By Sherlene Shanklin
Early this morning, R&B star Chris Brown released new music. The song is entitled ‘It Depends’ features Louisville, KY native Bryson Tiller. Earlier this month Brown said he had a new project, and fans expressed their excitement in anticipation. So, early this morning, (July 25, 2025) the single was released. To listen to a preview https://music.apple.com/nz/album/it-depends-feat-bryson-tiller-single/1828289348
(Louisville, KY) On Monday, May 8th, Roots 101 welcomes the long awaited tribute to the ‘King of Kentucky” the late Stephen “Static Major” Garrett. The exhibit will take you through the legendary music career of the musical genius. The Louisville, Kentucky native was a singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born on November 11, 1974, and died on February 23, 2008. He was a member of the R&B trio Playa that went on to have hits like “Cheers 2 U” and “Don’t Stop the Music”. This is their 25th anniversary of the group’s formation.
Static Major has produced with some of the biggest artists in R&B and Hip-Hop from Aaliyah, Ginuwine, Nicole Wray, Pretty Ricky to Lil Wayne. Proceeding Garrett’s death, in 2018, hip-hop superstar Drake featured Garrett in his hit song “After Dark”. Then in 2020, Louisville native Jack Harlow hit. “Luv Is Dro”, which was a song of Garrett reworked by Harlow.
Prior to the public exhibit opening, which will be in Roots 101 from May 8th thru July 8th. (With a possibility of a longer run). There will be a private event on Sunday, May 7th from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The Music Is Like Breathing Brunch will give family, friends, and special guests an opportunity to get the first look at the exhibit and share special stories of the talented Kentucky native who was ahead of his time.
Avonti Garrett, the widow and mother of his two children remembers not only the artist but the family man. “Stephen Ellis Garrett aka Static Major was a special one-of-a-kind person. He not only was a talented singer, songwriter, and producer, he was a good husband, father, son, and friend. He was a family man who was generous to all. Static had a way of leaving a memorable impression with everyone he encountered. The love that he generously displayed made all of us feel special to him. His timeless music still has a great influence over the music industry. Static Major is and will forever be a true legend. The Goat!!! By age 33. His family, friends, and I appreciate the love and we are truly grateful for the honoring of his legacy. He is greatly missed by all. “
Lamont Collins, Founder of Roots 101 shares his excitement about having the exhibit at his museum. He says, “It’s so important to document and preserve our history. Stephen “Static Major” Garrett played and still plays a vital role in the entertainment industry. This was a long time in the making, this should have happened a long time ago. We are happy that Roots 101 in Garrett’s hometown was able to make it happen. We invite you to come see the temporary exhibit. We hope it will have a permanent home someday, but it is an honor to be the first to display his life and superstar career. Legacies matter and Roots 101 continues to chronicle history of African Americans in our community and the outstanding contributions made not only to Kentucky but the world.”
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THE HEART AND “SOUL” OF THE URBAN COMMUNITY CHANGES MUSIC FORMAT AS IT CONTINUES TO USE ITS VOICE AS A PLATFORM FOR CHANGE
(Louisville, KY) On Friday, August 7, 2020 at 10:47 am the sound of 1350AM WLOU & 104.7FM returned to its original format of soul music.
With the new stereo sound, you will see a new logo and station tagline, but the roots of the station remain intact but with a broader appeal from news and information but filling a void in the community when it comes to soul music. The format will give listeners an opportunity to go back down memory lane with music from Earth, Wind & Fire, O’Jays, Stylistics, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, Sade, Isley Brothers, Anita Baker plus many more.
“The Original Soul of Louisville” adds Archie Dale as the General Manager and Mark Gunn as Program Director and Afternoon Drive On-Air Personality to the already dynamic team of Krystal “Miss Krystal” Goodner in the Morning Drive and others to be announced.
With 70 years on the airwaves, WLOU is one of the oldest urban stations in the U.S. So, when it was acquired by David B. Smith Sr., long time radio personality, program director and co-owner of Kentuckiana Broadcast Group he wanted to make sure its rich history was celebrated but also be a voice for African Americans. Gunn says “We’re reaching the underserved adult Black demographic by going a lot deeper musically than the other Gold based stations in the market. In addition to REAL Soul Music, WLOU continues to deal with the soul of Louisville by directly addressing social issues we are facing today and to be an information hub to our listeners not only on the air, in the community but on our social platforms.
Smith’s love for radio has been a constant especially in Louisville and Southern Indiana so when he heard that the station maybe acquired from someone outside the region he says “Passing up the opportunity to purchase such a legendary station was not an option. The possibility of WLOU being owned by anyone not from here just wouldn’t be right”. “I’m honored to walk in the footsteps of former owner The Reverend Dr. William E. Summers III”.
With more than 30 years in the radio industry, Smith says they are not deleting the Gospel programming but moving it to our sister station, AM 1240, WLLV.
For additional information, contact VP/GM WLOU/WLLV Archie Dale at 502.776.1240
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HISTORY
On October 21st, 1951, AM 1350, WLOU hit the airwaves as the Soul Of Louisville to become one of the first five full-time R&B stations in the country and over time, one of the top – rated stations in the nation.
The tradition of excellence and service to the Black Community was brought to the forefront by legendary on–air personalities like “Super Neal” O’Ray, Brenda “20th Century Fox” Banks, Bill Price and Tony Fields to name a few with The Reverend Doctor William E. Summers III leading the charge.
VIPP Communications is a full service public relations, event management and production firm headquartered in Louisville, KY with clients and/or projects all over the U.S. We can create, maintain and sustain your brand. Our clientele range from small businesses, non-profits, corporate leaders, entertainment to current and retired professional athletes. Contact one of our team members to see if we can assist you at info at vippcommunications dot com. www.vippcommunications.com
Saadiq writes about real-life situations that no one wants to talk about but necessary for healing and you get a chance to hear him live at Paristown Hall
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It’s exciting to see how much the entertainment circuit has grown over the years in the Bluegrass market. All types of genres, all forms of art and of course the area has some top notch venues.
Grammy Award winning R & B musician, songwriter and the man artists go to for collaborations will be in Louisville for a concert.
Raphael Saadiq will be at the Old Forester Paristown Hall on Monday, February 17th. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the show will begin at 8:00 p.m. with some new music off of his latest solo project, Jimmy Lee. It was released in August.
The former member of Tony! Toni! Tone! entitled the album after his late brother who died of a heroin overdose. Through music, Saadiq will take you through the journey of addiction and later loss which many times causes confusion and sadness.
Over Saadiq’s 40 year career, he has many chart-topping hits from “Something Keeps Calling”, “Good Man” to “Ask of You”. He’s produced songs for John Legend, Solange Knowles, TLC, En Vogue and the late Whitney Houston.
General admission tickets are $35.00 but if you feel like a V.I.P. experience that evening they have a premium ticket which will cost you a little more. Also, there’s a meet and greet ticket available.
By Sherlene Shanklin
Spring into love with an Evening of Soul with R & B superstars Charlie Wilson and Patti LaBelle along with special guest El DeBarge.
The trio will perform at the KFC Yum! Center on Saturday, April 6th. Doors open at 6:00 pm and the concert will begin at 7:00 pm.
The last time, I attended a concert of Wilson his stage performance was second to none. The high energy show moved with dancers and a band for over 50 minutes.
You would expect to pay a lot of money to see these artists are definitely getting a deal with it only costing you between $42 and $125 dollars.
Website: http://www.thevippreport.com Twitter: @thevippreport @vippcomm
Matthews’ book cover “Blame it on Vanity”
Special from Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 Television/ABC Louisville
Singer, songwriter, actress and model Denise Matthews has died. To many you will know her as Vanity from Vanity 6. The lead singer of the R&B/funk group that made the song “Nasty Girl” a chart topping hit in 1982. It’s said that Prince coined the name “Vanity”, because after looking into a mirror she was the female version of him.
Matthews walked away from her music and acting career to concentrate her time to her faith as a Christian.
Denise “Vanity” Matthews died today at the age of 57.
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The VIPP Report: The Midnight train from Georgia will make a story in Louisville. The Empress of Soul, Gladys Knight will be in concert at the Louisville Palace on Friday, September 12th at 8:00 p.m.
The seven-time Grammy Award winner got her start in the church performing gospel music at the age of four. She along with her brother, sister and two cousins, in 1959 The Pips were born. In 1962, the group was renamed Gladys Knight & The Pips. Now, you can see Knight starring in the syndicated sitcom, “The First Family” where she plays the mother of the President. Her film credits include “I Can Do Bad All By Myself”.
Tickets for Gladys Knight starts at $39.99. You can purchase them at the Louisville Palace Theatre Box Office and ticketmaster.com.If you have a story idea send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. You can also follow us on @VIPPComm.
The VIPP Report: In a raw interview with Louisville native Ben “Digital Black” Bush of Playa he opens up to Sherlene Shanklin of WHAS11 and owner of the The VIPP Report about Stephan “Static Major” Garrett. Bush talks about the call he received from Static’s wife six years ago today.
Below is a link for your review. If you have a story idea send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. You can also follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm. You can follow Sherlene Shanklin at @Sherlenemediapr.
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