William Harrison "Bill" Withers, Jr. (born July 4, 1938) is an American singer-songwriter and musician who performed and recorded from 1970 until 1985. Some of his best-known songs are "Lean on Me", "Ain't No Sunshine", "Use Me", "Just the Two of Us", "Lovely Day", and "Grandma's Hands".

Early life Withers was born the youngest of thirteen children in the small coal-mining town of Slab Fork, West Virginia. Raised in nearby Beckley, West Virginia, Withers was thirteen years old when his father died. He enlisted with the United States Navy at age eighteen and served for nine years, during which time he became interested in singing and writing songs. Soon after his discharge from the Navy in 1970, he relocated to Los Angeles for a musical career.

Withers worked as an assembler for several different companies, including Douglas Aircraft Corporation, while recording demo tapes with his own money, shopping them around and performing in clubs at night. When he debuted with the song "Ain't No Sunshine, he refused to resign his job because of his belief that the music business was a fickle industry and that he was still a novice compared to other acts.

During early 1970, Withers' demonstration tape was audited favorably by Clarence Avant of Sussez Records. Avant signed Withers to a record deal and assigned Booker T. Jones to produce Withers' first album. Four three-hour studio sessions  were planned to record the album, but funding caused the album to be recorded in three sessions with a six-month break between the second and final sessions. Just as I Am was released in 1971 with the tracks "Ain't No Sunshine" and "Grandma's Hands" as singles. The album features Stephen Stills playing lead guitar.

The album was a success and Withers began touring with a band assembled from members of The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band: drummer James Gadson, guitarist Benorce Blackmon, keyboardist Ray Jackson, and Bassist Melvin Dunlap.

At the 14th annual Grammy Awards on Tuesday, March 14, 1972, Withers won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song for "Ain't No Sunshine"." The track had already sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc by the R.I.A.A. in September 1971.

During a hiatus from touring, Withers recorded his second album, Still Bill. The single "Lean on Me" went to number one the week of July 8, 1972. It was Withers' second gold disc awarded track with confirmed sales in excess of three million. His single "Use Me" released in August 1972, became his third million seller, with the R.I.A.A. gold disc award taking place on October 12, 1972. A Friday, October 6, 1972 performance on a rainy night was recorded for the live album Bill Withers, Live at Carnegie Hall released November 30, 1972. In 1974 Withers recorded the album +'Justments. But he became involved in a legal dispute with the Sussex company and was unable to record thereafter.

During this time, he wrote and produced two songs on the Gladys Knight & the Pips record I Feel a Song, and in October 1974 performed in concert together with James Brown, Etta James, and B. B. King at the historic Rumble in the Jungle fight between Foreman and Ali in Zaire.[4] Footage of his performance was included in the 1996 documentary film, When We Were Kings, and he is heard on the accompanying soundtrack.

Withers signed with Columbia Records in 1975. His first release with the label, Making Music, Making Friends, included the single "She's Lonely" which was featured in the film Looking for Mr. Goodbar. During the next three years he released an album each year with Naked & Warm (1976), Menagerie (1977, containing the successful Lovely Day) and Bout Love (1978) and Get On Down, the latter song was also on Looking for Mr. Goodbar soundtrack.

Due to problems with Columbia, he concentrated on joint projects between 1977 and 1985, including the successful "Just the Two of Us", with jazz saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr., which was released during June 1980. It won a Grammy on February 24, 1982. Withers next did Soul Shadows with The Crusaders, and In the Name of Love with Ralph MacDonald, the latter being nominated for a Grammy for vocal performance.

In 1985 came Watching You, Watching Me, which featured the Top 40 rated Rhythm&Blues single "Oh Yeah". Withers ended his business association with Columbia Records after this release, which as of 2010 is his last studio album.

In 1988, a new version of "Lovely Day" from the 1977 Menagerie album, titled "Lovely Day (Sunshine Mix)" and remixed by Ben Liebrand, reached the Top 10 in the United Kingdom, leading to Withers' performance on the long-running Top of the Pops that year. The original release had scored #2 in the UK in 1973, and the re-release scored to #1.

In 1987, he received his ninth Grammy award nomination and on March 2, 1988 his third Grammy for Best Rhythm and Blues Song as songwriter for the re-recording of Lean On Me by Club Nouveau on their debut album Life, Love and Pain, released in 1986 on Warner Bros. Records.

In 1996, a portion of his song "Grandma's Hands" was sampled in the song "No Diggity" by BLACKstreet, featuring Dr. Dre. The single went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and sold 1.6 million copies and won a Grammy in 1999 for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

Withers contributed two songs to Jimmy Buffett's July 13, 2004 release License To Chill. Following the reissues of Still Bill on January 28, 2003 and Just As I Am on March 8, 2005, there was speculation of previously unreleased material being issued as a new album. In 2006, Sony gave back to Withers his previously unreleased tapes.

In 2007, "Lean On Me" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Indy Jazz Fest & Old SOUL Entertainment presents Still Bill,
A Documentary on The Life of Bill Withers.
Special Guest Performance from Bashiri Asad.

Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011.
@ The Jazz Kitchen. Show at 8PM. $7

STILL BILL is an intimate portrait of soul legend Bill Withers, best known for his classics “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Lean On Me,” “Lovely Day,” “Grandma’s Hands,” and “Just the Two of Us.” With his soulful delivery and warm, heartfelt sincerity, Withers has written the songs that have – and always will – resonate deeply within the fabric of our times.

Filmmakers Damani Baker and Alex Vlack follow Withers and offer a unique and rare look inside the world of this fascinating man. Through concert footage, journeys to his birthplace, interviews with music legends, his family and closest friends, STILL BILL presents the story of an artist who has written some of the most beloved songs in our time and who truly understands the heart and soul of a man.

As you know, Old SOUL Entertainment is an eclectic group of people. Most of us are from different high schools through out Indiana. DJ MetroGnome is from Pike. Sir Doug is from Tech. Kyle aka DJ TwinPeaks went to Martinsville high. Robert is from North Central. Smiley is from Broad Ripple, Rob L. went to Gary West Side... None the less, we all connect when it comes to the music. Funk, Soul, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Electronica and anything else that has rhythm.

In celebration of all of our Alma Maters and everyone that received their schooling in Indiana, Old SOUL Entertainment presents the Indiana All State High School Reunion. This is for everyone.

Saturday, Aug. 27th @ The Jazz Kitchen.
5377 College Ave. Broad Ripple. Indy

Facebook Event page --> All State Reunion Party on Facebook


Advance discount tickets available at
http://allstatereunionparty.eventbrite.com/

DJs Action Jackson and Freddie Fresh on the turntables. The music will go from 80's rock to classic Hip-Hop to all your favorite current hits. Most of Old SOUL graduate high school about 15 years ago so we want to hear it all. the music we grew up on and the current music that is GOOD.

Soul Session.
Real People. Real Music. Original Art.

Sponsored by Old SOUL Entertainment, The Jazz Kitchen and Yats.

Elzhi first gained notoriety as a rapper during his frequent visits to the legendary Hip-Hop Shop in Detroit during the mid nineties, where he took part in the weekly emcee battles. Originally part of the F.O.D. or Fingers of Death crew, El' (then called L.Z.) earned his reputation based on his rapid fire delivery and unique cadences.

Eventually, Elzhi would become part of the Breakfast Club with fellow artists Dwele, Big Tone (Then called Hodge Podge), Lacks and 87. During this era of his young career, El' would record such sought after classics as "Vitamins" and "Physical Therapy" with Big Tone.

Out of Focus

In 1998, Elzhi recorded a number of songs with Detroit hip-hop icon DJ Houseshoes. These recording sessions yielded the material that would become the legendary Out of Focus EP. Showcasing his unique delivery, complex rhyme structures and empathetic personality, the EP was regarded as an instant classic to those who were able to hear it. The project, however, was never officially released.

In late 2000, Elzhi acquired his master tapes and provided his close friends with cassettes of the Out of Focus EP, in addition to 3 extra tracks. These few cassettes allowed the material to eventually leak onto the internet under the name "Unreleased Solo Project." CDs sold or distributed under this title are usually completely mislabeled with innacurate tracklistings and credits.

925, Waajeed and J.Dilla.

In 1999 Elzhi became affiliated with the 9-2-5 Colony, a group formed by Nick Speed and Magestik Legend. The trio of emcees recorded only a few songs together: "Gun Talk," "Oh Shit" and "Farewell." "Farewell," produced by Lacks, is a song where each emcee spits a verse about their relationships with women. Elzhi reprises a verse he had originally recorded for the DJ Houseshoes-produced "What I Am," a discarded song from the Out of Focus sessions that eventually was released when the EP leaked onto the internet. "Farewell," like the rest of the 9-2-5 material, remains incomplete and unreleased.

In the year 2000, Elzhi became a frequent collaborator with Waajeed. During their countless recording sessions, the pair would create an untold number of songs. "Stunted Growth" is one of the few tracks to ever emerge from this era of recording.

As Elzhi and Waajeed became closer in their collaborations, so did El's affiliation to Slum Village. Elzhi even had the opportunity to record songs using Jay Dee's beats ("Days and Nights Analyzin'" and "Concrete Eyes"), eventually leading up to Elzhi's national debut on Jay Dee's aka J.Dilla's, Welcome to Detroit. Elzhi's verse on the song "Come Get It" was acclaimed by Hiphopsite.com upon its release.

Slum Village

In 2001, with J.Dilla no longer an official member, Slum Village began recording their follow up to Fantastic Vol. 2. During the sessions, Baatin invited Elzhi to collaborate on a few tracks. Recognizing their chemistry, Baatin and T3 invited Elzhi to become a full-time member, a choice enthusiastically supported by J Dilla.

With his versatile delivery and clever wordplay, Elzhi is the most lyrically celebrated member of the group.

Libido Sounds and the Future

In 2004, Elzhi and Nick Speed formed the Libido Sounds label in order to release Witness My Growth, a double CD compilation of Elzhi's unreleased solo material from as early as 1997. The double disc includes exclusive J Dilla collaborations as well as highlights from the Out of Focus EP. Production credits on the mixtape include to J Dilla, Waajeed, Karriem Riggins, Page Kennedy, B.R. Gunna, DJ Magnetic, Houseshoes and The Alchemist.

2011, Elzhi presents Elmatic

In 1994, one of the best debut albums of all time, Illmatic, was dropped by Nasir Jones, aka Nas. World renowned producers DJ Premier, Q-Tip and Pete Rock all took turns in the studio making beats that have become anthems for most hip-hop lovers across the world.

Elzhi decided to pay tribute to the legendary rapper’s first studio recorded album by referencing all the same beats and even some of the same lines, but over the stories and struggles of an emerging 21st-century artist. Some may say this is stealing, unjust or unoriginal, but personally I love a good tribute album . . . especially to someone so significantly great and inspiring like the man himself, N-A-S.

by Dave Lindquist

In a nutshell: It’s a dual-MC wonderland when long-running standout Rusty Redenbacher joins forces with relative newcomer Mr. Kinetik.

Fan finder: Redenbacher portrays the hustler here, noting that, “Players can’t feed their family on props and respect.” Kinetik is the professor: “More words than Webster’s, I paid attention in school. Now I teach class, can’t raise no fools.”

That’s a keeper: Kinetik more than holds his own when trading verses with Redenbacher, highlighted by a manifesto within “Think Before You Speak.” At the end of a detailed 40-second rant, Kinetik offers, “Use your mind. Educate yourself before you enter the zone. Otherwise, you are simply a drone.”

Didn’t see it coming: Redenbacher — issuing his second consecutive non-Mudkids project — revisits a seriousness heard on his “Lazarus” solo album. The song “Baby,” built on samples of the Animals’ “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” details a pregnancy scare: “Look at my pockets, see why I’m stressing. Trying to roll nickels while I count these blessings.”

Selling points: Eleven different producers sound remarkably streamlined on “The Professor and the Hustler.” E Dot Spencer shoots for a summer hit on “Already,” a track defined by swirling orchestral strings and boom-bap rhythm. Feeray recalls 1970s funk on “Over,” while Kinetik multi-tasks when folding Slim Thug’s gangster-themed “Like a Boss” into “Boss Playa.”

Wednesday, August 24th at
The Jazz Kitchen, Native Sun, Old SOUL Entertainment and Oranje presents
The Professor and The Hustler.

Special Guest Include:
The Native Sun Band
DJ Helicon

8PM. $7.

 .....delorean swag ! [It just felt right]

 its been a while since we "slow grinded" [think Bobby Brown Slow pump] your earhole, soft porn style ! 

This month The Merge is available to those who seek raw, intimate musicianship from the best and brightest musical talent in Atlanta. 

Jay Smart and Enoch's Light will be on hand to provide a soundscape forged from five Jameson shots and a 22 ounce Stella Artois.

[date] Thursday May 12th
[venue]  the Sound Table 483 Edgewood Avenue SE.
[cover] $5 
[door opens] 10:30pm[show starts] 11:00pm

Do we really need to say anything else?

Sade Concert After Party.
Adobo Grill
110 Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN.

Steps from Conseco Fieldhouse (Sade Concert Venue), join DJ MetroGnome at Adobo Grill as we drop the best in 80s-90s & Current Soul, R&B, Classic Hip-Hop...

https://thelightparty.eventbrite.com/

Sir Doug presents The Light.

Old SOUL Entertainment Atlanta, Dallas, Cincinnati, Louisville, LA, NYC and Indy are coming together for the first time in our history to bring you "The Light"

This is the BIGGEST Party we've hosted in our 6 year history so of course we had to pick an amazing venue. The party will be at Adobo Grill in Downtown Indy. By far, Adobo Grill is one of the most attractive venues in Indy. And of course we had to bring you the best in DJs. DJ MetroGnome and DJ Lockstar will be keeping the pace. Of course the one and only J.Moore will be on the mic.

I wish I could come up with words to describe how big this event is going to be! For that reason, we are making advance tickets available to all of our Old SOUL Entertainment regular supporters at the standard Old SOUL admission price of $10 (we are even going to pay the Eventbrite service fee for you). This is a limited time offer. This price will be available until July 4th. The door price for this event will be higher so get your tickets now.

Sir Doug presents The Lights

Adobo Grill (Indianapolis, IN)
110 Washington St. downtown Indy
[between Pennsylvania St. & Delaware St]

DJ's MetroGnome & Lockstar.
10:30PM. 21 & over w/ID.
Limited time advance $10 tickets available.

http://thelightparty.eventbrite.com/

This event is sponsored by Yats, Bebop Pizza Kitchen, Adobo Grill, JJ's I'm Me Foundation and Old SOUL Entertainment.
_________________________________________________________________

Why the name The Light?
If you've met any member of Old SOUL Entertainment, no matter what city the encounter took place, the common thing that we hear is we have a good energy. That energy is The Light. Old SOUL Entertainment recognized this from conception and that is why the Old SOUL Logo incorporates the Sun which is the ultimate light source. As the Sun sheds light on our planet, Old SOUL Entertainment is here to shed light on the arts and individuality.

What is the significance of July 8th?
Seven years ago to the date, founding members of Old SOUL Entertainment sat down together and began to brain storm on a concept that had not been attempted on this scale in Indy. To create a sustainable outlet for music, the arts and culture, that was not based on anything other than an appreciation of the 3. A place where you did not have to have a certain income, a certain level of education or a thousand dollar wardrobe to be welcome. All that would be required would be a pure love for the culture. That concept became Old SOUL Entertainment. This is something to celebrate.

Advance tickets at http://kappakarnivalparty.eventbrite.com/
This event will sell out.

In celebration of Kappa Alpha Psi's 100 Year Centennial Celebration, We've linked with some of our Nupes to bring Indianapolis a Party to be remembered.

KappasRunTheCity presents
Kappa Karnival Party.

Join Nupes from all over the country as we converge on Indy for one week. We've managed to secure one of Indy's nicest venues in the heart of downtown. We secured two of the Midwest Hottest DJs. We have also created a special VIP Lounge for Nupes.

Kappa Karnival
Adobo Grill
110 E. Washington St
Indianapolis, IN.
[NE Corner of Pennsylvania & Washington St. Near The Conrad Hotel]

DJ's MetroGnome & Lockstar on the turntables.
All Nupes get access to *Kappa Lounge* (special  w/ paid Admission.
http://kappakarnivalparty.eventbrite.com/

Ladies, First 100 drinks are on us w/ paid admission.

Hosted by

Richard Trotman. Ball State Uni. Delta Iota. Spring 2007
Alan Spell. Kentucky State Uni. Alpha Upsilon. Spring 2005
Brian Dockery. North Carolina A&T. Alpha Nu. Spring 2004
Andre Smiley. Indiana State Uni. Alpha Zeta. Spring 2000
Glenn Powell. Ball State Uni. Delta Iota. Spring 2000
Robert Lewis Jr. (Rob L.) Butler Uni. Lambda Eta. Fall 1998
Michael Smiley. Ball State Uni. Delta Iota. Fall 1997
Brandon Ware. Murray State Uni. Eta Beta. Spring 1989

Powered by Old SOUL Entertainment.

This is the kick off event for JJ's, I'm Me Foundation. Make Me Over For The Cause is a night of celebration and awareness. Ladies, we cater to you this night while raising money for a great cause.

With a $15 donation, choose from a complimentary Make-Up Session, Massage or Manicure (First Come, First Serve). There will be tons of give-a-ways, food, drinks and more!

Two lucky ladies will have the opportunity to win an "On-The-Spo...t" date with Indianapolis Colts players Pierre Garcon and Pat McAfee!

Do you know your status? Receive a FREE & CONFIDENTIAL HIV test.

Music Provided by
DJ MetroGnome
DJ Kenny Kixx
DJ Indiana Jones
& DJ Gabby Love

You don't want to miss this event. More info on JJ's I'm Me Foundation at www.immefoundation.org

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE INDIANA MINORITY AIDS COALITION.

This event is sponsored by Old SOUL Entertainment, FortyFive Degrees Restaurant/Nightlife, Make-Up by Sparkle, Abstract Nails & Wellness Studio, Mass Ave, We Speak Volumes.com, The Indiana State Department of Health and All The Stations of Radio One.

_________________________________
About Jillian “”JJ” Simmons, Founder of JJ’s “I’m Me” Foundation.

The Cincinnati, Ohio native (and her parents) learned early that her place was behind the microphone. In 1998, Jillian’s professional radio career began at WROU-FM in Dayton, Ohio where she held down a weekend host position.

She switched dials to WIZF-FM in her hometown of Cincinnati in 2000. Life changed for her when she packed her headphones and moved to The Big Apple – New York City in February, 2001 – seven months before September 11th. She landed a spot at legendary WBLS-FM where she worked alongside “The Queen of all Media”, Wendy Williams.

In 2002, JJ relocated to Indianapolis to take a job as the midday host on Hot 96.3-FM where she’s served as Assistant Program Director in addition to her duties as a host on Indy Music Channel’s “Freestyle”.

Over the years, she’s interviewed many of your favorites entertainers as well as the 44th President of the United States, Barak Obama. In 2010, JJ was invited to Washington, DC by the Congressional Black Caucus to speak on Hip-Hop’s impact on the American political landscape.

As she approaches her tenth year as Indy’s midday voice, the proud mommy continues to champion community causes such as prenatal care in underprivileged communities, AIDS awareness and voter education.

“Two of my uncles died from this disease because they didn’t know their status until it was too late. They could both be living today had they known and were able to receive the proper medication.” Due to her personal connection with HIV/AIDS, JJ began her “J Darcey AIDS Foundation” in 2006 to help bring education and awareness to the community about HIV and the importance of getting tested.

After 5 years, JJ decided to rename her foundation and open up the doors to teen girls and young women with projects that provide positive social experiences, character building training and self worth to young women through education and entertainment. In 2010, JJ presented JJ’s “I’m Me” Foundation.

Whitney Mariena Coleman is a self-taught singer, songwriter, and musician who is known by audiences for her eclectic mix of music genres including Rock, Hip Hop, Jazz and Neo-Soul. A Gospel singer at heart, the young artist and Adidas All-American Basketball player from Southern California, started making music in her later years of high school once suffering from an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury to her knee. Whitney states that the recovery process and journey towards self-empowerment not only strengthened her relationship with God but strengthened her love for writing and making music as well. After receiving Best Female Artist for the Inland Empire Music Awards in 2005, Whitney took that motivation across the country academically and athletically to the East coast. During her five years of college in upstate NY, the young artist and athlete was able to discover a deeper understanding of her purpose in life in regards to her academics, music and basketball and how she could utilize each of those components in order to reach people. This search for purpose driven success resulted in a series of community service involvement within her campus community, local youth and surrounding churches.  After a variety of performances locally in Upstate New York, in 2009, Whitney debuted her sophomore album, “Bright Morning Star”, at the Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) Concert Hall in New York. Well over 300 audience members came to show support of Whitney’s new sound.

Whitney’s passion is something that people say is what moves them. The young artist expresses her life through music, the lessons learned and the emotions she has felt by exposing her heart with catchy tunes, complex meanings and soulful undertones. Whitney is known for her ability to not only play the piano while singing but also playing while rapping. In addition, she also plays a plethora of instruments (i.e. bass, drums, flute, guitar and conga’s) which she self-taught herself to play as well. When asked about all of her musical influences and abilities, Whitney states that she learned from watching her father Gregory Coleman Sr. (a former guitar player for The Orlons and Sister Sledge out of Philadelphia, PA) play with his musician friends from church. It is evident that she definitely has taken note of the Motown showmanship, for she is known to be diva-like and to “rock out” and “jam” on stage frequently throughout her performances.

A graduate from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and all time record holder for most points scored  for basketball, Whitney  now resides in Indianapolis, IN where she attends IUPUI for a PhD program in Informatics and also has continued her love for singing music at venues such as Jazz Kitchen, Locals Only, Blue Moon Sunday and Tantrum Lounge since her relocation to Indy in August 2010.

The Whitney Coleman Project is a new take on Whitney’s style and vision for her music that includes vibrant and soul-foul sounds tapped with conscious lyrics that will uplift your spirits. Whitney is now preparing to release her newest album “The Love Chapter: Lessons From A Human Heart” this Summer 2011 and she notes that she wants to welcome all people to hear and see what she so passionately believes in, “Our experiences may be different, but we all feel a need to be connected to something or someone and since music is universal, it’s the best way for me to express myself and relate my experiences.”

Old SOUL Entertainment & TwinPeaks Music presents
Root Movements featuring Whitney Coleman. Wed, June 1st. 8PM @ The Jazz Kitchen. 5377 College Ave. Broad Ripple, Indy. $7.
Facebook Event Page --> Whitney Coleman @ The Jazz Kitchen

This is the Official Album Release Party for Whitney Coleman's new album,
The Love Chapter. Lessons From a Human Heart.

More info on the project at
www.whitneycolemanmusic.com

Follow Whitney Coleman on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/whitneycolemanmusicpage