As the owner of The Joy Of Music in Cleveland, I have to be down-to-earth, savvy, and hardworking. I did radio promotion for Columbia, Tommy Boy, Rap-A-Lot, and Maverick Records. I also did retail promotion for other powerhouses such as Epic/Sony, Arista and Motown.

I caught the entrepreneurial spirit after working in another record store and started my own store with seven hundred "fifty dollars five years ago. I developed my business into more than a simple store. It is a community center, a cultural explosion, a musical mecca where I am affectionately known as "Ma." With seven schools in the area, I have plenty of opportunities to talk one-on-one with young people about their Blackness and the importance of excellence. My boundless energy is also spent as President of SIMMS of America (a retail coalition), where I work to promote economic strength and community action. While I work on projects such as voter registration drives and benefits for a battered-women's shelter, I also think it is important to take time to talk to people, to try to help them, to touch their lives. The Lord keeps me going every day. I know that He's got me. I have much more "Joy" to give the music industry, my community and to everyone through The Joy of Music and my indomitable spirit.

 

Next >