VHC (Vibes, History & Culture)

In this episode, we’re continuing our month long celebration of Black Music Month! And this episode, we’re chatting with Dennis Reed Jr. a local Charlotte, NC pianist and founder of Inspire the Fire INC and the Sainted Trap Choir! Dennis is sharing his musical journey that led to founding these amazing choirs that led to performing on some of the world’s biggest stages as well as the music and artists that inspire him and the work he is doing creatively to help give back to his community and so much more!   Song Credits: “Purple Rain” by Prince & The Revolution ℗ 1984 NPG Records Inc. DISCLAIMER: No copyright infringement intended. This song is not my own, instead it belongs to the respective owner(s). NOTICE: "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."

We’re kicking off a summer long episode run of VHC as well as the month long celebration of Black Music Month! And in this episode, we’re chatting with Elizabeth McCorvey a multi-instrumentalist, fiddler musician and singer. And we’re chatting about her awesome musical journey and musical influences as well as the importance of celebrating the presences and musical traditions of Black Americana and Folk artists and so much more!

In this episode, we’re CELEBRATING THE 3RD ANNIVERSARY OF THE PODCAST! And to celebrate the occasion, I’m chatting with fellow podcast host, Cody Tinsley, co-host of the show EarWax! Cody is sharing his experience as a former radio store clerk and his love for all things musical history and so much more!

In this episode, I had a great conversation with CR, an Indian composer and producer blends a great mixture of traditional Indian music with techno pop and so much more! CR is sharing with us his musical journey and some great gems about the rich history of Indian music and more.   Song Credits: “Steel Heart Instrumental (VS Pop)” by CR Srikanth ℗ 2025 VS Pop Records LLP “Neon Bharat Instrumental (VS Pop)” by CR Srikanth ℗ 2025 VS Pop Records LLP “Broken Rhapsody Instrumental Ballad (VS Pop)” by CR Srikanth ℗ 2025 VS Pop Records LLP DISCLAIMER: No copyright infringement intended. This song is not my own, instead it belongs to the respective owner(s). NOTICE: "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."

In this episode, I’m chatting with Peter Pepper, singer, songwriter and musician of Alternative/Punk music and he is sharing about his musical journey and how that led to him helping other artists with his platforms Adventure Punk and so much more.

In this episode, I’m chatting with Paul Whitten, an Army Veteran, History Nerd and the Founder of Nashville Adventures and he is sharing with us his love for history, especially Music City’s rich and diverse musical history, legacy and so much more.

In this episode, we’re taking a deep dive into the rich history and legacy of the Apollo Theater which originally begin in 1914 as a burlesque venue that was white-only. But 20 years later, the theater would transform into African-American Entertainment cultural hub and staple that we know it today. We’re also paying a special tribute to “Showtime at the Apollo” co-host, Kiki Shepard.   Song Credits: “Showtime At the Apollo (Theme Song)” ℗ 1987 DISCLAIMER: No copyright infringement intended. This song is not my own, instead it belongs to the respective owner(s). NOTICE: "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."

In this episode, I’m chatting with musician, singer/songwriter based in Nashville, Lee Isaacs. And Lee is a storyteller at heart who is sharing his musical journey as well as his love for diving deep into the storytelling of classic albums and so much more.    Song Credits: “Born Outta This Time” by Lee Isaacs ℗ Lyrradical 2024 “Burning the Candle” by Lee Isaacs ℗ 2025 DISCLAIMER: No copyright infringement intended. These songs are not my own, instead it belongs to the respective owner(s). NOTICE: "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."

In this episode, I’m chatting with UK songwriter and publisher, Greig Watts about his journey as a songwriter and his work in helping other songwriters and producers with their own work. We also had a conversations about songwriters and creators in music navigating the industry today.

In this episode, as the month of March wraps up were celebrating Women’s History Month! And celebrating the commemoration of Women in music with a deep dive into the transformation into the group, LaBelle from the doo-wop girl group to the glam rock soul and futurism sound and style that would provide a blueprint for other female groups and so much more.   Song Credits: “Never Walk Alone” by Patti LaBelle & The Blue Belles “Lady Marmalade (Instrumental)” by LaBelle ℗ 1974 SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT “No Scrubs (Instrumental)” by TLC ℗ 1999 LaFace Records LLC “Lady Marmalade” by Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mýa, Pink & Missy Elliot ℗ 2001 Interscope Records “What Can I Do For You?” by LaBelle ℗ 1974 SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT DISCLAIMER: No copyright infringement intended. These songs are not my own, instead it belongs to the respective owner(s). NOTICE: "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."

In this episode, I’m chatting with retired pianist, composer and author, Kurt Ellenberger as we discuss his musical journey and how that lead to him writing about the interconnection between not just classical music, but other genres when it comes to math and so much more.

In this episode and just in time for the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, I’m chatting with Irish fiddle musician Tara Connaghan and we’re discussing her musical journey and about her work with sharing knowledge and experience with session etiquette and so much more.   Song Credits: “Máire Mhaitiú, slow air” by Tara Connaghan “The Kesh Jig/The Monaghan/Morrison's Jig (Medley)” by Craig Duncan ℗ 2009 Green Hill Productions DISCLAIMER: No copyright infringement intended. These songs are not my own, instead it belongs to the respective owner(s) NOTICE: "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."

In this episode, we are taking the journey into the music and musical culture of Puerto Rico. And this journey is inspired by none other than Bad Bunny, after his incredible Super Bowl Halftime show who is also the biggest music superstar in the world right now and he is credited for changing the game for Latin music and Latin Hip-Hop music. We’re exploring how Puerto Rico influenced Bad Bunny's music. We're also looking into how the rich history of the diverse cultures of Puerto Rico has created the music and musical culture there.   Song Credits: “DtMF” by Bad Bunny ℗ 2024 Rimas Entertainment LLC. “NUEVAYoL” by Bad Bunny ℗ 2024 Rimas Entertainment LLC.   DISCLAIMER: No copyright infringement intended. These songs are not my own, instead it belongs to the respective owner(s). NOTICE: "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."

It’s a very special episode of VHC!!! We are celebrating the 100TH Episode! We’re not only celebrating the show and all of that the show has been and will continue to be in enlightening and inspiring stories and histories of music and musical culture. Also on this the special milestone, we’re concluding our celebration of Black History Month as a tie in to the 100TH Anniversary of BHM with reflecting over the 100 years of Black Musical History that we’ve covered on the podcast.   Song Credit: “Exhale (Shoop, Shoop) Instrumental” by Whitney Houston ℗ 1995 Arista Records LLC Audio News Credit: KCAU-TV Sioux City Channel 9 ABC “Honoring Black History In Music” – Feb 15, 2023 DISCLAIMER: No copyright infringement intended. This song and news audio are not my own, instead it belongs to the respective owner(s). NOTICE: "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."

In this episode, in the continuation of the celebration of Black History Month, I’m speaking with the first guest of season four, Clipper Erickson, pianist and composer. Erickson is sharing his passion of sharing stories and preserving the music of classical music greats like Nathaniel Dett, Florence Price and others.   Song Credits: “In the Bottoms: IV. Dance” by Clipper Erickson ℗ 2015 Navona “Cinnamon Grove: III. Ritmo moderato e con sentimento” by Clipper Erickson ℗ 2015 Navona “Piano Sonata in E Minor: I. Andante - Allegro” by Clipper Erickson ℗ 2026 Navona DISCLAIMER: No copyright infringement intended. These songs are not my own, instead it belongs to the respective owner(s). NOTICE: "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."

In this episode, in the continuation of our celebration of Black History Month, we’re paying homage to the late/great Richard Smallwood, a gospel music legend whose music has had much impact not just on Gospel music but the world. We’re exploring Smallwood’s incredible compositions and its influence in Black Church musical traditions and Gospel music as well as his early beginnings as a musical prodigy and so much more.   Song Credits: “At The Table” by Richard Smallwood & Vision ℗ 1999 Zomba Recording LLC “Trust Me” by Richard Smallwood & Vision ℗ 2011 Verity Gospel Music Group, a unit of Sony Music Entertainment “Calvary” by Richard Smallwood & Vision ℗ 2001 Zomba Recording LLC “Healing” by Richard Smallwood & Vision ℗ 1999 Zomba Recording LLC “I Love The Lord” by Whitney Houston & The Georgia Mass Choir ℗ 1996 Arista Records LLC “Total Praise (Live)” by Richard Smallwood & Vision ℗ 1996 Zomba Recording LLC     DISCLAIMER: No copyright infringement intended. The songs used is not my own, instead it belongs to the respective owner(s).   NOTICE: "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."

In this Season Four Premiere of VHC, we are kicking off Black History Month 2026 by exploring the richness of the artistry, creativity and music of Neo Soul from its roots in 1970s jazz, funk, R&B and soul to some of the early pioneers of the genre from Maxwell to Erykah Badu to Angie Stone to Jill Scott and of course the late/great D’Angelo who we are paying homage to as well.   Song Credits: “It Never Rains (In Southern California)” by Tony! Toni! Toné! ℗ 1990 UMG Recordings, Inc. “Tennessee” by Arrested Development ℗ 1992 Capitol Records, LLC  “Nothing Even Matters” by Lauryn Hill (feat. D’Angelo) ℗1998 Ruffhouse Records LP  “Cruisin” by D’Angelo ℗ 1994 Virgin Records “Send It On” by D’Angelo ℗ 2000 Virgin Records “I Found My Smile Again” by D’Angelo ℗ 1996 Atlantic Recording Corporation for the United States and WEA International Inc. for the world outside of the United States and Canada. “On and On” by Erykah Badu ℗ 1997 UMG Recordings, Inc. “Window Seat (Instrumental)” by Erykah Badu ℗ 2010 Universal Motown Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc. “Gettin’ In The Way” by Jill Scott ℗ 2000 Hidden Beach Records “Killing Me Softly With His Song” by The Fugees ℗ 1996 Columbia Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment DISCLAIMER: No copyright infringement intended. This video is not my own, instead it belongs to the respective owner(s). NOTICE: "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."

In this Season Three Finale of VHC, we’re going to be doing a “Vibe Check” of the podcast this season. Including getting a bit real and getting some things off my chest, especially about the podcast no longer being with Spotify and some informative context behind that story. Also, we’ll discuss the truly amazing things we explored, shared and discussed during this season!

In this episode, as we come closer towards the Season Finale of Season Three of “VHC (Vibes, History & Culture)” we’re chatting with Mikki Thee Boddie, who was a guest on the show early in Season One of the show. And she is back to chat with me about all things music in the year of 2025 including conversations about Beyoncé’s historic Grammy wins, the Rap beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, Brandy & Monica’s “The Boy is Mine” tour and so much more!   SONG CREDITS: “The Boy is Mine (Instrumental)” performed by Brandy & Monica ℗ 1998 Atlantic Recording Corporation DISCLAIMER: No copyright infringement intended. This video is not my own, instead it belongs to the respective owner(s). NOTICE: "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the life and legacy of musician Buddy Bolden. And to share in the conversation, I’m speaking with author, Norman Woolworth who wrote the fictional mystery novel, “The Bolden Cylinder” which includes the story of Bolden and so much more.

In this episode, I got a chance to chat with two amazing artists, Rob Murat who appeared on the show during Season One and Maya Elizabeth. And they are sharing with us about their awesome duet, “All I Can Say” and sharing how coming together to craft the song all came together, as well as the process for Grammy Nomination as well as their musical inspirations and so much more. SONG CREDITS: “Stare At Me” performed by JANE HANDCOCK & Anderson .Paak ℗ 2025 Death Row Records/gamma. “All I Can Say” performed by Rob Murat & Maya Elizabeth ℗ 2025 TWELVE 18 Media, Inc.   DISCLAIMER: No copyright infringement intended. This video is not my own, instead it belongs to the respective owner(s). NOTICE: "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."

In this episode, we’re giving the well-deserved flowers to a NC legend and trailblazer, Hattie Leeper also known as “Chatty Hatty”!!! We’re exploring her incredible career as the first African-American woman Radio DJ in NC and as well as all of her great accomplishments and more. Song Credit: “I Can't Hide It” performed by The Appreciations ℗ 2013 Charly Acquisitions Limited “Love Have Mercy” performed by Mike Williams ℗ 2021 Warner Music Group - X5 Music Group

In this episode, I had the chance to chat with ZeXzy, an Nigerian artist who recently moved to the U.S. and he is sharing his story about his amazing musical journey. A story that includes battling adversity in becoming an artist as well as some of his latest music which is a fusion of multiple styles and genres from hip-hop to pop to R&B to jazz to Afrobeat to country and so much more.   Song Credit: “Every Sound” performed by ZeXzy ℗ 2025 Maple Grove Entertainment  

In this episode, I had the chance to chat with Robert Cardillo aka B-CIDE, a rapper, author and entrepreneur who is sharing about his amazing musical journey that includes struggle and perseverance. He is sharing his story about his fight against multiple sclerosis along some great gems about his mission to encourage others to pursue their own dreams in spite of their struggles.

In this episode, we’re getting a glimpse of the Confluence Music Fest 2025 event in Charlotte, NC and I’m chatting with Rick Thurmond about the upcoming performances from local artists. Also, we discussed the opportunities for local North and South Carolinian artists who are coming to connect and network as well as the big names coming for the panel discussions and a whole lot more.

In this episode, I’m chatting with singer-songwriter and musician Johnny J. Blair who shares his amazing musical journey including sharing the stage with music greats like Davy Jones as well as stories of The Beach Boys legend, Brian Wilson. Also, he shares stories of how faith plays a role in his music and so much more.

In this episode, we’re exploring the legacies and artistry as well as paying homage to three incredible women in music history, Dorothy Love Coates, Sylvia Moy and Andrea Martin. We’re exploring these iconic songwriters and how the songs they wrote helped shape music and culture.   SONG CREDITS: “You Can’t Hurry God” by The Gospel Harmonettes ℗ 2013 Master Classics Records “You Can’t Hurry Love” by The Supremes ℗ 1966 UMG Recordings, Inc. “Uptight” by Stevie Wonder (Instrumental) ℗ 1965 UMG Recordings, Inc. "It Takes Two" by Marvin Gaye & Kim Weston (Instrumental) ℗ 1966 UMG Recordings, Inc. “Don’t Let Go (Love)” by En Vogue (Instrumental) ℗ 1996 Elektra Entertainment Group, a division of Warner Communications Inc. for the United States and WEA International Inc. for the world outside of the United States.   DISCLAIMER: No copyright infringement intended. This video is not my own, instead it belongs to the respective owner(s). NOTICE: "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."

In this episode, I’m chatting with Steven Morgan, a British comedian, improviser, musician & writer from The Netherlands. Steven shares his journey from being in a musician to the comedic and improv stage and how he has used all of those experiences to share his art with audiences and the world.

In this episode, I’m chatting with playwright and TV writer Billy Aronson who helped originated the idea for the iconic rock musical, “RENT” as well as other amazing credits! Billy shares his journey as a writer and creative who struggled to get his work out there but continued forward due to his passion for writing, creativity and humor. He also shares the origin story behind the musical RENT!

In this episode, we are continuing the conversation with Part Two of our exploration and celebration of Gospel Music! We’re exploring the genre’s rich influence and connection with multiple genres of music from Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, R&B and more! And we are having the conversation with two other guests, the host of the syndicated radio show, "The Rhythm Revival", Billy Wirtz and the Pastor of the Boyd Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Lake Wylie, SC, Dr. Charlene Robbins!  

In this episode, it’s a two-part episode! In Part 1, we’re exploring the genre of Gospel Music! And we’re not just diving into the genre’s rich history and legacy, but we’re also going hear from a few local Carolina perspectives from WFGN-AM 1180’s Clarence Quarles and a member of the Keys of Harmony out of Shelby, Dee Hunt as we discuss Gospel music’s importance in faith and the music world!   SONG CREDITS: “This Day” performed by Whitney Houston (originally by Edwin Hawkins ℗ 1984 Birthright Records) AUDIO CREDITS: “The Story of Gospel Music” ℗ 1997 film by Andy Dunn & James Marsh   DISCLAIMER: No copyright infringement intended. This video is not my own, instead it belongs to the respective owner(s). NOTICE: "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."

In this episode, I got a chance to chat with artist, musician, producer and classically trained Sasha Mereu who is also the co-founder of FairVu, a digital platform that helps give space for artist with revenue and concert opportunities. Sasha shares how FairVu is helping artists found space and ownership of their performances, along with his own musical journey and so much more! 

In this first episode of VHC on Podbean, we have another great guest, producer Darryl Stephens who is the co-founder of Bass Parlour, a music app that gives a platform to connect, create, collaborate and build income as well. Darryl shares details on this great musical platform as well as his musical journey and more.