ARTIST BIO
EXCLUSIVE AGENT ARTIST MANAGEMENT REPRESENTATIVE TOUR MANAGER/PRODUCTION MANAGER CO=TOUR MANAGER TERRY HARVEY ROBERT ROGERS MYRON JOHNSON 918.407.3527 480.684.0398 702.236.2823 terry@gopromotionsllc.com rob@gopromotionsllc.com mjprodsent@gmail.com
The BB Kings Blues Band featuring Tito Jackson Legendary superstar and pop music icon, Tito Jackson, of the pop super group The Jackson 5 and The Jackson s, has just released his third solo album Tito Time, featuring One Way Street, When the Magic Happens, featuring Jocelyn Brown, and Get it Baby, featuring Big Daddy Kane. Tito has just teamed up with the legendary BB King s Blues Band to tour and promote his newest album; along with carrying on the legendary music of The Jackson 5, The Jackson s, and BB King. For over half a century, BB King and BB King s Blues Band defined the blues to the world, averaging over 250 sold out concerts per year, with classics like The Thrill is Gone, Every day I have the Blues, How Blues Can You Get, and Why I Sing The Blues. Now combining over 100 years of musical talent, it is your chance to see these two legends together.live ON STAGE! Tito Jackson Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson s poetic lyrics, irrepressible vocals, and evocative musicianship are a faint reflection of the remarkable gifts that characterize Gary, Indiana s native son. Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson, Tito has spent his entire life enchanting music lovers with soulful harmonies interwoven with curvaceous rhythms as a member of Motown s greatest discovery, The Jacksons (Jackson 5), and presently as a multi-faceted solo artist. Tito s unyielding passion for blues, R&B, pop, and other music forms is the secret to his boundless energy and rare achievements in the ever-changing entertainment spectrum.
In 1962, before the Jackson 5 and the Jacksons, Tito performed in a local group called The Jackson Brothers. After competing and winning local talent shows in and around Gary, the precocious brothers were victorious again on the most prestigious amateur stage of all Manhattan s Apollo Theater. In that same year Tito and his brothers made their first studio recording (local label), titled Big Boy. Not only did it turn out to be a local hit, but it set the stage for a partnership with Motown Records (1969) and subsequent appearances on the toprated Ed Sullivan Show, American Bandstand, Soul Train, and later, their own primetime television series in 1976, on CBS. In addition to this, Tito and his brothers soaring popularity with America s youth was so captivating that they were captioned in a Saturday morning, ABC TV animation series. Tito and his brothers signed with Epic Records and officially came under a new name, The Jacksons, in 1976. In 1978 he co-wrote the songs Everybody, Destiny, and Push Away for his new record label. As the group The Jackson s, including Tito, they self-produced the Destiny album. Later, for the Victory album Tito produced, wrote, and sang on We Can Change The World, which was featured on their popular Victory Tour. A father of three men (Taj, Taryll, and TJ), known to the music world as 3T, Tito works closely with his sons. This is consistent with the fine direction that he received from his loving mother Katherine and his caring father Joe. In addition to working with sisters Janet, Rebbie, and La Toya, Tito has worked with countless fine musicians, singers, and producers, such as the preeminent production team of Gamble & Huff, LA Reid & Baby Face, and the versatile Howard Hewitt. One of the performing highlights of the remarkable career of Tito Jackson is the unforgettable reunion performance on one of histories most watched television specials, Motown 25. The show signaled a pivotal point in his dazzling career and an auspicious focus on likely the greatest performer to ever grace a stage, Michael Jackson. In 1997 Tito and his brothers were ceremonially honored as inductees of the well-respected Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Tito s initial success with the recording masterpieces I Want You Back, Never Can Say Goodbye, I ll Be There, (best selling single in Motown s history), and other mega-hits is the genesis of an indefatigable trek into modern musical immortality. Tito Jackson s eclectic musical arrow is aimed in the direction of diverse genres, R& B, blues, and pop. And at this juncture, Tito plans a series of recording ventures that will include a solo debut album featuring a caravan of styles. Although some of his numerous influences include blues greats Albert Collins and B.B. King, in reality his musical tastes defy nomenclature. Some projects will include collaborations with his son s group, 3T, while other CD s may involve his creative siblings along with collaborations from an assemblage of noteworthy artists. However, make no mistake about it, most of his work will consist of impressive solo projects with songs that are arranged, produced, and performed by Tito himself. Presently he is in the process of completing his new project for a 2009 global release. By doing this, fans around the globe will experience the true essence of Tito Jackson as a premier solo artist and as one of music industries group icons. Tito and his band, sporting a frenetic pulse, will also rock the world again through a number of riveting live shows.
The measure of Tito Jackson s influence can be best captured by expressions such as these: One of the kindest, more pleasant people in show business, said a major entertainment publicist. His brother Michael also had this to say about him, Tito is very quiet and soft, but can be really strong when necessary. He s always there when we need him and manages to project an inner calm which is vital within a family unit. Those statements have proven to be consistently true through the ups and downs of the exciting but rigorous show business lifestyle. As an international artist, the demure Tito has garnered great respect from his peers and fans alike. His emphasis on fairness and loyalty in the music business community is a hallmark of his aplomb and selfless style. Tito s love of music can be transcended only by his undying love of God, family, and friends. Tito s mark on music history and the rich legacy that he established is one that has stood the test of time and is one that will flourish for as long as there is a song to sing! Myron Johnson Tour Manager Myron s association with the blues began around 1969 when as a 9-year-old he became aware of family friend B.B. King. This association with B.B. continued through the years and matured into a lasting friendship. In 2005, Myron began touring worldwide with the King of the Blues as his personal assistant. Australia, Brazil, Belgium. France, New Zealand, Italy, Luxembourg, Germany, and Scotland were just a few of more than fifty countries visited during Johnson s travels with B.B. Over a decade passed as Myron was trained by and learned the business of the blues at the side of B.B. King. Myron would eventually rise to the position of tour manager for the man, the icon who was B.B. King. Myron maintained his close friendship with B.B. until King s passing in 2015. Johnson would go on to found MJ Productions & Entertainment, Inc. and as CEO would hire B.B. s band and continue touring as B.B. King s Blues Band.
James Boogaloo Bolden Trumpet Born in Houston, TX, James Bolden began his musical training under the guidance of Edmund C. Broussard. Bolden later seized the opportunity to study classical trumpet under Houston Symphony Trumpeter Richard Schafer. James went on to play with local union bands that performed with a wide array of artists such as Stevie Wonder, Isaac Hayes, Temptations, Supremes, Spinners, and James Brown. Bolden eventually was given the opportunity to join the Duke Ellington Orchestra where he thrived for years. Bolden later joined the band of B.B. King and became bandleader during a stint of over 35 years. James Bolden now continues his association with B.B. King by joining B.B. King s Blues Band as bandleader.
Charlie Dennis Rhythm Guitar Charles Charlie Tuna Dennis, guitarist extraordinaire, stepped onto the music scene over 40 years past, and his musical influences were George Benson, Muddy Waters, and B.B. King. On a personal note, Charlie Tuna, as he likes being called, has been afforded the opportunity to develop his own style of smooth jazz mixed with blues riffs blended with humorous vocals, although he comfortably covers any style. Dennis spent years touring with the likes of Archie Bells and the Drells, Johnnie Taylor, and Bobby Blue Band. Most recently, he spent 15 years as rhythm guitarist for his early musical influence, B.B. King himself. Russell Jackson Bass Starting his 41-year career in 1974, Russell Jackson moved to Chicago in 1976 and gained his blues stripes working with Otis Clay, Buddy Guy, Bobby Rush, and others like Charlie Musselwhite and WIllie Nelson. For 8 years, Russell toured exclusively with B.B. King as his bass guitarist. Jackson was the first artist to put slap bass on a live blues recording, (Live at Old Miss 1979). During the 1990 s, he recorded with Kenny Blues Boss Wayne on his Juno Award winning CD. In 1992, the Russell Jackson Band debuted and Jackson released three CD s of his own material. Present day, Russell is the Music Director for the New Generations of the Blues European Tours, formerly known as The Chicago Blues Festival. Jackson was welcomed into the B.B. King s Blues Band because of his extraordinary talent.
Herman Jackson Drums Herman Jackson is a native of Baton Rouge, LA. This master percussionist honed his skill at the Berkley School of Music, Boston, with noted jazz great, Alan Dawson. Jackson s world tours include performances in Ireland, Greenland, and Ivory Coast. Spain, Germany, Japan, Brazil, and Royal Festival Hall in London, as well as Carnegie Hall were just a few of many. Jackson was without a doubt influenced by the stellar lineup of artists with whom he toured and performed. The lineup of those artists include Al Green, Ellis Marsalis, Nancy Wilson, and Blues Icon B.B. King. Jackson also played himself as a drummer in the HBO series Treme. Herman currently serves as Assistant Jazz Band Director at Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA, and heads the percussion department.
Eric Demmer Saxophone Hear what you feel, play what you hear. At the age of 10, Eric received his first saxophone, so began the journey of a natural-born musician playing anywhere at any time with anyone. One night, Eric was invited to perform onstage with the legendary Clarence Gatemouth Brown at a Houston club known as Billy Blues. On that night, Eric joined Gate s band and traveled all over the world for the next 12 years utnil Gate s death in 2005. The journey with Gate included performing as the opening act for Eric Clapton s From the Cradle Tour. This gave Eric the opportunity to perform with many well-known and respected musicians, ie. Carlos Santana, George Duke, Joe Sample, David Sanborn, and B.B. King. Buddy Guy, the Allman Brothers, and Dr. John were among many others. Jesse Robinson Guitar and Vocals Jesse Robinson s blues career has spanned over 4 decades. Born in Benton and raised in Milestone, MS, the delta bluesman first picked up a guitar at 6-years-old and soon began backing up his father, a sanctified preacher. Jesse was soon playing the blues around Jackson, MS, after relocating with his family in the early 60 s. In later years, Jesse worked as the bandleader for artist Bobby Rush. Robinson was featured in the 2003 documentary, Last of the MS Jukes. Early influences were Blind Lennon Jefferson, Robert Johnson, and B.B. King. Jesse went on to perform with the likes of Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Little Milton Campbell, Freddie King, and Magic Sam. In 2002, Jessie co-wrote a song on the CD of jazz singer Cassandra Wilson, Belly of the Sun. Robinson went on to release his first CD, Blues Child, in 2004, and most recently, his CD, Stray Star. Jesse was brought into B.B. King s Blues Band as guitarist and vocalist covering the rich musical legacy left by B.B. King. King of the Blues.
Lamar Boulet Trumpet Lamar was raised in Lafayette, LA, but got his start in the music business in New Orleans. It was there he was able to study and work with some of the legends in New Orleans such as Ellis Marsalis, his first teacher in the study of jazz. As an undergraduate, he studied with the incomparable Vince DiMartino at the University of Kentucky before receiving his masters degree at the University of Miami. Lamar later moved to Orlando and worked at Disney as a composer/arranger, musician. Carnival Cruise Lines hired him as Musical Director and he spent 4 years in charge of musicians and talent. He also toured with Grammy Award winning Latin artist, Tito Nieves. Lamar now lives in Houston, TX, where he freelances and teachers. Lamar is honored to be a new member of B.B. King s Blues Band.
Darrell Lavigne Keyboards Darrell Lavigne has been performing on stages around the world, most notably New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Rotterdam JVC Jazz Festival- Netherlands, and Berlin Jazz Festival- Germany. Lavigne began his musical life at age 10, first on guitar then trumpet. It wasn t until his senior year that he decided piano would be his instrument of choice. I wanted to explore harmony and the colors of music. Piano represented that for me. Darrell s influences came for the usual jazz sources as Monk, Bud Powell, Ahmad Jamal, Hancock, and Corea. Charlie Parker, Coltrane, and Miles Davis rounded out the crew. Early musical exposure in addition to the mentoring by Ellis Marsalis and Edward Kidd Jordan helped Lavigne become one of the most sought-after pianists around. Darrell has gone on to record two albums with then Columbia Jazz Artist, Kent Jordan, write for one (Night Aire) and produce another (Out of This World). Over the years, Darrell has performed with artists Kirk Whalum, Marion Meadows, George Duke, Hubert/Ronnie Laws, and Everette Harp to name a few. Though he s respected as a pianist/keyboardist, he continues to produce and write for a number of artists. Discography: Blue Orleans (Fertile Crescent, 2000); Kidd Jordan/IAQ-Kidd Stuff (Danjor); Michael Ward-After The Kiss (Sweet Music Records, 2006).