Black Music Month and Beyond

Though Black History Month has come to a close, it is always an ideal time to be reminded of some of our most lauded and diversely talented artists as they indelibly stamp their accomplishments into history's archives including swinging über composer Quincy Jones, power duet Beyoncé and Jay-Z and Blues legend Buddy Guy. The richness of their musical genius is immeasurable. Several other such amazing artists are also highlighted by The Recording Academy® at http://www.grammy365.com/news/black-history-month-musical-enrichment-0.

How copacetic that OK Senate Bill 73 was approved almost unanimously to honor "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" as the official state Gospel song. Put forth by Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre, D-Tulsa, it is now headed for a vote by House Representatives as sponsored by Rep. Jabar Shumate, D-Tulsa.

Wallis Willis, a Choctaw freedman living in Indian Territory, penned and composed the classic spiritual.

Other Oklahoma state songs include:

• Official Song: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma”
• Official Country and Western Song: Bob Wills’ “Faded Love”
• Official Folk Song: Jack and Woody Guthrie’s “Oklahoma Hills”
• Official Rock Song: The Flaming Lips’ “Do You Realize??”

For more info, read Tulsa World.

To hear more amazing music year round, check out TMG Radio.

Voices Of Glory Reacting at Radio: #1!

Congratulations to America's Got Talent finalists and TMG artists Voices Of Glory for moving into the Number 1 DJ favorite artist ranking on Radioactive Airplay and for their recent Number 1 song "You Untie My Wings" at radio!

High Protein Promotions: Gaga’s Grammy Egg

Now that the splendor and splash of the Grammys has passed, how were you inspired? Watching it, I was amazed by the most awesome opening choir ever of Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Martina McBride, Yolanda Adams, Florence Welch; Esperanza Spalding vs. Justin Bieber; Janelle Monae; Bruno Mars and B.o.B.; Rihanna; Cee Lo with Gwyneth and puppets, and so many others.

Congrats again to fellow Grammy contender and TMG artist Addis.

What a night for independent artists! More than 50% of Grammy nominated projects came from independent record labels. You can fully consider that fact by visiting American Association of Independent Music at: http://a2im.org/2011/02/14/indies-reign-at-grammys-taking-home-album-of-the-year-and-best-new-artist-awards-%E2%80%93-total-indie-tally-is-46-grammys. Does that realization dim the sheen of major record label offerings? Not specifically though what it does do is brilliantly illuminate to every independent artist currently working, hustling, pushing, promoting, writing, recuperating, exhausted-yet-still-inspired, to stay focused on your vision and the impeccable execution of your music.

The Grammys triggered much for many. How did it ignite your muse? Were you inspired by the music, the dance, the fashion … that egg? OK, let’s talk about Lady Gaga and her performance birthing capsule. It might not have been understood, but it was a marketing and promotions stunt that still has folks either perplexed and intrigued or dismissive of such performance art. Regardless and better than Humpty Dumpty who perished for his passion, Gaga’s egg cracked open another level of promotion to demand attention. In a room of titans, all heads noticed.

Fret not. Even though that high protein idea is fried, what new ideas do you have to similarly attract media to your music? What press soufflé will you whip up to encourage curiosity about what you do?

Start thinking. Stay creative. Be dynamic. Eggs-actly.