Interview: Anthony David – Singer, Songwriter and Producer

Date of Interview: 04/10/2008

© 2008 Clayton Perry

Legend has it that one day the souls of Bill Withers and Mos Def would intertwine.  On that glorious day, a man by the name of Anthony David would come to Atlanta, Georgia, and “evoke the Energy of music rather than the Style.”  For years, Atlanta natives have clamored over his coming, yet the world turned a deaf ear.

In 2004, evidence of Anthony David’s arrival was discovered: 3 Chords & The Truth, an independent album released by Brash Music.  In 2006, a second sample, The Red Clay Chronicles, was found.  Both, ATLiens say, bear the mark of “Acey Duecy.”

On June 17, 2008, SoulBird Records will distribute Acey Duecy, a collection of his underground recordings.  With A.D.’s name slowly entering the mainstream’s consciousness, the prophesy has been fulfilled.  Enlightened, Clayton Perry managed to track Anthony David down and discuss “Words,” the blues, and his professional relationship with India.Arie.

Interview: Keli Goff – Author and Political Analyst

Date of Interview: 04/10/2008

© 2008 Clayton Perry

In days gone by, politics was a game that only men were allowed to play.  But today, women have gained access to the political arena in every dimension.

One of these women is Keli Goff, who has emerged as one of Washington’s key political commentators and serves as a regular contributor to CNN, FOX News Channel and Bloomberg Radio.  Although her public arrival is several years in the making, it is quite fitting that Goff—a young, Ivy-educated, African-American female—is weathering (and dissecting) a political climate steeped with the rhetoric of change.

On February 25, 2008, Keli Goff published her first book, Party Crashing: How the Hip-Hop Generation Declared Political Independence, under the Basic Civitas imprint.  And in less than 300 pages, Goff manages to introduce America to a new generation of black voters that challenges antiquated notions of racial politics.

Upon review of Party Crashing, Keli Goff managed to squeeze some time out of her busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on race, politics and the ever-evolving news media.

Interview: Tamia – Singer and Songwriter

Date of Interview: 04/10/2008

© 2008 Clayton Perry

Since 1994, Tamia has put moves on the hearts of music lovers across the globe.  And like a fine wine, her musical repertoire has aged well, despite contemporary transitions from traditional R&B fare.

R&B music is fortunate, however, to have Tamia’s presence, because it is rare to find a female singer who is beautiful and sensual, yet poised and elegant, in the current musical landscape.  Rarer still is the consistently positive nature of Tamia’s artistry and professional image: both of which are direct reflections of her spirituality, class and long-term marriage to Grant Hill.  It goes without saying that her work is deserving of widespread critical acclaim.  Nevertheless, she is oft-overlooked, even with four GRAMMY nominations to her credit.

On November 14, 2006, Tamia released Between Friends, an album that highlights the beauty and dynamics of relationships.  As Tamia’s first independent release, Between Friends also christened Plus One Music Group, her very own label.  Enjoying more creative control, Tamia collaborated with Gallo Records and Image Entertainment for international distribution.

Upon review of Between Friends, Tamia managed to squeeze some time out of her busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on motherhood, her battle with MS, and taking the “independent” route.

Interview: Tiffany Evans – Singer and Actress

Date of Interview: 04/09/2008

© 2008 Clayton Perry

Every now and again, America is blessed with a talent so bright that its glimmer is inescapable.  In 2003, this rare phenomenon occurred, when Tiffany Evans was introduced to the world on Star Search, the predecessor to media juggernaut American Idol.  Although Evans was only ten at the time, her performance has stood the test of time against her fellow contemporaries (Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and the late Aaliyah).  She is the only singer in Star Search history to receive a perfect, five-star score on every appearance.

Since being crowned as Star Search’s Junior Division Grand Champion, Tiffany Evans has spent much of her time out of the limelight—honing her skills, earning a diploma and making select appearances on the silver screen.  In early 2008, however, at the age of 15, Evans re-emerged on the R&B scene, with the support of Ciara, her mentor, and “big brother” Bow Wow—showcasing a mature version of her earlier self on hit singles “Promise Ring” and “I’m Grown.”

On April 22, 2008, Tiffany Evans released her major label debut on Columbia Records.  Upon review of her eponymous album, Tiffany Evans managed to squeeze some time out of her busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on Whitney Houston, her Columbia Records experience, and growing up in the spotlight.

Interview: Steve Kleinedler – Supervising Editor of the American Heritage® Dictionary

Date of Interview: 04/09/2008

© 2008 Clayton Perry

Words are the most powerful force on earth.  Words impact the human experience and ignite the human spirit—evoking our inner passions and exciting our audio-visual senses.  They inspire, inform and incite action.  And when used wisely, at the right time and in the right place, the entire world changes.

In spite of the obvious power of words, the field of lexicography is quite small, and few individuals take the time to study such powerful weapons.  One rising star in this field, however, is Steve Kleinedler, who has dedicated his life to linguistics, the study of the nature, structure, and variation of language.  In fact, he has offered his body as a living sacrifice to his work: a phonetic vowel chart has been tattooed on his back.

As the supervising editor of the American Heritage® Dictionary, Steve Kleinedler assisted the development of the best-selling 100 Words series.  Upon review of 100 Words to Make You Sound Great, Steve Kleinedler managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on lexicography, “bootylicious,” and the power of words.

Interview: Dr. Farrah Gray – Author, Philanthropist and Real Estate Entrepreneur

Date of Interview: 04/08/2008

© 2008 Clayton Perry

In America, anything is possible.  (All naysayers should consider the life of Farrah Gray.)

At the age of 14, Farrah Gray became a self-made millionaire, despite being raised in the impoverished South Side of Chicago.  And in less than a decade, his entrepreneurial talents have allowed him to oversee a $30 million asset management company, become a syndicated columnist with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), publish two best-selling books and receive an Honorary Doctorate degree of Humane Letters from Allen University.

At the age of 21, Farrah Gray was named as one of the most influential Black men in America by the National Urban League’s Urban Influence Magazine.  And in March 2008, after a decade of entrepreneurial success, Farrah Gray was featured as a member of “O” – The Oprah Magazine‘s Dream Team of Financial Experts.

If Farrah Gray can succeed, why can’t we?

On December 27, 2007, Farrah Gray published his second book, Get Real, Get Rich: Conquer the 7 Lies Blocking You from Success, under the Dutton imprint.  Upon review of Get Real, Get Rich, Farrah Gray managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on race, “lie-abilities,” and the keys to success.