1 How long have you been in the music biz?
I started professionally at the age of 13 playing in a 5 piece band called The Diplomats. That gives me 50 years in the biz.
2.Who are your major influences in your music?
George Duke, Kenneth Babyface Edmonds, Sly Stone, Earth Wind & Fire, Prince, Michael Jackson, Parliament Funkadelic, The Beatles & everything from Motown.
3. What is your first single?
My first ever single was Hum-Bug by The Diplomatics on Lamp Records. i was 14 years old. My current single is Three Way.
4. Who do you have on your album?
Steve Cooper on Trumpet, Flugel Horn and EVI (Electronic Valve Instrument, Reggie Boyd Jr., CA, Guitar, Tom Padgett, Guitar, Anthony AJ Jones, Bass, Anthony Bush, Drums, Staci McCrackin, vocals and Skypp, Rap
5. How did you get into the music business?
At a very young age I started a band with neighborhood friends. We were selected to participate with one of the best production houses in the City, Designated Productions. At an early age we were musicians for The Spinners, Patti LaBelle & The Blue Belles, Joe Tex, The Dells, The Emotions and many more.
6. Where were you born?
Indianapolis IN
7. Who would you like to work with that you haven’t already?
Adele, Babyface, Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones.
8. Who do you think is the hottest artist out?
Taylor Swift, Adele, The Weekend
9. Who do you think is the hottest producer out?
I am still old school and like the old producers. Quincy Jones, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, L.A. Reid & Babyface. Today’s cats, I like some of Pharell’s work.
10. Who is your favorite artist?
My favorite part artist was George Duke because he could do so much. Write, produce, play, perform. My next artist would be Prince and Michael Jackson. Band wise the best ever was Earth Wind & Fire for me. Vocalist Whitney Houston & Luther Vandross.
11. How did you come up with your album title?
Our team of executives, Sid Johnson, Tommy Henderson, Steve Cooper and I reviewed several names that were submitted by friends, family, fans and our own list. SECOND CHANCE was a unanimous decision because it covered so many of our core values and history.
12. What is your favorite song on your album?
Sheena’s Song, Three Way & Steppin’ Out. Hard to pick a favorite.
13. Which song on your album means the most to you?
IMMA B ALRIGHT- dealing with positive thinking when things are not going well. I would like to do a video to bring awareness to the homeless in our community featuring this song.
14. Who are you signed with?
AZ IZ Records an independent label.
15. What was your album release date?
It was released June 16, 2015
16. What cities do you plan on touring?
As many cities and countries as I can. I especially would like to go overseas to Europe & Japan.
17. What female singer do you think is the sexiest?
I was always a Whitney Houston and Janet Jackson fan.
18. What would you like to see from the music industry over the next two years?
Wishful thinking but tour support and stop the music pirating and thievery of our art and creativity.
19. What is your second single going to be?
My first was Steppin’ Out, my second was Three Way and the third will be IMMA B ALRIGHT.
20. What musician do you dislike or hate the most?
Not applicable for me. I like all genres of music.
21. Favorite drink in the club?
I am a non-drinker, however, I may drink a glass of Moscato on an occasion or two.
22. Favorite Industry Magazine?
Billboard and at one time Spin.
23. Who got you started in the music business?
My parents started me with piano lessons so I would say they were very instrumental in getting me started in the music biz. Then Designated Productions in Indy.
24. How does your family fell about your music and your choice of career?
My family has always supported my music and decision to make music a career.
25. Top 5 R&B albums of all time?
I would never try to rank any album, artist or category. Music is everything to me and I love so many different artist and styles.
26. Worst 5 R&B albums of all time?
This job is for music critics, not me.
27. Favorite R&B group or solo artist?
I have many favorites but if I had to choose, it would be Earth, Wind & Fire and Luther Vandross.
28. Where do you see the music game headed?
Ask my manager Sid Johnson this question to get a great educated answer.
29. How do you usually come up with your songs?
Just sitting down and letting the mood and groove happen. Some are single efforts and some are collaborative. Some are inspired by a beat while others a melody.
30. What can we expect from you in the future?
Wholesome music with good melodies, lyrics and a strong rhythm. I want to do a hip hop jazz album with some young beat makers in Indianapolis. I also am going to stretch my vocal skills and write and sing more on my next album. I need to just be me.
music video to “Steppin’ Out”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Peace, cheers and let the music play
Sid “Uncle Jamz” Johnson
