Celebrating 10 yrs! -The Birthing of Music, My Destiny?

What's up everyone? I thought I would do this series called Celebrating 10 years and give you some interesting information. I plan to do a couple of these as we get closer to the UNPLUGGED concert recording I will be doing in August.

Commonly asked question, "How did I get started in music?" Well, I've been singing since the age of 4, my great aunt put me in a talent show when I was 4 years old, I had on a mint green dress. I stood on a huge stage at a church and song Debbie Boone's "You Light of My Life". I remember practicing in the dining room to an 8 track tape that they had for me to listen to the song. As I recall, my Great Uncle Ted & Aunt Cat, my mom and dad, they thought I was awesome. I do believe it was a competition of some sort, whether money was involved I don't know, because I don't remember getting any money!

During those pre-school years, I remember every Sunday being able to sit with Marcy Brown (the Pastor's daughter) of my childhood church "Christian Faith Baptist Church". She was the musician of the church, and every Sunday when the choir would sing, she would let me sit on the organ and play one note. Playing that one note made me feel like I was the director of the choir. It was the last note of The Lord's Prayer, that the choir opened up with every Sunday.

When I was age 7 to about 11, I remember my Great Uncle Jody & Aunt Ada who lived in Springfield, Ohio would come spend at least 2 weeks with us at a time. They were older, retired and love to visit family. Uncle Jody was a genius musician, he could play several instruments, write music, and create anything. He would bring his Fender Rhodes piano and about 3 other pianos and set up shop in our basement, and have us singing songs he wrote. When we would visit their house in Ohio, the basement was a recording studio with all types of instruments. Local musicians in Springfield would stop by and they would be jamming in the basement. Recently, I learned from my uncle who is 85 years old, that he is the CREATOR of RAP MUSIC!  (REAL TALK). He has been interviewed by the newspapers and local news in Springfield. You can google him (Jody Parsley and rap music), he is known as the grandfather of rap music, but has yet to get his credit for it. This is one of my quest to see this done before he gets too much older!

Of course, I don't want to give you too much, because I want you to visit the blog again. I will continue the rest of this story, it get's better. Visit my website: www.sonnieday.com, and follow me on twitter: sonnieday

ONE LOVE GOSPEL CRUISE

I WAS BORN IN THE USA!! this is the song I got off the plane singing when I returned from the One Love Gospel Cruise. The cruise traveled from Tampa, Florida to the Cayman Islands and Cozumel, Mexico. I arrived early on Saturday evening (March 17), because I had a meeting with the teams that would be working the cruise for the week. I was on the Entertainment Team, so our team were responsible for the artist. In Tampa, most of the artist arrived a day early prior to the passengers arriving on Sunday. After our meeting, I ran into our hometown girl, Kierra Sheard and her brother J.Drew in the lobby. After a great nights rest and reuniting with my homegirl from Dallas, Sandra whom I had not seen in 10 years. We caught up on things, cried, and excited about the trip. Sunday, we were to report at 7am for preparation of boarding the ship. It was noisy, because everyone was hanging in the lobby, Isaac Caree, James Fortune, band members, managers, record execs...and radio one staff.

Working on the Entertainment team, my job for that morning  was to make sure that all of the artist were checked out their rooms and had no outstanding bills. Finally, everyone boarded the charter bus to proceed to the pier to load on the boat. Each day, their were events, concerts, and activities planned for the entire day. Because we were not able to record the shows, because Radio One reserved the right, you would have enjoyed all the shows. I was assigned to the Spinnaker Lounge where we had concerts in our venue Sunday-Wednesday night. The artist that performed in my room were: Ty Tribbett, The Williams Brothers, Earnest Pugh, Troy Sneed, Jessica Reedy, Byron Cage, Joe Ligon & The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Angela Spivey, Kim Burrell, The Neville Sisters, Patrick Dopson, Genita Pugh, Darius Brooks, Vashawn Mitchell, Damon Little, Veronica Petrucci, LeJuene Thompson, and Darlene McCoy song and hosted.

The concerts were standing room only, we had two shows a night a 8pm and 10pm show, and the room was standing room only. Unfortunately, we had to turn people away because the room was at capacity, and I didn't want to sink! Band members, artist, and gospel legends that were not apart of the entertainment supported each other, such as Pastor Shirley Ceasar and Dr. Bobby Jones.

The cruise was an awesome experience and was fun, but a lot of work for me. It is so much to tell, but I don't feel like writing everything, so I will hope to tell the experience one time, because everyone is asking.  I would do it all over again to meet new people and hear some of my favorite songs and visit places I wouldn't have never been. Praise be to God, from whom all blessings flow!

To hear more about the cruise, I will be doing a 30 minute show on my www. blogtalkradio.com/the-sonnie-day-show on Sunday, March 25th @ 11pm. You do not want to miss some of the crazy things that happened on the ship, and with yo cuzins!!..Also, you will be able to view my pictures on my facebook page www.facebook.com/sonnieday

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE GIDEON CREW?

What can I say? It has been since 2009 that The Gideon Crew released their last album "The Product". The group has gone through some changes and faces that one may have seen in the past are no longer apart of The Gideon Crew. After 3 years of transitioning, development, and continuing to share the gospel through hip-hop music, the Crew is back. With new member Big Jake and founding member E.D. the sound has evolved into what Rooted Records has coined "HIP-HOP WORSHIP".

The story of Gideon is as interesting as the process that The Gideon Crew went through, prior to this new sound. Working diligently in the studio preparing to release a Maxi-Single in the Summer of 2012, already have began thunderous praise inside the Prison walls in Michigan and Illinois. With hooks that will have sinners and believers drawing closer to God and excited about Jesus. The Prophetic Word from the Lord in 2007 when the vision was given that "The Gideon Crew will reach the masses", God didn't specify who "The Gideon Crew" included.

It is with great honor and privilege that God allowed me to be instrumental in the foundation and steering of this ministry. Through Jesus power and favor, the groups debut album, "You Should Have Killed Me" won a Detroit Music Award, and 2nd album "The Product" garnered nominations with the Detroit Music Awards and 1st Round Stellar Award nomination. TGC has performed on major stages and television networks, and performed in several prisons in Michigan & Illinois. STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER!!...new music coming soon!

THE DEVIL IS INVADING COLLEGE CAMPUSES

A NEW PHENOMENON TARGETS COLLEGE STUDENTS

He calls himself "The Devil from Acapulco" he host an event called DAY GLOW or DANCE WITH THE DEVIL which is ran by an entertainment company called Committee Entertainment. This event is called the World's Largest Paint Party, that is targeted to College Students throughout the country. The party is held at a large venue, and set up similar to a concert, where students buy tickets to attend. With seductive dancing, house music or club style music sets the atmosphere. This style of music is known to trigger hormones within your body that releases a neurotransmitter chemical called DOPAMINE within the body. Dopamine helps control the brain's reward and pleasure centers, and it regulate movement and emotional responses. The release of this hormone, makes the music become addictive and can cause one to act differently.

The stage members use large spray guns to spray paint on the audience as the music becomes more intense, and the youth go crazy! The chanting and hand gestures suggest being under the controlled of the Devil. These parties apparently have been taking place for a couple of years. I was made aware by a friend whose daughter is a student at Western Michigan University where this event is coming soon. Therefore, I felt the need to blog about this, to bring awareness to so many of us who are clueless!

It is imperative that our youth recognize the tricks that the enemy is using to get control of their minds. Music has been his biggest weapon since his eviction from heaven. Anything that has the DEVILS named involve, teach your young people to run away from, unless it is an opportunity to CAST THE DEVIL OUT! Below is a video of an event held in a college area, in Michigan. WAKE UP FOLKS! OUR KIDS NEED OUR PRAYERS!

GREAT MOVIE TO SEE: JOYFUL NOISE

What's happening? Merry Christmas!! I attended the movie screening for the new movie "JOYFUL NOISE" starring Queen Latifah, Dolly Parton, and KeKe Palmer. The movie is about a choir competition, and the local church in the small country town who never makes it to the finals, only the regional. But this time, something occurs that gets them to the finals in Los Angeles, California. Gospel artist Kirk Franklin, appears in the movie with an outstanding performance as usual. The movie depicts realities of church mess, family relationships, and the temptations of life. I was glad that it did not demonstrate religious undertones that we know are judgmental and critical. However, it did show the failures that we all fall into sometimes with bad choices. In my opinion the moral of the film depicts sticking together through adversity and accepting and forgiving mistakes. I was surprised that Queen Latifah is the Executive Producer of the film. This movie is a must see for the family, great outing for Women ministry, family outing, or date night. It certainly cause for great discussion.

Is Headscarves & Pajamas the NEW ATTIRE FOR GIRLS?

There are so many odds that are up against black women, and simply WOMEN in general! But, do you really need to add to the stereotypes that already exist about us. I'm sitting at the red light on my way home, and who crosses the street. A young adult probably between the ages of 18-25, with her head wrapped, some pajama pants, a coat and get this on her cell phone. I have seen grown women come out the house with this attire and automatically I have stereotyped them in the GHETTO FABULOUS category. I wonder if it is a culture thing or does this take place in other cultures? or is it this generation? But, if you are one of those girls, remember that when you leave the house you are sending a message. That message should be one that says I am awake, not preparing for bed, and worthy. You never know who you will meet, or what opportunity could be in front of you, that you could be missing! #imjustsayin!!

SAY IT AIN'T SO.....MARY-MARY & REALITY TV?

SAY IT AIN'T SO!!!, is what many folks will be saying as the word travels about Gospel duo "Mary Mary" new reality TV show. The new reality show following the lives of Mary Mary will air after The Braxton's Family Values on Thursday nights. WE network brings Mary Mary to the network in efforts to continue building their urban audience. The show will premiere in March 2012, the show will cover their tour, the pregnancy stages of Erica (whose expecting her baby in February), making music, and family life. There are soooo many reality shows that are full of drama, ignorance, and immaturity. As I watched the new episodes of Love & Hip-Hop with my teenage daughter, I instantly became irritated. I told her where are the reality shows that show black women running their own business, serving as positive role models, or powerful black women. Where are the shows that would inspire young girls to become something, besides the girlfriend of a rapper or wife of a basketball player. PLEASE!! Iwill be the first to do a review on the show when it airs.  Erica & Tina have become modern gospel pop stars where they have an opportunity to use their position to share Jesus Christ with the world and change lives. Because it is Reality TV where ratings are important to maintain show position, I anticipate entertaining moments, exaggerated disagreements, and drama. Since most of the gospel community are already fans of Basketball Wives, Real Housewives of Atlanta, Love & Hip-Hop, The Braxton's, let's show the same passion for Mary Mary. Look out WE TV.....HERE COMES THE KINGDOM!