer for the Detroit Pistons, and through his illustrious career he supplied the rhythm for David Ruffin, 5 Special, Enchantment,The Dramatics, The Platters, L. J. Reynolds, New Birth, Little Carl Carlton, Mitch Ryder, Black Merda, Bobby Franklin’s Insanity, The Drifters, The Coasters, Kim Weston, Ollie Woodson of the Temptations, Sir Mack Rice, and many more.

Our paths really didn’t cross that often, but Terry was one of those cats who walks in the room, and you know he’s about to handle his business. He would laugh and joke, but when he hit that snare drum, you knew he was very serious about his craft.

We laughed that we were finally able to jam together when Steffanie Christi’an and I appeared as part of the 2014  Don Was Detroit All-Star Revue, as Terry manned his customary spot on the drummer’s throne. Watch the video of our performance of Bob Seger’s “Lookin’ Back” below.

Terry’s presence was as impactful as his playing, and he will be deeply missed. Rest In The Funk, Terry Thunder.

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© Nadir Omowale