ExploretherichandvibrantworldofSouthern Soulwithourcomprehensiveartistdirectory, yourultimateguidetothevoicesandtalents thatdefinethistimelessgenre.Whether you’readevotedfanornewtothescene,our directoryfeaturesanunparalleledcollectionof artists who embody the soulful spirit of the South. OurSouthernSoulDirectoryprovidesbooking informationforallSouthernSoulartists,from establishedstarstoemergingtalent. Additionally,weofferbookingdetailsforDJs, podcasts,andmore.
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S O U T H E R N S O U L D I R E C T O R Y
Featuring: Featuring: ChantalTaylorisadynamicforcein theworldofentrepreneurship,a womanwhohasturnedadversity intotriumphandbuiltaflourishing careerasamagazinepublisher, author,andskincarelineowner. BornonDecember23,1991,in Detroit,Michigan,Chantal’sjourney isoneofresilience,strength,and determination,makingheratrue inspirationformany.
Afterthetragiclossofhermotherat ayoungage,Chantalwasraisedby hergrandmother,GloriaTaylor, whobecameaguidinglightinher life.Gloriainstilledinher granddaughterthevaluesofhard work,perseverance,andthe importanceofeducation—values thatwouldshapeChantal’sfuture. Despitethepersonalchallengesshe faced,Chantalwasdeterminedto riseabovehercircumstances.
Aturningpointcamein2005when HurricaneKatrinaforcedChantalto relocatetoJackson,Mississippi. Thislife-alteringeventmarkedthe beginningofanewchapterforher.
Withdetermination,sherebuiltherlifeandeventuallylaunched TrueEssenceOrganicsin2018,askincarelinethatemphasizes naturalingredients.Theventurewasinspiredbyherpersonalbattle withDesmoidFibromatosis,arareconnectivetissuecancer.Despite enduringrigoroustreatments,Chantal’sperseveranceallowedher businesstothrive,earningherrecognitionandsuccess.In2023,she washonoredwiththeprestigiousEntrepreneurialSheroAward,and herproductsarenowavailableatmajorretailerslikeWalmartand Amazon.
Chantal’spassiondoesn’tstopatskincare.Shehasmadewavesin themediaindustrywithTheLegacyMagazineMs.,whereshe highlightsinfluentialleadersandbusinessesinhercommunity.Her effortshavenotgoneunnoticed,asshehasrecentlybeen nominatedforPublisheroftheYearattheBestofMississippi Awards.Throughherwork,Chantalcontinuestoleavealasting impactontheSouthernSoulandbusinesscommunities.
INadditiontoherentrepreneurial ventures,Chantalhostsapopular podcast,StandingonBusiness, wheresheinterviewsbusiness ownersandartists,further expandingherinfluence.Overthe years,shehascollaboratedwitha widerangeofentertainers, includingC.Lindsey,MazeratiRedd, BigYayo,EarlJackson,andmany more.Herskillsasalinedance instructorandchoreographerhave earnedherthenickname“THEE GOAT”amongherpeers, recognizingherasamultitalented powerhouse.
ChantalTaylor’sjourneyfrom overcomingpersonalhardshipsto achievingextraordinarysuccessis nothingshortofinspiring.Through hermagazine,skincareline,and variouscreativeendeavors,she continuestobuildalastinglegacy, touchinglivesandmotivating otherstopursuetheirdreams despitetheodds.Chantal’sstoryof resilienceanddeterminationisone thatwillinspiregenerationsto come.
SimplyWayneisanemergingJukeartist whohascarvedoutanicheforhimself withauniquesoundandsignaturestyle thatblendsenergeticperformanceswith laid-backvibes.Hisabilitytocaptivate audiencesthroughhisheartfeltlyrics infusesafreshtwistintotheclassicoldschoolmusictradition.Witharising reputationinthemusicscene,Simply Wayneispioneeringanewgenrecalled Juke,captivatingfanswithhis distinctiveapproach.Hisinfluences includelegendaryfigureslikeJunior Wells,BobbyWomack,MarvinSease, MarvinGaye,andOtisRedding,allof whichcontributetohisone-of-a-kind soundthatresonateswithlisteners everywhere.
BornonMay16,1968,inSumter,South Carolina,SimplyWayne’spassionfor musicblossomedinthechurchchoir, wherehisraspySouthernvoicebeganto develop.AfterattendingSouthCarolina StateUniversity,hemovedtoAtlanta, wherehehonedhisvocalskillsthrough streetperformancesandcompetitions. Thisgrassrootseffortsoonledhimto makesignificantwavesinAtlanta’s vibrantmusicscene.
In2021,SimplyWaynereleasedhishit single“GroovinginLove,”which quicklybecameafanfavorite.His subsequenttrack,“JukeJointLove,” furtherestablishedhispresenceon theglobalstageasarisingstarinthe industry.Workingcloselywith engineerDavidLeonardatReveal AudioServicesinMarietta,Georgia,he hasproducedsomeofthehighestqualitymusicintheJukegenre.His liveperformancesaticonicvenues, includingtheBackstageLoungein CollegePark,TheFoxTheatrein Atlanta,andthelegendaryApollo TheatreinNewYork,havesolidified hisstatusasanoteworthyperformer.
Currently,SimplyWayneisbusyinthe studio,workingonnewtrackslike “TheyCallMeJody”and“I’minLove,” whichpromisetomaintainthe infectiousenergyofJukemusic.Fans cananticipatemoreofhissignature feel-good,toe-tappingtunesthat celebrateloveandpositivevibes.His consistentdeliveryofhitskeepshis audienceengaged,ensuringabright futureforJukemusic.
Drawinginspirationfromhislate parents,ParaleeandIveyMcDowell, SimplyWaynemergeshismother’s soulfulsingingwithhisfather’sgritty tonetocreateadistinctivesoundthat setshimapartintheJukeand SouthernSoulgenres.Thisunique blendhasendearedhimtolisteners, whoaredrawntohismusic’s authenticenergyandhiscelebration ofthejukejointculture.
SoulsingerandsongwriterShunbrea “Bre”WootenwasbornonDecember 28,1993,inColdwater,Mississippi.Her journeyintomusicbeganattheageof fivewhenhermotherencouragedher tosingasongforEasterSundayat church.Thatmomentwouldignitea passioninyoungBrethathascarried herthroughherlife.Fromthatearly age,shebecameastapleinthe churchchoiratNewIndependenceMB Church,whereherloveforsinging onlydeepened.
AsBregrew,sodidhermusical influences.Shefoundinspirationin BrandyNorwood,whosestyleand voiceresonatedwithher.Bre’stalent becameundeniableassheentered numeroustalentcompetitions, gainingrecognitionandcollecting accoladesalongtheway.Hermusical journeyhasbeenmarkedbyaseries ofachievements,oneofthemost memorablebeingherperformanceat theWhiteHouse.Thissignificant momentunderscoredBre’sdedication andgrowthasanartist,markingher asatalenttowatch.
Bre’smajorbreakthroughcamein thesummerof2023,whenshetook herplaceonstageatabluesshow, performinginfrontofan appreciativeaudience.This performancemarkedthebeginning ofherprofessionaljourneyand showcasedherpowerfulvoiceand soulfuldelivery.Followingthis performance,Brebeganworking withprominentsongwritersinthe industry,includingJwonn,known for“WomanintheMiddle,”and SamFallie,whopenned“That ThangILike.”Thesecollaborations haveallowedBretoexpandher rangeandbringherunique perspectivetoSouthernSoulmusic.
ForBre,musicismorethanacareer —it’samissiontobringjoyto others.Sheoftenspeaksabouther ultimategoalinmusic:tomake peoplesmileandleavealasting legacy.Thispurposeshines throughinherperformances,as sheconnectsdeeplywithher audience,sharingstoriesand emotionsthroughhersongs.Each noteshesingsreflectsher commitmenttoupliftingothersand creatingmeaningfulexperiences forherfans.
Bre’sjourneyisalsomotivatedbya desiretomakeherfamilyproud, particularlyherson,AJ.Shestrives tosetanexampleforhimby pursuingherdreamswith determinationandgrace.ForBre, hersuccessisnotonlymeasured byaccoladesbutbytheimpactshe hasonherlovedonesandthe legacyshebuildsforfuture generations.
Withaheartrootedinfaithanda voicefilledwithpassion,Bre Wootenissteadilycarvingouther placeintheworldofSouthernSoul. Herjourneyisjustbeginning,and asshecontinuestoevolveasan artist,sheremainsdedicatedtoher missionofspreadingjoyand makinganindeliblemarkonthe musicindustry.
TheLadySongbird,JindaHarris,has beencaptivatingaudienceswithher voicesincetheageofseven.Growing upinamusicallygiftedfamily,shewas encouragedtopursueherpassion fromanearlyage.Herdedicationled hertoearnafullscholarshipformusic andvocaltechnique,whereshe studiedoperaandhonedhercraft. Jinda’svocaltalentandversatility shinethroughhersoulful performances,andhermissionisclear: toexpressloveandunitythroughher music,creatingasenseofconnection andtogethernessthatresonates deeplywithlisteners.
Jinda’scareerhasallowedherto collaboratewithsomeofthebiggest namesintheindustry,atestamentto herskillandartistry.Herlatestsingle, “Lover’sGroove,”hasmadewaves nationallyandinternationally,holding the#2spotontheUKTop25chartsfor animpressiveeightweeks.Therelease ofitsmusicvideohasonlyfueledthe song’spopularity,whileherprevious track,“NoWords”featuringCupid, chartedoverseas,furtherestablishing herpresenceintheglobalmusicscene. Additionally,hercollaborationwith DonnieRayon“TrainWreck”gained instantpopularityonSpotify’sRetro SoulCharts,showcasingherabilityto connectwithaudiencesacrossgenres.
Jinda’sEP,Venust,isaboldembodiment ofheruniquestyle,blendingclassicsoul withcontemporarycreativity.Hernewest project,aloveduetwithDonnieRaytitled “AlwaysOnMyMind,”wasreleased worldwideonValentine’sDay2024, bringingafresh,heartfeltvibetoher discography.Thisreleaseispartofa largertributealbumthatJindaisworking on,scheduledtodropinlate2024.The project’sfirstsingle,asoulfulrenditionof theBeeGees’classic“HowDeepIsYour Love,”hasgarneredpraiseforits thoughtfulremixandJinda’spersonal touch,makingthebelovedhitfeelfresh andnew.
October2024markedthereleaseofher latestsinglefromthetributealbum, “Yearning,”originallypopularizedbyThe GapBand.Jinda’sreinterpretationofthis classictunehasquicklyearned attention,withfanspraisingherabilityto capturetheessenceoftheoriginalwhile addingheruniquestyle.Thisnewsingle solidifiesherpositionasaversatileartist capableofbreathingnewlifeinto classicswhilepreservingtheirtimeless appeal.
Lookingtothefuture,Jindahassether sightsonaworldtourin2025.Hergoalis tobringhermusictoaudiences worldwide,aimingtotouchlistenersfrom allwalksoflife.Withablendofsoulful originalsandreimaginedclassics,The LadySongbirdhopestospreadloveand unitythrougheachperformance,making anindelibleimpactontheheartsoffans everywhere.
SouthernSoulStardom WillieRich,bornandraisedinMemphis, Tennessee,grewupinahousehold steepedinmusicalinfluence.Hismother hadadeeploveforGospelmusic,while hisfatherwasafanoftheblues.These contrastingmusicalbackgrounds createdarichtapestryofsoundthat wouldshapeWillie’sartisticjourney. Duringhisteenageyearsinthevibrant 90s,hefoundhimselfimmersedinR&B andhip-hop,drawinginspirationfrom therhythmsandstorieswoveninto thosegenres.
However,itwasatTuskegeeUniversity thatWillie’smusicalpathtooka significantturn.Throughhis involvementintheGoldenVoice program,hediscoveredtheprofound impactofAfricanAmericanchoral musicandjazz.Thisexposurenotonly broadenedhismusicalhorizonsbutalso deepenedhisappreciationforthe culturalheritagethatinformsSouthern Soulmusic.Now,asacomposer, musician,singer,andsongwriter,Willie Richchannelshispassionintocreating songsthatresonatewiththesouland spiritofhisroots.
Willieiscurrentlyreceivingpromotion fromBridgeDaGapPromotions,a Georgia-basedorganizationwithstrong tiestovariousDJnetworks,including RockdaBlock,TeamFleetDJs,andThe DreamTeam.Thispartnershiphasbeen instrumentalinamplifyinghisreach withintheSouthernSoulmusicscene. WiththesupportofBridgeDaGap Promotions,Williehasbeenabletotap intoanetworkofradiostations,internet DJshows,andTrailRideorganizations, furtherexpandinghispresenceand influence.
HiscollaborationwithBridgeDaGap Promotionshasledtomultiplepodcast interviews,showcasinghisartistryand journeytoabroaderaudience.Willie Rich’smusichasalsogainedsignificant tractiononnationallyrecognizedcharts, onTheSouthern B.Nice,andEl isgrowing enttohis mpellingnatureof omMemphisto figureinSouthern ansformative achnoteheplays es,hehonorshis athforwardina eheart.Ashe evolveasanartist, forWillieRich,a uthernSoul.
MississippiFleetDJsproudlystandsas adynamicchapteroftheworldwide FleetDJCoalition,uniting26 dedicatedmemberswhoconsiderone anotherfamily.Thisvibrant communityisdeeplyentrenchedin variousaspectsofthemusicindustry, committedtobreakingnewartists’ recordsandbringingtherichsounds ofbluesandSouthernsoultothe forefrontofthemusicscene.Witha focusoncollaborationandinnovation, theMississippiFleetDJsstrivetomake asignificantimpactonthemusical landscapeofMississippiandbeyon
MembersofMississippiFleetDJstak ondiverseroles,servingashosts,DJ radiopersonalities,podcastcreator newsletterandmagazineeditors,an graphicdesigners.Theircommitme totrueSouthernhospitalityshines throughineveryinteraction,asthey manageseveralradiostationsand engagewiththecommunity,allwhi promotingasupportiveandinclusiv environment.
ThemissionofMississippiFleetDJsis clear:“ToempowerandelevateDJs, artists,andmusicenthusiastsacross Mississippiandbeyondbyprovidinga platformforcollaboration,education, andpromotion.”Thiscommitmentto fosteringasupportivecommunity drivesinnovationandexcellencein themusicindustry,ensuringthat everymemberoperateswithintegrity andpassionintheirendeavors.
Lookingtowardthefuture,thevision ofMississippiFleetDJsistoposition thestateastheleadingFleetDJhub, recognizedforitsunwavering professionalism,creativity,and communityimpact.Theyaspiretoset newstandardsinthemusicindustry, inspiringthenextgenerationoftalent toriseandmaketheirmarkonthe world.Astheyproudlydeclare,“We’re notmatchingenergy;we’restanding onbusiness.”
Communityengagementisa cornerstoneoftheMississippiFleet DJs’identity.Throughspotlightcalls, impactfulgraphics,andinfluential radiostations,theyactivelyworkto upliftandinspire.Withasharedgoal ofbreakingbarriersandelevatingthe musicindustry,theMississippiFleet DJswelcomeallwhoarepassionate aboutmusictojointheirmission.
Forthoseinterestedinconnecting withtheMississippiFleetDJs,booking informationcanbefoundat msfleetdjs@gmail.com.Teamleaders AnthonyJones(#WHOISANTJONES) andChristinaAnderson(MissUnique) leadthechargeinthismusicalfamily, committedtocelebratingand promotingtheartistryofSouthern soulandblues.Welcometothe MississippiFleetDJs—wheremusic, community,andpassionseamlessly intersect.
Bychance,ayoungboynamedTyLove fromDetroit,thebirthplaceofMotown, wasdiscoveredwhilesingingin church.Asheaccompaniedhisolder brother,whowasperformingwiththe choir,thePastorofthechurch overheardTy’ssoulfulandmelodic voice.Recognizingtheboy’stalent, Ty’smotherenrolledhiminvarious talentshowcases,ignitinghispassion formusic.Itwasduringthisformative timethatTyrealizedthesignificanceof hisgift—agiftthatnotonlytouched heartsbutalsoechoedthelegacyof MotownlegendsandR&Bgreats.
Fromthatmomenton,Tycommitted himselftoelevatingR&Bmusictonew heights,aspiringtorestoreitstrue essence.Hedrawsinspirationfromthe iconicvoicesofMarvinGaye,Smokey Robinson,andSamCooke,feelinga profoundresponsibilitytoreconnect audienceswiththetimelessmusicthat shapedthegenre.Hismissionisclear: tobringbacktheheartfeltemotionand crooningthatcharacterizedthegolden ageofR&Bwhilecreatingaunique stylethatisunmistakablyhisown.
TyLoveembodiestheenduringspiritofDetroit’smusicscene,showcasing itsinfluentiallegacythathaspersistedsincetheMotownera.Hisdesireto rejuvenateR&Breflectsnotonlyapersonalambitionbutalsoabroadergoal ofre-establishingDetroit’splaceattheforefrontofsoulmusic.Withadeep understandingthatmusichasthepowertounitepeopleacrossgenerations, Tyaimstodeliverharmonyandmelodythatinspireandupliftlistenersofall ages.
TheimpactofTy’sartistryisalreadybeingfelt,ashehasseenmultiple recordsgainairplayonradioandinternetplatforms.Hismusichasa timelessquality,aginglikefinewinewhilemaintainingitsdistinctidentity. Ty’stalenthasalsoledtotheinclusionofhissongsinseveralindependent films,oneofwhichachievedtheremarkabledistinctionofbecomingthe numberonefilminthecountry.
AsTyLovecontinuestocarvehispathinthemusicindustry,heremains committedtosharinghispassionforsoul-stirringmelodiesthatresonate withaudiencesworldwide.Witheveryperformance,hestrivestoremind listenersoftherichnessofR&Banditsabilitytotranscendtime,forginga connectionthatwillendureforyearstocome.
ArkansasNativeBringingSouthern SoultotheWorld Tabu,aSouthernSoulandR&B artisthailingfromSouthBend, Indiana,wasintroducedtomusic atanearlyage,withhisroots deeplyembeddedinthechurch choir.Inspiredbywatchinghis mothersinginthechoir,hebegan developinghisvocaltalents,which quicklycaughttheattentionofhis family.Thisearlyexposureto musicandperformancesetthe stageforhisfutureintheindustry.
Encouragedbyhismotherto pursuehismusicalaspirations, Taburefinedhisskillsandentered LenardMarkhamProductions, whereheclaimedfirstplaceina talentcompetition.Thisinitial successprovidedhimwiththe confidenceandrecognitionneeded totakethenextstepinhiscareer. Histalentwassoonnoticedby industryprofessionals,leadingto pivotalopportunitiesthatwould shapehisjourneyasanartist.
Onesignificantopportunitycame whenTabumetEdDavisandThe RudeBoys,whoofferedhimthe chancetotournationwideasan openingact.Thisexposureallowed himtoreachnewaudiencesand honehisperformanceskills.Inthe early2000s,Tabumadethebold decisiontorelocatetoAtlanta, wherehesoughttofurtherhis musicalcareerandconnectwith otherartistsinthevibrantSouthern Soulscene.
InAtlanta,heformeda collaborationwithDawayneWilson ofDirtyHouseProductions,which openeddoorsforhimtoperform alongsidelegendaryactssuchas Lakeside,SirCharlesJones,Frankie Beverly&Maze,andTonyTerry. Theseexperiencesnotonlyenriched hismusicalstylebutalsohelped himestablishhimselfasanotable figureinthegenre.
Today,Tabucontinuestocaptivate audienceswithhisSouthernSoul andR&Bperformances,supported byhisagent,KennyLoggin.Witha growingpresenceacrosssocial mediaplatforms,heremainsa dynamicforceinthemusicworld. Fanscanfollowhisjourneyon Instagramat @tabusouthernsoulmusic,wherehe sharesupdatesandconnectswith hisaudience.
ToniBrown,knownonstageas“Mz BrownSuga,”isaSouthernSoul sensationbringingheruniquevoiceand lifestoriestoaudiencesacrossthe South.BornonJuly27,1980,inAbbeville, Alabama,Tonigrewupinasmalltown whereshediscoveredherloveformusic earlyon.Herparents,thelateEmmett LeeBrownandVernaBrownHaynes, providedastrongfoundationinherlife, whichshenowusestoinspireothers throughhermusic.Asasinglemotherto twochildren,NatoriandChristopher, Tonihasalwaysshownresilienceand determination,balancingfamilyandher passionformusic.
Herloveforsingingwasevidentfroma youngage,whereshefirstsangina youthchoiratalocalBaptistchurch.By theageof30,Tonibeganleadinga youthchoirataPentecostalchurchand laterbecameamemberofafemale quartetthatperformedacrossvarious churches.Thisexperiencegavehera solidgroundinginmusic,refiningher skillsanddeepeningherconnection withheraudience.Toni’sjourney throughgospelandquartetsinginglaid thefoundationforhertransitioninto SouthernSoul.
In2021,Tonitookaboldstepintothe SouthernSoulmusicscene,rebranding herselfasMzBrownSuga.Thisnew chapterallowedhertoexploreadifferent genrethatresonatedwithherlife’s experiences.Hermusic,infusedwith themesoflove,hardship,andresilience, quicklycaughtlisteners’attention.Toni’s talentforstorytellingandrawexpression isapparentineachsong,assheshares narrativesthatreflectherownlifeandthe strugglesandjoysmanyinher communityexperience.
MzBrownSuga’sdebutsingle,“Sneaky Link,”releasedonJanuary29,2021, markedthestartofherriseinthe SouthernSoulgenre.Followingthis,she continuedtocaptivateaudienceswith hitslike“TuesdayLove,”“Don’tStopKeep Going,”and“SpinnaNightBag,”which featuresJeterJones.Eachrelease solidifiedherpresenceinthemusicworld, andherrelatablelyricsresonatedwitha growingfanbaseeagerformoreofher authenticSouthernsound.
AsaSouthernSoulartist,MzBrownSuga hasestablishedherselfonsocialmedia, connectingwithfansthroughFacebook, Instagram,TikTok,andYouTube,where shesharesliveperformancesand momentsfromherjourney.Witheach song,ToniBrownembracesheridentity asMzBrownSuga,avoiceforher community,blendingherSouthernroots withsoulfulmelodiesandheartfeltlyrics thatspeaktolistenersacross generations.
TayMenafield,widelyknownbyhis stagename“T-MAN,”ismaking wavesintheworldofSouthernSoul andR&B.HailingfromOpelika, Alabama,T-MAN’sjourneyintomusic beganatayoungage,withhisroots deeplyembeddedintherhythmic beatsofbluesandsoul.Inspiredby hisfather,whowasaDJ,he immersedhimselfindrumming sessions,developingapassionthat wouldshapehismusicaljourney.TMAN’sstoryisatestamenttohis dedicationandthediverseinfluences thatguidehiscraft.
Asayoungmusician,T-MAN dedicatedcountlesshoursto masteringvariousinstruments, includingdrums,keyboard,andbass guitar.Thishardworkpaidoff,andhe soonbeganperformingwith renownedartists,suchasPastor ShawnJones&TheBelievers,gracing stagesacrosstheUnitedStates.His passionformusichasalwaysbeen evident,witheachperformance reflectinghiscommitmentto deliveringsoul-stirringmelodies.
Nowembarkingonasoloventure, T-MANhasinfusedhisuniquestyle intoSouthernSoulandR&B, creatingasoundthatpayshomage tohisrootswhilebringingafresh perspectivetothegenre.Hislatest single,“TakeYouOutTonight,”isa blendofclassicandcontemporary soundsthatcaptureshisessence asanartist.T-MAN’s“oldsoul” sensibilityaddsdepthtohismusic, resonatingwithfanswho appreciatebothnostalgicand modernsounds.
T-MAN’sapproachtomusicismore thanjustentertainment;it’sa harmoniousblendoftraditionand innovation.Withatalentfor creatingtimelessmelodiesand irresistiblegrooves,heseamlessly bridgesthegapbetweenthepast andthepresent.Hismusicspeaks toabroadaudience,offeringa soulfulexperiencethatconnects listenerstotherichtapestryof SouthernSoulandR&B.
Withagrowingpresenceonsocial media,T-MANisreachingfans worldwideandinvitingthemtojoin hismusicaljourney.Knownas“The Maestro”forhisabilitytocraft intricate,movingcompositions,TMANcontinuestoelevateSouthern Soul.Hispassion,authenticity,and dedicationtohisartformsethim apart,promisingabrightfutureas heshareshismusicwiththeworld.
HailingfromMemphis,Tennessee, YNOTisaSouthernSoulartistwho leavesanindelibleimpressionon everystagehestepsonto.Although hemightnotdominatesocialmedia likesomeofhispeers,hislive performancesareunforgettable.With apowerfulpresenceandundeniable talent,hehasgracedeventssuchas the2024SpringFling,theannual Mother’sDayshowinMississippi,and theHeartandSoulFestivalinMason, Tennessee,amongothers.His electrifyingstagepresenceand soulfulsoundmakehimastandoutin theSouthernSoulgenre.
Beyondhisvocaltalent,YNOTisa multi-instrumentalist,proficientinan impressivenineinstruments.This versatilityinmusicianshipsetshim apart,addingdepthandtexturetohis performances.Hismusicaljourney, however,didn’tbeginwithhisown dreamsbutwithhismother’s determination.Asachild,YNOTwas madetosinginthechurchchoir,led byhismother,whilehisfather preachedfromthepulpit.Though reluctantatfirst,hismother’s persistencenurturedhistalent, layingthefoundationfortheartistwe seetoday.
YNOT’smusicalrootsareintertwined withhisathleticbackground.Astarin bothhighschoolbasketballandtrack, hewasawardedcollegescholarships forhisathleticachievements.This disciplineanddrivehedevelopedon thecourtandfieldtranslated seamlesslytohismusiccareer.His journeyreflectsauniqueblendof athleticrigorandmusicality,enriching hisperformanceswithanenergyand passionthatfewcanmatch.
Overtime,YNOTevolvedfroma hesitantchoirboytoadynamic SouthernSoulartist,carvingapathof hisowninthemusicindustry.His performancesareatestamenttohis dedicationandtalent,witheachshow eavingaudienceseagerformore. Despitehisrelativelylowprofileon socialmedia,hisreputationcontinues ogrowthroughwordofmouthand iveperformancesthatcaptivate audiencesacrosstheSouth.
YNOTisanartistontherise,andhis storyisoneofperseverance,family nfluence,andrawtalent.Hisjourney romMemphis’churchchoirstothe SouthernSoulstageisacompelling ale,onethatreflectsboththepowerof musicandtheimportanceoffamily. Withatalentthatspansvocals, nstruments,andanundeniablestage presence,YNOTispoisedtomake wavesintheSouthernSoulgenreand beyond.
FriedrickHicks,knowninthemusic worldasKingFred,isapowerhousein SouthernSoulandthedrivingforce behindKingsteamProductions.Born inClarksdale,Mississippi,KingFred embodiesthespiritofDeltaBluesand SouthernSoulwithaunique, rebellioustwist.Hisjourneyfrom ClarksdaletoJacksonvilleState Universitysetthestageforalifelong loveofmusic,andhehassince carvedoutadistinctivenicheinthe SouthernSoulgenre.
GrowingupintheDelta,KingFred wassurroundedbythesoundsof legendslikeJohnnyTaylor,Tyrone Davis,andMarvinSease.Itwasclear fromayoungagethatmusicwasin hisblood.Atjust17,hediscoveredhis giftforsongwriting,andhehasbeen creatingandperformingeversince. Hiscareerlaunchedwiththerelease ofhisfirstalbum,GoingCrazy,andhe hassincecontinuedtoproducea soliddiscography,includingSoul2 Soul,TasteofSoul,AllGasNoBrakes, Vol.1,andhislatest,AGNBDaAlbum.
Overtheyears,KingFredhas broughtfansaseriesofmemorable hitsthatreflecthissoulfulstyleand hisgiftforstorytelling.Fromthe earlydaysof“BodyRock”and“I’llBe YourFreak”torecentreleaseslike “SoBeautiful,”hisdiscography includescrowd-pleaserslike “Cassanova,”“PutYoutoSleep,” and“AllGasNoBae.”Hislatestwork, AGNBDaAlbum,showcaseshis growthasanartistandhighlightshis abilitytoblendsmoothvocalswith captivatingbeats,solidifyinghis placeasaSouthernSoulicon.
Knownforhiscollaborativespirit, KingFredhasalwaysbeen passionateaboutliftingupother artists,especiallythosejustentering theindustry.Hiscommitmentto mentorshipandcollaboration reflectshisbeliefinthepowerof musictoconnectpeople.Through KingsteamProductions,heregularly featuresotherartistsandactively seeksoutnewtalenttospotlight, creatingopportunitiesforrising starsintheSouthernSoul community.
KingFred’smantra,“AllGasNo Brakes,”drivesbothhismusicand hisapproachtolife.Hisdedicationto hiscraftandtothesuccessofhis teamisunwavering,andhe approacheseachprojectwiththe energyanddeterminationtopush boundaries.Fanscanexpectnot onlynewsoloprojectsbutalso excitingcollaborationsthat highlighttherawtalentanddiversity oftheSouthernSoulscene.
Withapassionformusicrootedin Mississippi’sDeltaBluesandavision forthefutureofSouthernSoul,King Fredisaforcetobereckonedwith. Ashecontinuestomakewavesin theindustry,hisfanseagerlyawait thenextchapter.Onethingis certain:KingFredandKingsteam Productionsarejustgettingstarted. #KingFred#KingsTeam #AllGasNoBrakes
HailingfromFlint,Michigan,Napoleon Dempshascaptivatedthesoulscene asadynamitevocalistwhosevoice leavesanunforgettableimpression.A longtimeDaptoneRecordsfan,Demps caughtthelabel’sattentionwithan impromptuperformanceofSam Cooke’s“AChangeIsGonnaCome” duringaDap-Kingssoundcheck. BoscoeMann,Daptone’sco-founder, immediatelyrecognizedDemps’sraw talent,invitinghimtoPenroseStudiosin Californiatorecordhisdebutsingle.
WithinfluencesrangingfromOVWright andWillieHutchtothesmoothstylings ofSamCooke,Demps’smusicblends DetroitandChicago’ssoulwithchunky horns,heavybackbeats,andavocal stylereminiscentofAlGreen.His Daptonedebuttrackcarriesan undeniablefunkysoulgroove, showcasingDemps’srich,timeless voice.
Napoleon’sjourneytostardombegan ontheChitlin’Circuitatage24,where hehonedhiscraftalongsideSouthern SoullegendBiggRobb.UnderRobb’s mentorship,Dempstouredthecountry, performingliveandrecordinghisfirst majorhit,“BootyWhipped,”which landedafeatureinthefilmAllStyles.He followedthissuccesswithhis2012hit “AnotherMan,”whichfurthersolidified hisplaceintheSouthernSoulgenre.
In2020,Demps’ssingle“Norma Jean”propelledhispopularitytoa globalaudience,receiving widespreadacclaimandearninga spotasoneofBBC’stopsoulsongsof theyear.Thistraditionalsoultrack resonatedwithfansworldwideand markedamajorturningpointin Demps’scareer.
In2022,DempsjoinedIndustryMusic Group,anindependentsoullabel basedinRialto,California.Thismove introducedhimtotheSouldiescene, agenrecherishedbytheChicano communityinCalifornia.His connectionwiththispassionate fanbasehasonlystrengthenedhis influenceandbroadenedhisappeal.
Justlastweek,Dempswasselected toperformatributetoKenny LattimoreattheNationalR&BHallof Fameinductionceremony,acareer milestoneheholdsclosetohisheart. Recently,Dempslaunchedhisown label,IMGSouth,inpartnershipwith IndustryMusicGroup.Thisnew ventureisdedicatedtonurturing emergingSouthernSoultalentand introducingthegenretowider audiences.
NapoleonDemps’ssoulfuljourneyis atestamenttohistalent,faith,and dedication.Witheachtrack,he carriesthetorchforDaptone Records,honoringthelegaciesof thosewhopavedtheway.Hisstoryis oneofresilience,faith,andan unwaveringcommitmenttohisart, ensuringhisplaceinthesoulmusic landscapeforyearstocome.
SouthernSoul’sNewWave StevieJBluesstandsasoneofthe dynamicnewvoicesreshapingthe SouthernSoul,Blues,andR&Bgenres today.Knownforhisuniqueblendof traditionalandcontemporarysounds, SteviecapturestheessenceofSouthern Soul,infusedwithafreshperspective thatresonateswithfansacross generations.Hisrootstracebacktothe heartofMississippi,wherethelegacyof bluesandsoulmusicrunsdeep. Throughhissoulfulvoiceand compellinglyrics,StevieJBlueshas builtaloyalfanbaseandbecomea regularontheSouthernSoulmusic circuit,whetherperformingatfestivals, clubs,orappearingontopstreaming playlists. AttheheartofStevie’ssucc storytelling.Eachsonghec paintsavividpictureoflove resilience,themesthatSout musicembraceswholehear approachtosongwritingis describedasemotiveandr speakingtolistenersonap level.StevieJBluesisn’tjus performer;he’sastorytelle songsofferglimpsesintoth experience,whetherjoyful, wrenching,orintrospective combinationofmusicaltale storytellinghascarvedaun forStevie,settinghimapart steepedintradition.
ApivotalmomentinStevie’scareerhas beenhiscollaborationwithSid55,akey playerintheSouthernSoulmusicscene. Thispartnershiphasallowedhimto explorenewcreativedirectionswhile stayingtruetothegenre’sroots. Together,StevieandSid55aimtobring SouthernSoulmusictonewaudiences, blendinginnovationwithauthenticity. Theirsharedvisionforthegenrepushes boundaries,creatingasoundthat remainsrespectfulofitsoriginswhile evolvingtostayrelevantinthemodern musiclandscape.
LeadingthiscreativeventureisStevie’s latestsingle,“Uber,”atrackthathas quicklybecomeafanfavorite.Featured onthealbumSid55:TheSecondHomeof SouthernSoul,“Uber”divesintomoderndayrelationshipswithaplayfula soulfultwist.Thesongexplorest lengthsonegoesforlove—eveni meanscallinganUberinthemid thenighttobewiththatspecial someone.Stevie’ssmoothvocal thesong’scatchyhookmake“U instantstandout,capturingthec andrelatabilitythatfansadore.
Thereleaseof“Uber”hasnotonl solidifiedStevieJBlues’placein SouthernSoulgenrebutalsosho hisabilitytobringafreshtaketo themes.Availableonallmajorst platforms,thesinglehasalready traction,attractingbothlongtim andnewlisteners.Forthosewho moderntakeonsoulfulmusic,“U must-listen,offeringanupdated thatstillholdsontotheheartand thegenre.
Forbookingandmedia inquiries,StevieJBluescanbe reachedthroughSid55at 1.833.743.5500orbyemailat info@sid55.com.AsStevie’s fanbasecontinuestogrow,his collaborationwithSid55isset toexpandthereachofSouthern Soulmusic,introducingittoa broader,morediverse audience.Withthereleaseof “Uber,”StevieJBluesispoised totakehisplaceasaprominent figureintheSouthernSoul genre,andfanseagerlyawait whathehasinstorenext.
VernoVaughn,originallyfrom McComb,Mississippi,hasfoundhis homeandinspirationinHammond, Louisiana,wherehe’semergingasa prominentvoiceintheSouthernSoul musicscene.Knownforhismagnetic stagepresence,Vernoknowshowto workacrowd,quicklydrawing audiencesinwithhisengaging energyandparty-drivensound.As anartistrootedinLouisiana’svibrant musicculture,Vernobringsaunique blendofSouthernSoulandgroove, resonatingwithfansacrossthe region.
Hislatestrelease,“Working,” featuringBJPromotions’Leroy Jermaine,hasbecomeaninstanthit. Availableonallmajorstreaming platforms,thetrackshowcases Verno’sabilitytocraftcatchy, danceablemusicthatcapturesthe essenceofcelebrationand community.“Working”ismorethana song;it’sananthemthatembodies
Verno’sdedicationtohiscraftandhis commitmenttoputtingHammond, Louisiana,ontheSouthernSoulmap.
Whenaskedabouthismotivation, Vernocreditsthelocalartistsfromthe 985area.Heacknowledgesthe challengesofbreakingoutfroma placelikeHammondandemphasizes theshareddrivewithinhiscommunity tomaketheirmark.Verno’spridein hisrootsandrespectforfellowartists intheregionareadrivingforcebehind hismusic,ashecontinuestobea risinginspirationforaspiring musiciansinHammondandbeyond.
Withhisinfectiousbeatsand energeticperformances,Verno’s musicinviteseveryonetohitthe dancefloor.Hissignaturestyle combinesafeel-goodvibewitha senseofauthenticitythatSouthern Soulfanscrave.Whetherperforming forintimategatheringsorlarger crowds,Verno’sdynamicpresence bringsauniquecharmthatsetshim apartasanartistontherise.
Forthoselookingtoexperiencethe energyandexcitementofVerno Vaughnlive,bookingopportunitiesare availablethroughhiscontactat985327-3520orbyemailat VernoVaughn40@gmail.com. ConnectwithVernoonFacebookand checkouthisperformanceson YouTubeatVernoTVforatasteofthe SouthernSoulsoundthat’smaking wavesoutofHammond,Louisiana.
Steven“IceBuck”Powell,borninGary, Indiana,andlaterrelocatingtoAtlanta, hasestablishedhimselfasaformidable figureintheSouthernSoulandrap musicscenes.Withasongwritingtalent deeplyrootedinhismusicallineage, Powellrepresentsoneofthemost recognizedmusicalfamilies.Hisjourney beganinthemid-80s,creatinghisfirst threealbumsalongsideindustrytalents atBobbyBrownandWhitneyHouston’s studio,famouslyknownas“BossTown” (nowStankonia).As“M.C.BuckPee,” PowellbecameapioneerinAtlanta’s musicscene,withhisgroup1-5ivePosse makingwavesin1989 fth fi t rapgroupstohav FMradioinAtlan
Overtheyears,P decoratedwithn collaborationsan industryicons.H writingandco-p Jackson’salbum openingforPrinc Tour,”showcasin withdiverseaudi portfolioincludes legendaryartists BobbyBrown,Ste Blige,PublicEnem tonameafew,fu influenceinthem
Now,withPrincipleMusicGroup, PowellissettoreleasehisdebutEP, I’mSoulCold,aninnovativeproject aimedatrevolutionizingSouthern Soul.ThisEPfeaturescollaborations withSouthernSoulheavyweights NellieTigerTravisandJeterJones.By blendingsoulfulmelodieswith storytelling,I’mSoulColdstandsout asarefreshingcontributiontothe genreandpromisestocaptivate SouthernSoulenthusiasts everywhere.
Powell’sauthenticityisevidentinhis approachtomusic.Hestaystrueto hisrootsandemphasizesthathis musicisanunfilteredreflectionof himself,aimingtobringjoyto listenersandmotivatethemtobe theirbest.AsPowellputsit,“I’mhere togetthepartystartedandinspire peopletobethebestversionsof themselves.”
Withhiseyessetonfutureprojects, Powellisgearinguptoreleasemusic thathecollaboratedonwithTito JacksonoftheJackson5.Following theirprevioussuccesswiththetrack “IGotCaught(LovinginaDream),” theduocontinuestopushthe boundariesofSouthernSoulwith groundbreakingmusic.This partnershiphighlightsPowell’s dedicationtomergingclassicsoul influenceswithmodernsounds,a combinationthatisboundto resonatewithfansoldandnew.
RoyWatt’slifeisatestamentto resilienceandthepoweroffamily.Asthe sponsoroftrailridesandbonfireevents, Roybringspeopletogetherinwaysthat honorbothhisupbringingandhislate brother,whowasinstrumentalin startingthesegatherings.ForRoy,these eventsaremuchmorethanjusttrail rides—they’recelebrationsof community,memories,andthebondhe sharedwithhisbrother.Thegatherings havebecomesymbolsofhisfamily’s loveforthelandandtheirdeep connectiontothetraditionsthatbrought themtogetherfromayoungage.
Thetraditionofhostingtrailridesand bonfiresbeganasafamilyeffort. Alongsidehisbrother,Roycreated eventsasawaytobringfamilies together,justastheyhadbeendo sincetheywereboys.Growingup surroundedbyhorsesandtheout Royandhisbrotherembracedthe lifestyle,andtheirbondgrewstro witheveryeventtheyhosted.The connectionwasespeciallyprofou thetwosharedanunspoken understandingoftheirsharedgoa lovefortheoutdoors.
Thefamilygatheringstookonanewmeaningwhentragedystruck.Roy’s brotherpassedawayinadevastatingaccidentinvolvingahorse,leavingavoid thatcouldneverbefilled.Thelosswasprofound,butRoyfoundcomfortand purposeincarryingontheirsharedvision.Now,everyNovember9th,which wouldhavebeenhisbrother’sbirthday,Royhostsatrailridetohonorhis memory.Thisannualeventservesasatributetohisbrotherandtheirshared legacy,celebratingtheunityandjoytheysoughttoinspireinothers.
Royviewstheseeventsasmorethanjustgatherings—theyarehislife’scalling. Inhisownwords,hewas“bornandraised”tobringfamiliestogether.Eachtrail rideandbonfireisareminderofhisrootsandthevaluesinstilledinhimfroma youngage.Throughtheseevents,hechannelshispassionforconnecting families,creatingaspaceforpeopletorelax,bond,andmakelastingmemories withlovedones.
Thegatheringshavegrownovertheyears,withfamiliesfromallwalksoflife comingtogethertocelebrate,relax,andenjoythecompanyofothers.Witheach event,Roy’sdedicationtohiscommunityandfamilybecomesevermore evident.Hiscommitmenttopreservingthetraditionshesharedwithhisbrother hasturnedthesegatheringsintosomethinglargerthanlife,resonatingwith peopleandbringingjoytoallwhoattend.
Inaworldthatoftenmovestoofast,RoyWatt’strailridesandbonfiresoffera chancetoslowdownandcherishwhatmattersmost.Bybringingpeople together,henotonlypreserveshisbrother’smemorybutalsocontinuestofulfill hislifelongpurpose.Roy’sjourneyisastoryofloss,love,andlegacy—onethat remindsusofthebeautyoffamily,tradition,andthepowerofasharedpurpose.
Dr.CatrinaNicoleWordlaw,PhDs,h.c.,is aremarkableMississippinativehailing fromMossPointandcurrentlyresiding inBaySt.Louis.Withanimpressive educationalbackground,sheholdsa MasterofScienceinMentalHealth CounselingfromWaldenUniversity (2013)andaMasterofSciencein PsychologyfromtheUniversityof Phoenix(2009).Dr.Wordlawgraduated withhonors,earninganAssociate DegreeinChildCareTechnologyfrom MississippiGulfCoastCommunity College(2003)andaBachelorofScience inChildandFamilyEducation,Magna CumLaude,fromJacksonState University(2006).Shecompletedher secondaryeducationwithhonorsat MossPointHighSchool(2001),layinga strongfoundationforherdiversecareer.
Asamentalhealthprofessional,former educator,andentrepreneur,Dr. WordlawistheFounderandCEOof CrownforaCause,Inc.,anonprofit organizationdedicatedtocommunity service.Sheisalsoacertifiedlifecoach andmentoratManifestingYourLife Journey,LLC,andhasauthoredfivelife coachingbooks.Inadditiontohermany roles,sheservesasthepresidentof OmegaUpsilonPiEpsilonandhoststhe CrownforaCausePodcastandCouture LaRougePodcast,whereshesharesher insightsandexperienceswithawider audience.
Dr.Wordlaw’spassionformentalhealthhasdrivenhertoworkforover15years asatherapist,andsheaspirestoestablishherownmentalhealthpracticeinthe future.Beyondherprofessionalendeavors,shehasakeeninterestinthe pageantry,modeling,andfashionindustries,whichhasinspiredhertolaunch ModelofCoutureLaRouge,LLC.Throughthisventure,sheaimstoempower aspiringmodelstorealizetheirfullpotentialinthefashionworld.
AstheFounderandCEOofCrownforaCause,Inc.,Dr.Wordlawandherteamare activelyengagedincommunityoutreachinitiatives.Theorganization,stillinits earlystages,focusesonachievingshort-termgoalswhilelayingthe groundworkforlong-termimpact.Herextensiveexperienceinmentalhealth hasalsoledhertoexpandherservicesasaLifeandRelationshipCoach, furtheringhercommitmenttohelpingindividualsnavigatetheirlifejourneys. Recently,shepublishedseveralworkbooksandjournalsdesignedtoassist peopleinreachingtheirgoalsandmanifestingtheirdreams.
Dr.Wordlaw’saccomplishmentshavenotgoneunnoticed.Shewascrowned Ms.InfinityMississippi2020-2021andreceivedhonorarydoctoratedegrees alongwithvariousdistinguishedawardsfrom2021to2022.Herrecognitionhas openeddoorstoservehercommunitythroughprogramslikeAdoptaHigh SchoolSenior,supportingstudentsastheycompletetheiracademicstudies. Additionally,shehasbeenfeaturedinWorldClassBeautyQueenmagazineand appearedonaNewYorkTimesSquarebillboardforSupermodelUnlimited magazineduringfashionweek.Mostrecently,shewashighlightedinModel SourceasaTop50Modelandappearedinseveralotherprominent publications.
Withherpassionforbothmentalhealthandfashion,Dr.CatrinaNicole Wordlawisatruetrailblazer.AsanOfficialNomineeforBestEntrepreneurfor TheGlobalBeautyAwardsandwithhercompanyCoutureLaRouge,LLC nominatedforSmallBusinesswithGulfCoastWomenMagazine,Dr.Wordlaw continuestoinspireothersthroughhermultifacetedcareerandunwavering dedicationtohercommunity.
EmpoweringBeauty:HowKhadijah’s DesignsByDijCelebratesBlackCulture Khadijah,knowntoherfollowersasDij, isthevisionarybehindDesignsByDij, aluxuryaccessoriesandstationery brandthatcelebratesBlackculture andnaturalhairthroughpowerful, one-of-a-kindstatementpieces.As theSHE-E-Oanddesignerofthebrand, Khadijahhastransformedhercreative spiritandinnovativeapproachintoa thrivingbusinessaimedat empoweringtheBlackcommunity.Her collectionsoflifestyleart,including umbrellas,pillows,blankets, backpacks,andmore,showcaseher commitmenttorepresentation, emphasizingthatdiversityinartand designmatters.
Witheachproduct,Khadijahmakesit hermissiontocelebratethebeauty anddiversityofBlackculture.Her designaestheticdrawsheavilyfrom theeleganceofnaturalBlackhair, usingherarttofosterawarenessand appreciationforitsbeauty.She believesthatartisacatalystfor societalchangeandusesherworkto challengenorms,aimingto“shakethe table”onissuesofdiversityand representation.Khadijah’sgoalis simpleyetprofound:tonormalize diversebeautyandcelebrateBlack identityinallitsforms.
Khadijah’sinfluenceextendsbeyond herproductsthroughhercreationof theCurlsN’ConvoNaturalHair Summit,anempoweringmovement sheinitiatedtouplift,educate,and celebratetheBlackcommunity.The summitprovidesaspacewhere participantscanembracetheir naturalhair,findstrengthintheir identity,andconnectwithotherswho sharesimilarexperiences.WithCurls N’Convo,Khadijahaimstoinstill confidence,encourageselfacceptance,andhighlightthebeauty ofnaturalhair,showingattendees thatitisnotonlyacceptablebut beautifultoembracewhotheyare naturally.
AsanadvocateforBlack representationinthearts,Khadijah usesDesignsByDijasaplatformto inspireandmotivateothers, especiallyBlackwomen,men,and children,totakeprideintheir heritageandidentity.Herbrandand hersummitserveasaffirmationsof Blackbeauty,offeringaspacewhere thecommunitycanfeelseen,heard, andcelebrated.Throughherartistic workandtheCurlsN’ConvoNatural HairSummit,Khadijahisfosteringa culturalmovementcenteredon pride,empowerment,andauthentic self-expression.
ThisOctober,DesignsByDijwillhost thethirdannualCurlsN’Convo NaturalHairSummit,invitingthe communitytocelebratethebeauty ofnaturalhairandBlackidentity. Attendeeswillhavetheopportunity toconnectwithothers,gain inspiration,andleavewithasense ofempowerment.Ticketsforthe event,scheduledforOctober19th, areavailableonherwebsite.
Forthoseinterestedinconnecting withKhadijahorlearningmore aboutDesignsByDij,shecanbe foundonsocialmedia @designsbydijacrossallplatforms. Tostayupdatedonexclusivedeals andcommunityconversations, followtheFacebookgroup“Designs ByDijVIPMelanin&CustomGifts.” Formoreinformationaboutthe brandandthesummit,visit www.designsbydij.com.
