In Loving Memory of Lou Wilson - Love of My Life - 7 years with the Ancestor Angels

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

7 years ago today, my entire world was turned upside down, inside out and backwards - when I was awakened with the news that Lou Wilson, the love of my life had died suddenly, and without warning of cardiac arrest. He was 3000 miles away in California. I was sleeping peacefully in New York, with my headsets on listening to meditation music. My children had been trying desperately to reach me as soon as they got the call - but no one could reach me because I had my phone on mute. By the time I spoke with my youngest daughter, Adiya, and was getting ready to go into “prayer” mode, Lou had already made his transition to the realm of Ancestor/Angel.

 

I was devastated, distraught, and riddled with guilt that I was not there for him. I still have flashbacks to that morning. It took me three years to come out of the gloom and guilt and bereavement. It took me 5 years to be able to listen to Mandrill without crying - so for that reason, I didn’t play their wonderful music - as much as I love it - because it was all Lou’s work - the lyrics, the music composition, the arrangements. 

It’s been a serious journey. So last night, January 6, while I was attending the free concert sponsored by Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, when the Urban Guerilla Orchestra played their version of Mandrill’s “Can You Get It/Susie Caesar,” it was the first time I listened to it and actually enjoyed it without tearing up.  UGO actually did a great job by the way. 

It took a lot prayer to get to that point, though - and being around special messengers who kept me looking for the blessings in the lesson, instead of dwelling on the grief and sorrow.   It's one of the major reasons I have such a deep appreciation for the messages of Joel and Victoria Osteen, Pastor John Gray, the wonderful music of Israel Houghton ("It's Not Over - When God is In It"), a good friend, Cathy Jones, who let me ugly cry my soul out on her couch for a whole week, and my Oklahoma Homie, Brenda Neal, who pulled me out when I had gone into a cocoon -  I'm grateful to them for getting me through the hardest, most tragic episode of my life.   Osteen's message about Staying in faith, and not putting a period where God put a comma, were some of the things that I have learned to apply to my life. 

So today I’m dedicating my time to the positive memories of all the wonderful things Lou and I shared  -  like our trip to Venezuela and  Guatemala;  our weekend clambakes in Harlem; jamming with his many admirers, among other things!!  

7:11 Now playing

Mandrill - Can you get it (Suzie Caesar)

I'm immersing myself into his music - especially his lyrics - in homage to his greatness of soul and talent.  I don't promise not to cry.  But I do promise to enjoy the memories. 


  

7:38 Now playing

MANDRILL-Solid(1975)

Knowing Lou, he’s up there with the Ancestor/Angels, doing what he loves to do most - Jamming and coming up with wonderful new sound concepts. 

I have Lou to thank for our two beautiful children, who are now adults, and carry every bit of his talent and caring DNA; and our five beautiful grandchildren. They each also carry a piece of him. I invite you to please do me a favor and listen to at least one MANDRILL song today in his honor. 


Here’s to the memory of Lou Wilson - the Love of My Life. 

Much Luv4U - 
GloDu ❤️🙏🏾🥰
 
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JUNE IS BLACK MUSIC MONTH: SALUTING MANDRILL INC., GARNIKA, THE NEW MUSIC SEMINAR AND BLACK MUSICIANS THE WORLD OVER!

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

As you all know - or should - June is BLACK MUSIC MONTH!  This is the time we come together to salute some of the most creative, talented and influential segment of our people - the musicians, composers, singers, technicians and performers who keep us entertained and inspired. 

Some of us are born with the capacity to sing and get up in front of audiences without fear or trepidation, and manifest the wonderful gift God gave us.  Others work tirelessly to perfect their performances.  Some form music groups, others are part of music ensembles.  Others are appreciators - or fans - who come out to support and enjoy the show; buy their albums, listen to them on the radio.

Regardless of whether it's Jazz, Gospel, Rhythm & Blues, HipHop, Rap, African, Caribbean - it's all our music!!  And we get to enjoy and celebrate a double/triple dose of it for the entire month of June.  There is practically no place - at least not in New York and other parts of the Eastern Seaboard, and California, that some kind of salute is not taking place. The very atmosphere is alive with music - as they come together to appreciate each other, learn new techniques, study the business, have jam sessions, and award each other for jobs well done.

Of course in the context of this month-long celebration, I salute the men in my life who were the consummate musicians - Lou Wilson (Love of My Life) of MANDRILL, INC., and his brothers, Ric, Carlos, and Wilfredo - who founded, and made up the nucleus of the group.  I am also saluting another important man in my life - our Handsome Son (he hates it when I call him "Handsome," but he truly is) Rais Wilson, also known as The One Son Lion Ra, who is the founder of the group GARNIKA. 

MANDRILL:  LOU, CARLOS, RIC, AND WOLF WILSON - Founding members of the group, NYC 2011

Lou fairly oozed with music from every pore of his being.  Everything he touched became a musical instrument - every sound a concept for a new song.  Our son has the same DNA - and I'm fairly sure that some, if not all, of our Grands have some of that very same raw talent germinating inside them as well.  

So during Black Music Month, I salute the music of MANDRILL - and the forty-plus years they performed, delighted and inspired people all over the world.  The confluence of Panama, Jamaica, Barbados, New York, Africa, and all parts of the Caribbean, laced with jazz, R & B, is what took their music from great to sensational, and inspired Kanye West and others to adapt it to some of their signature work.  I defy anyone to listen to FenceWalk, or Ape Is High, and remain seated in their chairs.  It can't be done!  Their fan base still remains, though, sadly Lou, who did 90% of the composing and lyrics,  joined the Ancestor/Angels  two and a half years ago.  The integrity of the music still stands for all times - a treasure trove of some of the greatest music ever.  Between the four Wilson Brothers alone, they played at least 60 instruments.  

MANDRILL LOGO

Add to that the other musicians who have been a part of the group off and on, you could possibly see 80 instruments on stage - congas, trumpet, trombone, saxaphone, snares, flute, cymbals, ago-go (cow bells) sekere, tambourines, keyboards, violins - and these were all played by live musicians who also sang, and performed (Lou would leap across the stage and continued to do so until he passed on at the age of 71).  If you've not listened to the music of MANDRILL for quite some time, check them out at www.mandrillis.com  Like Muhammad Ali - whose theme music they composed and performed for his movie THE GREATEST - MANDRILL is the Greatest of All Times!!

Like Mandrill, GARNIKA is definitely cutting its own swath, making its own mark - departing from the mundane and taking it to a new level.  They have taken funk to a new level, synchopated rhythms emanating from four young men - who have filtered their contemporary lyrics through the tenor of the times - when things are much more fast paced and hyped.  Looking for their own niche in the music industry, they're based in Philadelphia and have been performing in many of the local clubs in the area.  Check them out and "LIKE" them on FaceBook!

RAIS WILSON a/k/a One Son Lion RA of GARNIKA

Black Music Month is not just about accolades, as I mentioned earlier, but also about the business of music, which, like show business, requires specialized knowledge if you are going to survive, thrive, earn a living and manage your careers.  In view of those imperatives, The New Music Seminar was formed.  Friend, associate, and producer/promoter, Sparkie Martin, forwarded this information to me - and I'm sharing it with those who are either in the industry, or want to become a part of it.

New Music Seminar 2015. Now for some good updates.

New York City will be buzzing with the leaders- and future executives of the music business...along with the next generation of music stars.  Movements, Intensives, Open Forums, Networking, Live Performances. Are you one of the 1,500? Register Now Please Welcome the First 50 NMS Speakers! Nile Rodgers at the 2014 New Music Seminar We're covering all sectors of the music business and getting the teams in place.   So, to kick things off, here's the first 50 speakers you don't want to miss! Andreas Katsambas - Founder and CEO, The End Records Avery Lipman - Co-President, Republic Records Billy Mann - CEO, Green & Bloom/TOPL1NE Brad Navin - CEO, The Orchard Chloe Weise - A&R, RCA Records Chris Atlas - SVP of Marketing, Island/Def Jam Craig Balsam - Co-Founder, Razor & Tie Craig Kallman - Chairman & CEO, Atlantic Records Cristina Alesci - Reporter, CNN Daniel Glass - Founder and President, Glassnote Entertainment Danny Strick - Co-President, Sony/ATV Music Publ. David Macias - President, Thirty Tigers Dominic Pandiscia - President, Caroline Ed Vetri - CEO, Wind-Up Records Heath Miller - Vice President, Webster Hall & Excess dB Entertainment Ian Allen - Manager, A&R Admin Clearance , Universal Jake Gold - President/CEO, The Management Trust Jason Flom - President, Lava Records Jay Frank - Owner/CEO, DigSin Jeremy Summers - Entertainment Marketing and Management Professional, Prospect Park Records Jim Roppo - EVP of Marketing & Commerce, Republic Records Joe Cuello - CCO, TuneCore John Dickey - COO, Cumulus Media John Rudolph - Strategic and M&A Advisor, Music Analytics Jordan Berliant - Partner/Head of Music Management, The Collective Julie Swidler - Executive Vice President, Business Affairs & General Counsel, Sony Music Entertainment Kristina Grossmann - A&R, Republic Records Mark Piibe - Executive Vice President, Global Business Development and Digital Strategy, Sony Music Entertainment Mark Piro - Creative Development Coordinator, Razor & Tie Michael Abbattista - Global Head of Telecom/ISP Partnerships, Spotify Michael Kurtz - Founder, Record Store Day Mike McCready - Co-Founder and CEO, Music Xray Natalia Nastaskin - CEO/General Counsel, The Agency Group Neil Gillis - President, Round Hill Music Nina Palmer - National Sales Director, Ross Ellis Packaging Solutions Peter Asher - Producer / Songwriter, Peter Asher Management Portia Sabin - President, Kill Rock Stars Records Ralph Simon - CEO/Founder, Mobilum Global, Founder of the Mobile Entertainment Forum Mobile - Americas Richard Ellis - Founder & President, 12 to 20 - Malls and School Touring Richard Stumpf - Founder/CEO, Atlas Publishing Rob Hitt - Manager, Crush Music Rosie Lopez - President, Tommy Boy Records Russ Crupnick - Sr VP, Industry Analysis, NPD Sophia Chang - Manager/Producer/Consultant, Steve Sheldon - President, Rainbo Records Theda Sandiford - VP Digital Marketing, Republic Records Tom Corson - President & COO, RCA Records Tony Brummel - Founder, Victory Records Tor Hansen - Founder, YepRoc, RedEye Ziggy Chareton - A&R, Island Records  Find Out More Here » Some of Our Partners...Supporting Growth in the Music Business website The Institute of Audio Research is dedicated to the art, business, and technology of audio in all its forms. As such, IAR serves the music, motion picture, multi-media, communications, consumer electronics, and entertainment industries, as well as other employment sectors that demand highly trained audio technicians and entertainment producers. IAR seeks to develop graduates who are creative/technical problem solvers, effective collaborators, and life-long learners. They possess the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to join the audio and entertainment communities in entry-level capacities immediately following graduation or after further post-secondary study at IAR or another institution of higher education.   website   Atlantic Records, which celebrated its 60th Anniversary in 2008, grew from a one-room operation into one of the most preeminent and enduring companies in music history. Atlantic has had a profound impact on the course of modern culture, its rich catalog including such icons as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, John Coltrane, and Led Zeppelin. The Atlantic Group today includes such high-profile artists as James Blunt, B.o.B, Death Cab for Cutie, Lupe Fiasco, Flo Rida, Cee Lo Green, Kid Rock, Bruno Mars, Matchbox Twenty, Janelle Monae, Jason Mraz, Paramore, Shinedown, Skrillex, Trey Songz, T.I., Zac Brown Band, and many more. Featuring: See You at the Seminar!

Also occurring during BLACK MUSIC MONTH: 

Sunday, June 21, 2015 from 4-7PM MAKE MUSIC NEW YORK is a live, free musical celebration on June 21, the longest day of the year, with over 1,300 concerts on streets, sidewalks, and parks across the five boroughs. The Office of the Manhattan Borough President with the Carl Schurz Park Conservancy and the Dept of Parks and Recreation has scheduled a concert in Carl Schurz Park, East 86th Street & East End Ave, New York, NY 10028 (212) 459-4455. Refreshments. Free. Info: http://makemusicny.org/schedule/ In addition, the Conservancy has free concerts in the same location from 7-8:30PM on Wednesday, July 8: NATION BEAT performs. A mix of New Orleans and South America and Wednesday, July 22: Back again: SWINGTIME BIG BAND.

Who wants to bring the music business back to its former glory? View the current list of people who will be talking about it! June 21-23, 2015 - New York City  | www.newmusicseminar.com NMS 2015 Programming Announced Real Discussions About Real Business Issues! For three days and nights, NMS tackles key challenges and creates discussions on how to generate greater revenue and restore the music business back to its former glory.  Want to see what everyone is talking about? Click here to see this years programming! See You at the Seminar! *Online Rates increase June 1st Check out the Artist Spotlight Series Presented by Warner Bros. Records & Warner/Chappell Royal Blood, Phases, Kaya Stewart, and Andra Day Part three of the Artist Spotlight Series features artists submitted by our partners Warner Bros. Records and Warner/Chappell. This group of up-and-comers offers a little something for everyone. They are unique, they are edgy, and they are all ready to impress your eardrums. Take a listen here. The SoundExchange Summit @ NMS On Tuesday June 22nd, all NMS attendees will have the opportunity to experience the Sound Exchange Summit.  Meet SoundExchange - learn how to maximize your revenue, discuss legal copyright issues and how they pertain to you, and hear more about how SoundExchange fights for your rights on Capitol Hill SoundExchange is the independent nonprofit performance rights organization representing the entire recorded music industry. The organization collects statutory royalties on behalf of recording artists and master rights owners for the use of their content from satellite radio, Internet radio, cable TV music channels and other services that stream sound recordings. The Copyright Royalty Board, created by Congress, has entrusted SoundExchange as the only entity in the United States to collect and distribute these digital performance royalties from more than 2,000 services. SoundExchange has paid out nearly $2 billion in royalties since its inception. For more information, visit  www.SoundExchange.com or www.facebook.com/soundexchange. PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TO NMS What's Next! Programming Announced Warner's Artist Spotlight Series Featured Partner: SoundExchange Quick Links Purchase Your NMS Tickets Here Frequently Asked Questions NMS Takes Place at the Wyndham New Yorker Hotel Looking to stay where all the action is? We have a limited discount room block available.  Reserve your room today at: http://bit.ly/nms15hotel   If for any reason it says full, please contact:  hotel@newmusicseminar.com Partner Announcements Founded in 1977 on the principle of bridging the gap between "the street and the elite," Music Connection has grown from a print publication into a spectrum of products and services that address the wants and needs of the songwriter, producer, studio manager, agent, attorney, publicist, label executive and, of course, the musician looking for a resource of music industry information. A division of Universal Music Group, the world's leading music company, Republic is home to an all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning legends and superstar artists such as Amy Winehouse, Ariana Grande, Black Sabbath, Colbie Caillat, Enrique Iglesias, Florence + the Machine, Godsmack, Gotye, James Blake, Of Monsters and Men, Owl City, among many others. It is comprised of innovative imprints and digital business ventures including Brushfire (Jack Johnson, G. Love), Cash Money (Lil Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj), Lava Records (Jessie J, Lorde), Loma Vista (Soundgarden, Damian Marley, St. Vincent), Monkeywrench (Pearl Jam), Casablanca Records (Tïesto, Martin Garrix), NBC's The Voice (Cassadee Pope, Danielle Bradbery), Republic Nashville (The Band Perry, Florida Georgia Line, The Eli Young Band), XO (The Weeknd), among others. Stay Connected          New Music Seminar | info@nms.events | http://www.newmusicseminar.com 220 East 23rd St. Suite 400 New York, NY 10010 Copyright © 2104. All Rights Reserved.

Of course there will be jazz pouring out of all the regular spots - Showman's Cafe in Harlem, Warmdaddy's in Philadelphia, as well as concerts in the park - you can't help but be caught up in the magic of the music - after all, it belongs to us.  

ENJOY!

Stay Blessed & 

ECLECTICALLY BLACK 

Gloria 

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