The Whispers
Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, describes how long the Whispers’ music will live on in the hearts of Americans. Known for their smooth soulful ballads throughout the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and the new millennium, the Whispers remain one of the premier R&B groups to ever grace the stage. Their musical success can be attributed to a careful balance of R & B, disco, jazz, and pop to the delight of millions of fans.

One of R&B music’s most beloved and consistently popular vocal groups, The Whispers, began their legendary and timeless career in 1963, producing a string of hits over the last four decades such as "And the Beat Goes On", "Rock Steady", "A Song For Donny", and "Lady". They emerged as the leading romantic singers of their generation, racking up one gold album after another and charting numerous R&B hits. They are arguably the most celebrated R&B balladeers of their generation and still make women swoon with their silky yet forceful tenors of twins Walter and Scotty. In the new millennium the group still performs around the world to thousands of loyal fans.

Their music has been heard on movie sound tracks such as "Waiting to Exhale", "Madea’s Family Reunion", and "Diary of a Mad Black Woman". They sang the title track on Jay Leno’s movie soundtrack “Collision Course”. The group has not made any personnel changes and still consists of Walter Scott, Wallace Scott, Nicholas Caldwell, and Leaveil Degree. They are one of only a few “old school” groups that can boast of having over 40 years in the industry with a worldwide fan base, maintaining their vocal dominance and original members.

Their four decades of accomplishments were acknowledged when they were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, received the San Francisco Chapter of the Grammy Governors Award, inducted into the Bay Area Blues Society Hall of Fame in 2006, and In 2007, The Black Music Academy of America selected the Whispers to receive their "Living Legends" award.

They produced a new CD in 2006, an independent product of their newly formed corporation Satin Tie Productions, a masterpiece entitled, “For Your Ears Only”, that was lauded by many as the CD of the year. Their 2009Gospel CD “Thankful” has received accolades from Billboard magazine.

Music Career Highlights

Awards

• Seven Gold Albums
• Two Platinum Albums
• 12 Top Twenty Singles
• 40 Charted Hits Since 1970
• Four Decades of Pop and R&B Favorites
• Grammy Nominees

Magazines Featured In

• Billboard Magazine
• Jet Magazine
• Classic Soul Magazine
• Essence Magazine

Performance Venues

• Apollo Theatre
• Fox Theatre
• Universal Hollywood
• Newark Symphony Hall
• Mandalay Bay Hotel/Casino
• Texas Station Hotel/Casino
• Detroit Opera House
• Essence Festival

Vick Allen

Vick Allen began singing and playing piano from the age of 5 years old. He found his best audiences at the age of 5 years old to be his family and church members who were astonished at Vick’s ability at such an early age.

Vick grew up in Jackson, Mississippi, a city known as a breeding ground for some of the hottest Blues and Gospel talents in the history of music. At the age 15 years old, Vick Allen produced and recorded his first CD; the CD was recorded in Jackson, Mississippi and served its purpose of getting his music and his name circulating in the Jackson music community. After graduating from high school, Vick started singing professionally with the popular gospel group "The Canton Spirituals." Vick later ventured out on his own as a soul singer sharing the stage with such artists as Bobby "Blue" Bland, The O’Jays, Buddy Miles, and Willie Clayton. Vick Allen is a well-known singer, producer, performer, and musician in both the Gospel, R&B and Blues genres.

Vick Allen has produced records for Grammy-nominated artists such as Blues legend Bobby Rush, and Gospel Greats, The Canton Spirituals. Vick has also produced records for other well-known Blues artists such as Tyrone Davis, Willie Clayton, Peggy Scott-Adams, Mel Waiters, Shirley Brown, Toni Green, Omar Cunningham, and many others for his production company, Test-Mic Productions.

As a performer, Vick has made a huge impact on the Soul/Blues genre in his career. He’s known for his electrifying stage shows, classic recordings and his vocal prowess proving that he truly is "The Velvet Voice Of Soul".

Meet the Press

In September of 1990, Biloxian Robert Collier took the name of his Biloxi based 80's rock group Meet the Press, teamed up with former Spinners guitarist/vocalist, Andrew Thomas, changed the sound from rock n' roll to funk and soul and then moved the base of the new funk group to Jackson, Mississippi. Over the years, Meet the Press has shared the stage with Kool and The Gang, Peaboe Bryson, Average White Band, Night Ranger, blues legend Buddy Guy and Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame members, Little Richard and Bo Diddley. MTP has also been the on-stage band for Little Milton, and two more Rock n' Roll Hall of fame members, Percy Sledge and the one and only Jerry Lee Lewis. But now the group has moved from being a Mississippi/Southeast United States music mainstay to being nationally recognized. Modern Bride Magazine, a New York City based national publication has name Meet the Press as one of the one hundred and fifty hottest bands in the country. The list, the first for MB, was compiled by an editorial board/committee that researched and combed the country for the best bands and DJ's in the U.S. After months of meetings, debates and many rounds of elimination, Meet the Press was chosen and is the only Mississippi act to be on the list. The group has been recognized with state declarations by former Louisiana Governor, Mike Foster, former Mississippi Governor Kirk Fordice and current Mississippi Governor, Haley Barbour for the bands dedication to quality performances, excellence in music and as being ambassadors of goodwill for the State of Mississippi. Joining Collier and Thomas on stage is bassist/vocalist Johnny Hubbard of Jackson and Meridian's own John Alford on keyboards and vocals. John was once a member of Dorothy "Misty Blue" Moore's band and performed and recorded with Larry Graham of "One in a million" fame. After the 1999 tragic death of original drummer Paul Lee, MTP found former Jackson State "Sonic Boom" drummer/percussionist Lamond Jamison. Jamison, who makes his home in Jackson, has performed with blues artist Willie Clayton and has recorded with Grammy nominated jazz diva Cassandra Wilson.

Tonya Youngblood

When you here the name Tonya Youngblood you can’t help but notice the distinctive talent vocally on the music scene. Tonya Youngblood was discovered several years ago and has continued to dazzle audiences all over the world. Tonya Youngblood, the Mississippi born artist and actress knows without hesitation that her craft is a God given talent. She has enjoyed sharing the gift of song with the world. The soulful songbird’s versatility is undeniable. Her jazz rifts and gospel background provides her signature. The church nurtured artist who doubles on piano and vocals translate a fresh sultry sound that hypnotically spells S-O-U-L. Her electrifying vocals will definitely mesmerize you. Tonya Youngblood has recorded 4 albums in which her 1st single titled "I’ve Been Having An Affair" rocketed into the elite Top 40 of Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles Chart and Jet magazine’s Top 5 announcing her professional arrival into the new world of urban music. Tonya has received many awards and has credits on albums and recordings. Her acting skills have enhanced her musical career and have given her the opportunity to explore a new horizon.

Tonya Youngblood has toured with many gospel plays as well as a background vocalist for the Gap Band. On her musical journey she had the pleasure of working with Johnny Taylor, Willie Clayton, Dorothy Moore, Gerald Levert, Sean Levert, Men @ Large, Lashun Pace, Howard Hewitt, Carl Payne, Angela Winbush, Mickey Howard, Keith Washington, Jennifer Holiday, Phillip Michael Thomas, Shirley Murdock, Cherelle, Charlie Wilson (The Gap Band), Ollie Woodson, Johnny Gill, Clifton Powell, Nikki Gilbert (BrownStone), Omar Cunningham, Vic Allen, Billie Soul Bond, Monifah, Dave Hollister, Tommy Ford, Christopher Williams, Lacreshia Campbell, Keshia Ealey, Mary Mary, Trin-n-tee 5:7 and many more. Feel free to let yourself receive the D-I-V-A freshness and originality to complete your musical desires.

LaTongya Garner

A voice that soars: An expressive, passionate, unforgettable presence. Latongya Garner was born and reared in Jackson, Mississippi. She obtained her music education and cultivation from the church and from Jackson Public Schools. In 2005, she began studying music at Jackson State University.

In the early 90’s Latongya Garner became a studio background vocalist for various Blues artist. Since then she has travel to several countries such as Korea and Japan performing as a soloist and with various choral groups. Singer/Songwriter and music enthusiasts, Latongya Garner demonstrate the interwoven blend of traditional Blues and Jazz. She presents soul-stirring interpretations of jazz music. She is currently teaching private singing lessons and is the founder and owner of LDG Entertainment, LLC. She still resides in her hometown of Jackson and is extremely proud of her Mississippi roots.

Jessie Primer III

Jessie Primer III, educator, saxophonist, and bandleader, holds a Bachelors of Music from Alcorn State University, and a Masters of Music Education from Jackson State University. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy of Music Education at the University of Mississippi. His teaching experience includes positions at Piney Woods County Life School and Jackson State University. He is currently the chairperson of the Visual and Performing Arts Department, and Director of the Instrumental Ensemble.

As an outstanding saxophonist, he performed with such divine groups such as The Bluz Boys, B.B. King, Benjamin Wright, Cassandra Wilson, Eddie Harris, Brandy, Paul Overstreet, and the William Brothers. He is also the leader of the Jessie Primer Jazz Quintet, Just Right, the Jessie Primer Big Band, and the Jessie Primer Rhythm and Blues Band. Mr. Primer toured Europe and Yugoslavia for the U.S. troops stationed in the former Republic of Yugoslavia. During his several tours of Europe, he has performed as guest soloist with the military band in London, England. Mr. Primer has also performed solo classical and jazz recitals at Alcorn State University, University of Mississippi, Jackson State University, and several high schools.

Additionally, Mr. Primer is a member of Broadcast Music, Incorporated (BMI), Jazz Educators of Mississippi (JEM), Entertainment Director of Yuric Records, and a member of Board of Trustees for Jackson State University Public Radio Station. Jessie Primer III has received numerous honors and awards including Certificate of Appreciation from the Department of Defense, Jackson Musical Award, Resolution from the City Council of Jackson, MS, and Madison County Chamber of Commerce. Jessie Primer III has also received credits on numerous albums and recordings. Jessie currently performs with the Anderson United Methodist Music Ministry (Gospazz). Mr. Primer is currently married to the Former Tracie Williams and has a son named Jessie L. Primer IV.

The Russell Thomas Jazz Group

The Russell Thomas Jazz Group is a group of musicians who are constantly forecasting the musical future while being fully aware of the past. This Jazz Group’s musical texture conveys a strong sense of melody and rhythm which captivates the sophisticated jazz listener as well as the novice. Combine inspiring great jazz compositions, gifted musicians, and a desire to produce great jazz music and you have the jazz group of the next century. Blending jazz standards with contemporary jazz standards, the Jazz Group has developed a rare musical unity which is both exciting and challenging for audiences.

The Russell Thomas Jazz Group’s concerts are known for their ability to deliver the unexpected; to draw listeners in and allow them to become involved. Russell Thomas’ musical ideals and concepts are further expanded and developed through his performances in Europe, Africa, Brazil, Australia, China and Mexico. The music of the Jazz Group not only grows and evolves with each performance but also gain more in depth and musical understanding. Jazz is improvisation; jazz is emotion; jazz is a way of life; jazz is freedom . . . the Russell Thomas Jazz Group’s freedom of musical expression makes the jazz experience intimate through the source of undeniable creativity.