THE MUSICIANS FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS FEATURE: PAUL YOUNGBLOOD

In celebration of our 10^th anniversary, we’re featuring the achievements, exploits and adventures of our illustrious Board of Directors across the music industry.

For the sixth in our ongoing series of weekly snapshots, we catch up with board member Paul Youngblood, current Vice President Roland Corporation U.S., and Boss U.S. Vice President (Japan) overseeing worldwide product development and marketing for BOSS products. 

Paul Youngblood with the first Boss pedal ever made

Paul joined Roland Corporation U.S. in 1985 (starting his Roland career as a clinician) and has since served in numerous pivotal positions. He then went on to become Roland MI product manager in 1990 where he successfully launched several award-winning products, paving the way for his ascent into the upper echelons of Roland.

Roland and Fender team up in 2012, for the “synth-equipped Fender Strat” launch: Chris Bristol (Pres. Roland US), Kaz Tanaka (Roland CEO), Larry Thomas (Fender CEO), Richard Mcdonald (Fender SVP), Paul Youngblood (Roland US SVP)

You’ll find an interesting overview of Roland history written by Mr. Youngblood HERE.

A wearer of many hats, Paul  is also a sound designer, author, composer, performer, noted authority on electronic musical instruments, author of the 1989 Hal Leonard reference publication “MIDI Guitar and Synthesis”, and is (himself) an accomplished guitarist.

 

Much more recently, Paul spoke with Premier Guitar at NAMM 2014 about the Boss ME-80 Guitar Multiple Effects unit and the launch of “Boss Tone Central” (Paul appears at 5:20):

The music industry is a small world, we’re pretty sure that’s not just a hunch!  Here we find Paul pictured with with fellow Musicians Foundation board member Mike Molenda at Musicians Institute:

Contest Judges Paul and Mike with 2010 Boss Loop US Finals 3rd place winner: Tony Smiley.

Yet again, we find board members Paul and Mike talking “gear” for the KB Roland Spring Product Debut back in 2010 HERE:

 As a Roland veteran executive, Paul is an expert at fostering strategic relationships and creative partnerships within the music industry.

Jude Gold, Luke, Bubby Lewis, Paul Michael Lloyd: Judges: Boss Loop Station US Finals at MI in 2011

NewBay Media’s Joe Perry, Joe Ferrick and John Pledger with Roland’s Paul Youngblood: 27th TEC Awards at NAMM 2012

 

He also knows some rock stars, of course.

2011 with Dave Navarro

Paul (and Roland) are constantly innovating and coming up with cool new products and partnerships, like this recent press release about the partnership between Roland’s V-Drums and QSC speakers.  We’re extremely honored to have Paul serve on our board,  bringing his tremendous business experience, music industry expertise, savvy and insight in support of music education!

We’re extremely proud of our board, and their dedication in support of music education!

 

THE MUSICIANS FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS FEATURE: JODY WATLEY

In celebration of our 10^th anniversary, we’re featuring the achievements, exploits and adventures of our illustrious Board of Directors across the music industry.

For the fifth in our ongoing series of weekly snapshots, we catch up with Grammy™ winning board member, prolific music trendsetter and maverick (Pop, R&B, Jazz, Dance and Electronic Soul): Jody Watley – vocalist, songwriter, producer and visionary leader in video, fashion and style!

© 2014 Jody Watley by Albert Sanchez

Sit back, and make yourself comfortable, because you’ll definitely enjoy reading her truly amazing bio HERE

Since her earliest days (starting at age 14!) as a popular dancer on Soul Train and her later success with the group Shalimar (1977-1983), Jody has never stopped creating, inventing and moving forward as a pioneer with her own extremely successful multi-dimensional career.

She became an immediate success as a solo artist, winning the Best New Artist GRAMMY award in 1987.

She quickly topped the charts with her 1987 smash hits, “Looking For a New Love”:

 “Don’t You Want Me”:

Followed by “Real Love” in 1989:

Since embarking on her solo career in the 1980’s, Watley has continued to evolve into a powerhouse artist who has sold over 20 million albums and singles worldwide, as well being known as an international style and music video icon.  Her ability to combine music and fashion has remained an inspiration for many artists today such as Rihanna and Beyonce. She has served as a Governor for the LA Chapter of The Recording Academy, and is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from Billboard Magazine for her career spanning over 25 years.

Harper’s Bazaar Magazine feature: Nov. 1991 by Andrea Blanch

Fashion icon reel: 

Jody’s latest release is entitled Nightlife, from the soon-to-be-released EP “Paradise”:

 

Check out the Jody Watley Nightlife Official Video (Dave Doyle Remix):

Recently. she performed live for a very enthusiastic crowd at Yoshi’s in Oakland, reviewed HERE

 Here, Jody pays tribute to 40 Years of Soul Train… 

With Cheo Horari Coker, Smokey Robinson, Cuba Gooding, Don Cornelius, Questlove

 We’re honored to have Jody Watley serve on our board, as a powerful role model and mentor for aspiring musicians, entertainers and artists!

You can stay connected with Jody Watley, for all the latest news: ‪

• Jody Watley Official Website
• Jody Watley Facebook
• Jody Watley Twitter
•  Jody Watley Boutique
•  Jody Watley Instagram
•  Jody Watley iTunes
•  Jody Watley Pinterest
•  Jody Watley Soundcloud
•  Jody Watley Stylefile
•  Jody Watley Tumblr
•  Jody Watley TV

We’re extremely proud of our board, and their dedication in support of music education!

 

 

Summer Notes and Our New Video

Beth Marlis

Notes from our Executive Director

Happy summer everyone!

As I hope you’re enjoying these sultry dog days of summer, I wanted to share a quick update on some of our latest initiatives and projects that will launch in the next few months.

It’s our 10th anniversary, and every week (on these very blog pages) we’re featuring profiles of our fantastic Board of Directors.  I invite you to scroll thru our previous posts and check it out!

Looking ahead to September of this year, we’ll be awarding $70,000 in scholarships to the students at Musicians Institute, via 40 unique scholarship opportunities (including our annual flagship Stanley Clarke Scholarship).

We’ve just finalized our fantastic (co-sponsored) series of 10 music-specific class titles for LAUSD high school students held at The Grammy Museum, running from November thru May 2015.

unite4:good

We’re also very excited that our non-profit partner unite4:good (an amazing, altruistic organization), has shot a promo video highlighting the work of The Musicians Foundation.

As we grow, we are continuing to form extremely beneficial relationships with other non-profits like: unite4:good, Little Kids Rock, The Grammy Museum, The Recording Academy, and our local Hollywood-area arts organizations.

Have a look at our new video, and check out our unite4:good page, where this video will be featured:

Won’t you consider making a tax-deductible donation today?

Beth Marlis, Executive Director

Let’s serve up more music, and give it to more kids! 

THE MUSICIANS FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS FEATURE: MICHAEL MOLENDA

In celebration of our 10^th anniversary, we’re featuring the achievements, exploits and adventures of our illustrious Board of Directors across the music industry.

For the fourth in our ongoing series of weekly snapshots, we catch up with board member extraordinaire: Michael Molenda, Editor-in-Chief of Guitar Player magazine.

Michael Molenda

We found a great overview of Michael’s successful tenure as Editor-in-Chief at GP (since 1998) and his insights about working at the world’s most respected and longest running guitar magazine (est.1967) HERE. 

It’s not an exaggeration to say that he’s a gear expert and one of the foremost authorities on the world of contemporary guitar.

Here, he gives a brief promo shout out about Fractal Audio and the never-ending quest for tone at the NAMM ’13 show:

When he’s not editing or writing, (Michael has published an impressive six books – check out this interview about his “Guitar Heros of the 70’s” book).

…he might be hanging around with rockstars and guitar stars…

Backstage with Ringo in July 2014

Robben Ford receives the Guitar Player Magazine Hall of Fame “Certified Legend Award”-2013

Luke, Earl Slick and MM

or he might be roadtesting all of the coolest new guitar gear…

MM

When not doing ALL of the above, and serving as a member of our board… Michael can be found playing live, and having a blast around the SF Bay Area with the retro-fun Monkee’s tribute band “The Trouble with Monkeys”—

Performing with “The Trouble With Monkeys”

Here’s a promo video:

To keep up with all the latest, you can find Michael Molenda online at these fine establishments:

• Blog: http://www.guitarplayer.com/authorblogs/Michael%20Molenda
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EditorBoy
• Twitter:  https://twitter.com/GPeditor

We’re extremely proud of our board, and their dedication in support of music education!

THE MUSICIANS FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS FEATURE: JAMES LEACH

In celebration of our 10^th anniversary, we’re featuring the achievements, exploits and adventures of our illustrious Board of Directors across the music industry.

For the third in our ongoing series of weekly snapshots, we catch up with board member James Leach Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations and West Coast Operations for SESAC (the nation’s fastest growing performing rights organization).

Trevor Gale (SVP) of SESAC, SESAC writers Paul Schaffer & Nate “Danja” Hills, 
James Leach (VP), Dennis Lord (EVP) of SESAC.

Prior to joining SESAC in 2001, James began his music career at Famous Music Publishing, and then later moved on to become Director of Creative Affairs for Michael Jackson’s ATV Music Group. This is where he worked with distinguished song catalogs of the Beatles, Sly & the Family Stone, Little Richard, John Lee Hooker, and Michael Jackson. Upon leaving ATV Music in 1994, Mr. Leach formed Leach Entertainment Enterprises where he consulted for several indie labels and placed music recording projects in various film/television projects. He has also worked as music supervisor at Fox Television.

With Harvey Mason

Here’s a great interview with James, where he discusses his insights and many years in the industry. He also shares a bit about the current work he does with major industry talents (writers and publishers) and the great services/opportunities provided by SESAC.

In addition to his SESAC gig, and serving on our board; James is also a Governor for the LA Chapter of The Recording Academy (The Grammy’s™). In this video clip, he’s featured talking about why Academy membership is valuable.

Thank you James for sharing your tremendous expertise and knowledge of music publishing, songwriters and their needs in our ever-changing industry; and your dedication in support of music education by serving on the board of The Musicians Foundation!

James Leach

 

 We’re extremely proud of our board, and their dedication in support of music education!

Announcing the 2014 Stanley Clarke Scholarship at Musicians Institute!

Click HERE for all information and application form

2014 Stanley Clarke Scholarship

Stanley Clarke wants YOU!!

Attention! Talented (current) MI students are invited to apply and submit their DVDs for the prestigious Stanley Clarke Scholarship at Musicians Institute.

 

Stanley is looking for the best, brightest and most talented musicians at Musicians Institute!

Two grand prize winners will be awarded a tuition discount and cash prize package of $9,000 each. Three runners-up will win a tuition discount and cash prize package of $2,000 each.

This scholarship will be determined on the basis of musical talent, performing ability, stage presence, musicianship and charisma in any style or genre of music.

Please visit our scholarship website for all information, application details and deadlines. This scholarship is open to CURRENT MI performance program students (AA and Bachelor’s Program) ONLY.

The Finals Performance event (with the top five finalists) will be held at the MI Concert Hall on November 23, 2014 at 8pm.   This event will be open to the public, and will feature celebrity music industry judges who will also perform with the finalists. More details regarding ticketing will be announced in the near future as we get closer to the event. Current MI students will be admitted to the event free of charge.

Four-time Grammy Award Winning Stanley Clarke, Honorary Doctor of Music-MI at 2012 scholarship event

With 2012 winners and judges

Applications are due: Friday, Nov. 7, 2014

 

  

 

THE MUSICIANS FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS FEATURE: STANLEY CLARKE

In celebration of our 10^th anniversary, we’re featuring the achievements, exploits and adventures of our illustrious Board of Directors across the music industry.

For the second in our ongoing series of weekly snapshots, we catch up with four-time Grammy™ winner, jazz pioneer, bass virtuoso and living legend: Stanley Clarke!

Stanley Clarke, Liberator of the Electric and Acoustic Basses

We know that (in reality) we can’t actually “catch up” with Stanley, because he is an amazing blur in perpetual creative motion: performing, evolving, composing, mentoring, and serving as an inspirational role model.

We’re honored that Stanley has served as member of our board since 2009 and that he has generously sponsored a performance scholarship in his name via his own foundation  for “the best and brightest talents” at Musicians Institute every year since 2000.

Stanley Clarke, Honorary Doctor of Music (MI) at his 2012 scholarship event

Here is the classic and extremely star-studded video from “Night School” filmed at Musicians Institute (for the SC scholarship concert) in 2002! You’ll even spot fellow MF board member Sheila E taking a slamming drum and timbale solo: 

We’re looking forward to the 2014 scholarship concert event (with very special guest judge/performers TBA) to be held on November 23rd at Musicians Institute Concert Hall. This event will be open to the public, and ticketing details will be posted as the event gets closer.  Applications and full information for the 2014 event is available HERE.

We found Stanley last weekend, (coming off of several live dates performing as The Stanley Clarke Trio (feat. 17 year old virtuoso Beka Gochiashvili – keys, 19 year old phenom Michael Mitchell – drums) closing the Toronto Jazz Festival on June 28^th.

Beka and Stanley

Here, Stanley talks about bringing up talent, teaching and being a mentor to younger players (with appearances by Beka and Michael): 

George Duke and Stanley Clarke

Just two weeks ago (June 14), Stanley and vocalist Al Jarreau headlined a special tribute in honor of longtime friend and collaborator George Duke featuring John Beasley, Marcus Miller, Dianne Reeves, Ndugu, Byron Miller, Greg Phillinganes, Jeffrey Osborne and Phil Perry at the 2014 Playboy Jazz Festival, Hollywood Bowl.

Yet another accolade was extended to Stanley recently when The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (The Academy Awards) invited him to join the organization along with 271 artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures.

The 2014 invitees are listed here.

Chick Corea and Stanley Clarke

For the entire month of July, Stanley will be touring Europe with Chick Corea, on the festival circuit performing “The Songs of Return Forever” as a duo. First stop is tomorrow (July 3rd) for the Kongsberg Jazz Festival in Norway.

Looking ahead…Stanley has a new record set to be released September 30^th featuring Stewart Copeland, Paul Jackson Jr., Jimmy Herring (Widespread Panic and MI alumnus), the Harlem String Quartet, and more.

To stay up to date on the latest of what’s happening with Stanley, you can find him online:

• Facebook
• Website 
• Blog

Here are a couple of other great clips of Stanley showing us how it’s done!:

Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Stanley Clarke & Omar Hakim -Cantelope Island

All we can say is…”wow”:

Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Lenny White, Joe Henderson. (L’S BOP)

 

We’re extremely proud of our board, and their dedication in support of music education!