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CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IN THE ARTS… THREE Issue #3

THE THREE DEGREES: L-R HELEN SCOTT, FREDDIE POOLE AND VALERIE HOLIDAY G.E.M.A. NEWS & MUSIC BIZ NEWSLETTER

The Three Degrees Now! by Dolores Dauphine

The Three Degrees, are known started in . Their then-manager, internationally and have earned numerous the enigmatic Richard Barrett brought three accolades throughout the years. These ladies young teenagers together with a vision for a

have performed for Kings and Queens, new sound and style for this female vocal Government and Religious dignitaries. They group. The group made its first mark on the -2014 Music Director are celebrating more than 50 years in the recording scene by way of the Philly-based Grammy award winning musician, composer, entertainment arts. When the Three Degrees . During the Swan years, the arranger, and music producer Bobby Eli is the come to mind, you immediately think of their group's line up was Helen Scott, Fayette 2014 Music Director for the G.E.M.A. Golden Mic most famous , "When Will I See You Pinkney and Janet Harmon. Their biggest Honors Tribute Ceremony. Bobby has received Again", and the vision of three beautiful success on Swan was probably "Gee Baby", numerous awards and is a multi-platinum women of color, perfectly coordinated in which featured Fayette on lead vocals. Soon composer with hits like “Love Won’t Let Me Wait”, both their dance routines and their vocal thereafter Helen Scott got married and left “Just Don’t Want To Be Lonely”, “Side Show”, harmonies. The Three Degrees current the group. By this time, they had signed with “Three Ring Circus” , “This Time Baby”, “Zoom” and manager, John Abbey knows these ladies are New York-based and the many more. He produced and arranged Deniece still a viable brand and capable of providing line-up was Fayette Pinkney, Valerie Holiday Williams’ Grammy nominated “Love an electric, moving, and entertaining stage and and this line-up was to Style”. The G.E.M.A. Foundation congratulates performance. "When Will I See You Again" remain intact for their glory years with him on being a 2014 G.E.M.A. GMH Honoree. was a major hit record throughout the world, Roulette and Philadelphia International. The topping the chart in the U.S.A., the U.K., hits began with a remake of G.E.M.A. Human Resource and most European countries, earning 1958 hit, "Maybe" and continued through "I Director the trio every conceivable accolade at the Do Take You", "You're The One", "There's So Celestine Ray, formerly time -- not to mention enough Gold records Much Love All Around Me" (all produced by Chief Operations Officer

to make Fort Knox a little envious! More Barrett) and closed out with "Trade Winds" at Imhotep Institute than four decades on, the threesome have for Roulette. It was during this two-year span Charter High School retained all three of their major qualities -- that they made a cameo appearance in the from 1999 to 2009 their beauty, their sparkling choreography movie, "The French Connection", where she handled the and their precise vocal qualities. And, in "Everybody Gets To Go To the Moon", schools fiduciary between, they have amassed an impressive portraying themselves in a cabaret scene. In responsibilities and list of hit records. Today, the line-up consists 1972, they aligned their recording destiny personnel needs. She of Helen Scott, Valerie Holiday, and Freddie with Gamble & Huff with super hits from has joined the G.E.M.A. Foundation and Pool. The actual beginning of the group Philadelphia International and the rest is we’re pleased that she is a part of our team. datesd back more than 4 decades, when they history.

The Global Entertainment Media Arts Foundation *** www.thegemafoundation.org *** email: [email protected] CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IN THE ARTS… THREE ISSUE #3

by M.L. Cedeno

Maria Torres, is an acclaimed Performer, Maria has also choreograph the dancing

Choreographer and Director with extensive routines for Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony experience in the Theater, Film, Television, in “El Cantante” which she also appeared in. As Video and Commercial industries. Maria has worked, her resume touts diversity from all a teacher, Maria has taught all over the world angles. As a performer, Maria has graced both at an array of prestigious institutions with the the Broadway stage, starring in “Swing”! On goal of sharing her Latin culture with people of the big screen she appeared in “Dance With all backgrounds. Maria’s choreography can be Me”, starring Chayanne and Vanessa Williams. seen in the upcoming movie “Fugly”, is a feature film starring John Lequizamo, Radha Maria worked on projects in the ranging from choreographing the video for Mitchell and Rosie Perez and “The Six Wives of Enrique Iglesias hit single Bailamos to hailed Henry Le Fay” starring Tim Allen, Andie Reggaeton artist Don Omar’s tour King of McDowell, Jenna Elfema and Paz Vega. Maria Kings and the International Dance TV show is known as the “Mother” of the Hustle. This MUSIC PLUS DANCE = MARIA TORRES “Quiero Bailar” where Maria was on camera as year Maria Torres will be launching several Guest Choreographer and on the hit show “So projects including the “The Maria Torres Dance You Think You Can Dance”, “Dance for In 1994, Maria Torres created Hustle USA Dance Championships along with Co- Dreams” that aired on Univision. Fox Upfronts, Theater Company”. Maria Torres is the founders Debra Hampton and David Sarul. Microsoft launch of Windows Phone, “Salt” G.E.M.A. Foundation’s 2014 GMH Honoree in Event in Las Vegas and Entertainer’s Ball Arena . MariaHEADING has 5 worked with John O’Connell Dance. She will also be honored with an award NYC. In the world of Film, Maria has worked andContact trained Info with renowned actors such as in her name, “The Maria Torres Award In with world renowned production houses and Patrick Dempsey and Amy Adams in Dance”. We salute you, Maria Torres! directors such as MTV, NBC, HBO, BBC, Walt Disney’s “Enchanted” to Raven Simone in Disney, and John Leguizamo. “College Road Trip”.

James has written and produced James Rosin two one-hour sports documentaries, which have aired by Gigi Horne on public television: Philly Hoops: The SPHAS and Warriors (about the James Rosin, a native Philadelphian and a first two professional basketball Temple graduate with a degree in teams in Philadelphia) and The Broadcasting. In New York, he studied Philadelphia Athletics 1901 - acting with Bobby Lewis, and appeared in 1954 (about the former American plays on off Broadway. He also appeared League franchise). on the ABC soap opera “Edge of Night”, and then on “General Hospital”, and also James wrote Rock, Rhythm & appeared on night time dramas’ such as Blues in 2004. In 2006, he wrote “Mike Hammer”, “T.J. Hooker”, “Quincy, Philadelphia: City of Music and he M.E.” and many others. James has written has authored several books on several tele-plays, His full-length classic TV series. play, Michael in Beverly Hills, a comedy- drama, premiered at American Theater Arts in Los Angeles and was later presented off-off Broadway, at the

American Musical Dramatic Academy's Studio One Theater.

The Global Entertainment Media Arts Foundation *** www.thegemafoundation.org *** email: [email protected] CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IN THE ARTS… THREE ISSUE #3

MIMI BROWN – WDAS-FM RADIO Queen Latifah hit the stage for the first time when Mimi brought her in to Mimi Brown perform live at Club After Midnight in Philadelphia. When it comes to by Dolores Dauphine interviews, nobody does it better. Such Mimi's radio career started in Philadelphia was the case during her interview with at a recording studio where she was Vanessa Williams just after losing her 68%discovered by the legendary East Coast Miss America crown while building a radio personality, Dr. Perri Johnson. Under singing and film career. Here is just a his guidance, Mimi started out at a Philly partial list of the other superstars whom hard rock station playing music from Led Mimi has interviewed: Michael Jackson, Zeppelin to Jimi Hendrix. Very quickly her , Patti Labelle, LL Cool musical talent attracted the attention of J, , , Boys II Bob Klein, the General Manager and Vice Men, Babyface, Isaac Hayes, Gerald President of the pioneering top-rated radio Levert, The O'Jays, Kool & The Gang,

station, WDAS-FM. It was at WDAS–FM Sister Sledge, Jody W atley, Public Enemy, where Mimi began to shine. There the R & B Run DMC, Big Daddy Kane, MC Lyte, Ice and highly funkified format combined with T, Biz Markey, KRS 1, Heatwave, Smokey Mimi's musicality capturing the seventh Robinson, Dionne Warrick, Parliament CELEBRATES 35 YEARS IN RADIO Funkadelic, George Clinton, Bootsy largest market in the nation for over 20 years. Her smooth and sultry delivery, Collins, , Natalie Cole and The Lady with musical knowledge and interviews brought Mary J. Blige. There are very few radio the Golden her the attention of listeners not only personalities whose extraordinary style is Voice… nationwide but around the world. Mimi was matched by their great musical ear and an also the first female Assistant Program amazing list of celebrity interviews. Mimi Brown, the radio Director in the history of WDAS-FM. personality, actress, author and skin stylist is definitely Grammy award winning producers Kenny a multi-talented woman. Gamble and Leon Huff selected her to She has captured her narrate the album Live listening audience with her Coast to Coast which sold millions of voice. worldwide.

This grad has spent 20 Craig White years at one station, WDAS-FM (105.3), despite numerous management, The Sound Doctor programming and ownership changes. Her who works his Friday night rap show was the launching magic as a pad for the careers of famed movie and recording recording star Will Smith who served as her engineer… guest co-host, along with his musical Technical colleague, DJ Jazzy Jeff. The phenomenally gifted writer/performer, Prince, gave one of Director his first East Coast performances at a party Mimi threw at the Emerald City in New Jersey Craig White, owner of Sound Doctor Productions, LLC is formerly Governor Board Member of the Philadelphia Chapter of The Recording Academy, Chief Engineer at copies. She now performs at Philadelphia International Records and former Chapter Show events worldwide and has President of The Recording Academy. He is a 30 year by M.L. Cedeno performed with “”, veteran with engineering credits that include projects “Chic”, “”, “Musique”and with a variety of different artists and producers such as “Tavares”. Denise is always Celine Dion, Kool and The Gang, Gerald Levert, Wendy O. Denise is a vocal stylist who traces her Williams, and most of Philadelphia International roster roots from to blues, to the great spreading her wings creatively and she including Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, , American Songbook/Standards to Disco. currently has completed a Jazz CD Dexter Wansel, The O’Jays and . As a Selling in the millions and going double entitled “In My Life” available on professional musician, he toured the country and abroad platinum is the song “Merry Christmas iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, including for 12 years before getting in the recording industry in All” 0n . This tune is one of www.denisemontanta.com . This CD 1980. The G.E.M.A. Foundation is pleased to announce the classic perennial favorites. It has project includes standards like “For All Craig White as Technical Director. become one of the top 100 Christmas We Know”, “God Bless The Child”, of all time along with Bing Crosby’s “Our Love Is Here To Stay” and so “White Christmas” and Mel Torme’s “The much more. Denise’s vocals are smooth and rich with flavor and G.E.M.A. TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Christmas Song”. Denise Montana’s most

famous recording, the Disco hit “#1 DJ”, feeling. It’s definitely a keeper and Craig White – Sound Doctor 2014 on , has sold over a million going to be added to my music collection. Thanks, Denise.

The Global Entertainment Media Arts Foundation *** www.thegemafoundation.org *** email: [email protected]

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IN THE ARTS… THREE Issue #3

The 2014 G.E.M.A. Golden Mic G.E.M.A. FOUNDATION GOLDEN MIC The 2014 G.E.M.A. Golden Mic Honors HONORS TRIBUTE CEREMONY-FRIDAY, Honorees OCTOBER Purpose: TH 10 , 2014 Wardell Piper –Chairwoman Luncheon Denise Montana- Co Chairwoman The Golden Mic Honors was designed to 1:30 pm until Music Category illuminate and perpetuate the careers The Three Degrees Martha Wash of "The GMH Honorees" for their creative 4:30 pm Cory Daye works and leadership throughout the Evelyn Champagne King Alfa Anderson Tickets: world. All of these GMH Honorees have Carol Williams made history at one time or another. $50 pp Anita Ward The GMH is here to acknowledge and Broadcasting Category Deep Blue Bar Tim Marshall Larry Cotton recognize that history so it can be shared & Grill Mimi Brown by future generations. The Golden Mic 111 11th St. Dance Category Honors goal is to bridge the gap of the old Maria Torres and new so that there can be a greater Wilmington, Music Production Category appreciation and respect for the creative De. 19801 Bobby Eli Gene Leone arts and the influence they provide to us all. The GMH recognizes these creative Journalism/Publishing Category Voices for their continuous stellar James Arena James Rosin For Tickets: Go To: Events @ G.E.M.A. Music Business Education & Services Category performances and leadership in Bruce Webb Broadcasting, Music, Journalism, Sports, www.thegemafoundation.org Music Ambassadors Multimedia Education, Publishing and Stephen C. Kelly Norman Connors Production as they have demonstrated a New Artist Achievement Category significant impact within the creative arts Dennis Youngblood Taylor with one powerful tool, their Voices....

Gone But Not Forgotten by Gigi Horne

LADONNA ADRIAN GAINES She gained prominence during Known As: the disco era of the late 1970s. A five- “Donna Summers” time Grammy Award winner, she was the first artist to have three consecutive double albums reach No. 1 on the Billboard album chart and charted four number-one singles in the United States within a 12-month period. Summer has reportedly sold over 130 She became known as the "Queen of Disco" million records, making her one of and regularly appeared at the Studio the world's best-selling artists of all 54 in , while her time. Summer co-wrote the song "Love music gained a global following. Her music to Love You Baby" with . and her legacy lives on. The G.E.M.A. The song was released in 1975 to mass Foundation pays tribute to this music commercial success. Over the following legend by highlighting her contributions years Summer followed this success and keeping her legacy alive through our American Singer, & Painter with a string of other hits, such as "I Feel Entertainment Industry Career Love", "Last Dance", "MacArthur Park", December 31, 1948 – May 17, 2012… Development & Educational program. "Heaven Knows", "Hot Stuff", "Bad worked as a model part- Girls", "", "No More time and backup singer, it was during a Tears (Enough Is Enough)", and "On the recording session at 's Musicland Radio". Studios for Three Dog Night, Summer met German-based producers, and Pete Bellotte. The trio forged a working partnership and Donna was signed to “Oasis” label in 1974.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IN THE ARTS… THREE ISSUE #3

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IN THE ARTS… THREE ISSUE #3