I grew up in a small town that was 10 minutes outside of Manhattan and 20 minutes outside of Harlem. There was a decided “uptown influence in the air.” It was a haven, no a mecca for black creative types. Stars from the soul era, jazz men, actors, and models all called it home. Top shelf producers, key record executives and hip hop stars were either from there, or moved there. I grew up and made a home “inside” this exciting area of life. I was both a participant in, and witness to, history making events. I have come to refer to this town as, Soul City. It has shaped me for life.
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I Love This!!!! Congratulations on such an insightful piece of work. I’m proud of this and you, Gary. This works on so many levels and I really hope you’ll pull off your documentary soon.
I hope you stay in touch. My home number is (404) 231-5765; my cell is (404) 273-4345; and my office is (404) 355-2755. Much Love, V.
Thank you so much Vernon. It’s humbling to receive such praise from a true legend. I’ll be reaching out soon.
insideplaya
Wow- Vernon’s put all his numbers out there…. I remember trying to get his card back in the day:-)
Congrats Gary- digging the vibe of this.. Love the concept too…
Let me in!
Fiona B
The Bloom Effect
The Bloom Blog
Vernon and I go back together like crash test dummies. Your fingerprints at the scene might be a little hotter. Since I know that you never sleep, thanks for taking a little valuable time from The Bloom Effect.
insideplaya
Gary you and I go way way back. We been down like 4 flat tires. Many mornings in our adult life at the Port of Authority catching the first bus in the morning back to Jersey after hanging all night at any club in NYC. Boy how we have evolved. I think you are truly one of my oldest & coolest friends in cyberspace. I am glad to reconnect with you and after reading that brilliant piece of work by the man of music & mystery, I see you have truly evolved into a prolific writer with some real shit to say. Don’t stop doing what you do “insideplaya”!
Peace & Blessings
Big Ran Truesdale
Gary,
Since the 70′s in college, I always knew you had some special skills… Over the years you have done a lot of things but none better than this! Focus your roll and turn this into the larger lens that needs to be shared.
Everyone needs to hear the real deal, Gary let the light shine bright my brother. Keep doing the work and don’t be afraid to push.
Classic.
Paul Porter
Thank you Paul. You were one of my key supporters, as a PD at WRBB. By giving me my first important exposure and a quiet guiding hand, you helped make it possible for me to have training that I was able to put to good use. In the coming months, I’ll be putting some of that radio experience to work again. Keep it right here for updates.
insideplaya
Hey Gary, you are really writing some good stuff,
keep keepin it. WJW
My Man.
Gary,
Dang man you have been on the “GRIND” since NU @ WRBB, and hum… I do remember when 30+ years of you doing your thing maybe one of the first to ever work @ DEF JAM. Growing up in the music Industry you made connects with some of my family & great friends, keep doing your thing my brother.
Pam
Pam, you aren’t supposed to tell people how far we go back.
As always, your support is greatly appreciated. I’m happy to know that you found time (in between cuts) to stop by. xo GH
Was just surfing G and came upon a few words about the greatest talent I ever had the privledge of gracing the court with or observing. Also was the home I had two leave due to the death of both of my parents at 16. Yes, Poodle was all that and more. No grouping of adjectives although well placed, selected written could encapsulate his game. The sad part is what the masses never got to see. Growing up in The “wood” and developing my game…a 5’8″ guard amoung a plethera of 5’8″ guards. I had a front row seat for a guy who’s package had me spectating on a couple of occasions while I should have been making myself useful…but there were three other guys on the court doing the same thing…watching “Poodle”. And I was watching that day (on T.V.) When he shocked Kareem and the basketball world a bit back in 1981 when he helped the Rockets beat the Lakers.” The Son of Flubber” as Brent Musberger referred to him sent Kareem’s sky hook back in the opposite direction Kareem intended for it to go and then to add insult to injury Poodle did that little thing where he turned his head in the opposite direction while rejecting the shot. (Emphatic body language from the street) Then he did it two more times. No one else did it once. Imagine Kareem’s suprise. (Possible the big “E” back in the Astrodome blocked it once now that I think about it.) The amazing fact was the basketball world never seemed to realize they were observing a guard. Did not compute. This 5’8″ white guard from Soul City while watching Poodle lead us to the State Championship in ’75 knew that I watching a 6’8″ guard. But that jumping out of the gym thing did’nt help his backcourt case. Musta confused Del Harris, Cotton Fitzsimmons Hubie Brown and a few other basketball minds. If they truly knew basketball however,then they knew Poodle belonged on the perimeter and bringing it up. I have some anecdotal stuff about William Wesley Willoughby and some Soul City Stuff…..feel free to call 484-574-2273. Great concept Gary. Dennis Daniel Daly Cl of ’73 DMHS (left in 72)
No question that Poodle’s talent could not be easily captured by my limited powers of description. He fell under the category of, “you gotta see it to believe it.” Although it became common for high school talent to go pro, in a pre LeBron, Kobe era, Bill Willoughby brought the basketball world to him. He was groundbreaking.
Thanks for stopping by Triple D. It’s always good to hear from a fellow Soul Citizen.
Gary,
Well… This brings back memories. Keep the flow, my brother!
Send me an email address when you can.
Tone
Sugarwood;
You definitely know the time! Always good to hear from a true, true playa.
Gary,
Great stuff… Very Schaap like.. Glad I came across this…
Phil
Hey Gary! How nice, as expected from such a seasoned executive. This is truly the explanation of some of the things that have shaped your vision and insight which has inspired many from the executive to the consumer!
Still my big couzo mentor guy!Truly wishing you all blessings!
Your girl
Kymberlee Thornton
“Pump It”
It’s been way too long Kym. As always, it’s a blessing to hear from you. Thanks for the compliments and your continued support, Fam. Mad shout to Shemello.
hey man,
to anyone who knows you the quality an insight found here will be no surprise but a mere reflection of the continuation of your calling: smelling the good s#@* and shinning a light on it for others to enjoy.
what a refreshing respite from the usual fare.
keep up the good work keeping your purpose alive.
all the best, steve
Thanks for taking time away from your activities at Hidden Beach to drop by and leave a word of encouragement for an old friend.
Gary, you make me proud to know you. Outstanding work. When you are ready to write the book, let me know. I will give you the family discount on editing.
Your little sister,
Val
Thanks for dropping by Val.
This is real!! This is what I am talking about!!! Only the best. You did the D_ _ _ thing…!!!! I am so proud…
Be Blessed Love ya!
I hope you recognize my humble description of the first time you pointed “Poodle” out to me. i hope it did justice to a moment that I’ll never forget.
WOW!!!!!!!!… I’m usually never @ a loss for words, although words are my favorite pastime & passion….but this is utterly & outrageously ridiculous! I’m bursting @ the seams with sheer delight, & more energy than the mechanical bunny that Eveready hired years ago to sell their batteries, & I haven’t even gotten through the whole blog yet!!! I’m not surprised because it’s you, & also, because I know you like I do, but this is crazy man. This looks like a Prime Time slot on Sunday nite around 8pm on BET or, its elder brother & contemporary counterpart “M”- if they could catch the vibe & the flow of what you have created & accomplished here. I know it’s been a long long time for us, & you’ve crossed my mind quite often over the years to be sure, but what a wonderful way to reconnect, & find you totally immersed in a sea of such creativity & nostalgia- that I can not only vividly relate to as I read, but can obviously recall in the Rolodex of my mind & many memories- that you & I spent incalculable moments, doing them together on many a day, afternoon & night…..& quite a few late nites as well remember?!? This is really wonderful man, & I’m really proud of you. I can sense something in my spirit that’s telling me that this is the Genesis of something that hasn’t been done before, & not easily duplicated afterwards. This is the epitome of rare & unique vision, & insightful experience, along with a touch of personal genius & God given grace, which has always been deeply imbedded down in the inner corridors & chambers of your soul- so no surprise here. I know I may have told you this before, but I’ll say it again for the record: When I consider my life, (especially the musical part of it) but even overall- the impact “you” had on it, still reverberates to this very day. Why??? Because you always believed in me….& that was always enough….for me.
I see this happening in a Big Big way.
I’ll be in touch….
Love ya man…
Your Brother,
Phil
P.S. What happened to my return phone call on your B-DAY???
Philip
I definitely owe you a call. It’s been a lil backed up around here. Will put you up when we next speak. Rest assured when I look back on my formative experiences in Soul City, your name is always one to reflect upon with appreciation. I will never forget the records we played, discussed, dissected and felt between you, Wayne E. and Reggie Griffin. The progressive funk, fusion, r & b and early hip hop that we were immersed in. I’ll never forget your nose for the edgy and new developing hip hop scene. How you frequented The Fever, turned me on to The Roxy, and dropped your own jawn “Heuvo Dancing” that did work. Of course most of this was going down after we’d engaged in pitched battle on one of the local basketball courts in the area. Plus your mom’s stuffed cabbage was off the meter. I’m happy that we’ve reconnected, and that you’ve found something of value in my humble attempt at blogging. Thank you. It won’t be long ’til the next time we speak.
Keep It Hot
insideplaya
I saw Willoughby play a little with the Hawks, and you DEFINITELY wanted to get there early to see him warm up.
If he had gone to a major college where he could have gotten used to playing facing the basket, he would have been something. He had outstanding forward skills…just never got the chance to really develop them. He was such a phenomenal jumper, they’d use him as a center substitute half the time.
He was used to facing the basket. In the park, and in high school he would regularly bring it coast to coast, and he was an extremely deep threat too. Thanks for dropping by David.
insideplaya
Gary, you’ve got a true gift for words, images, music and the insight to make them all work together, flawlessly!!! You not only know HOW to do it, but WHY it should be done. Keep doin’ watcha doin’.
Peace & Blessings,
KP
Kevin,
Thank you buddy! I’m just a product of the same era and influences that made you so funky.
insideplaya
i’ve always liked what you know. good for you all blogging and stuff!
Sheila,
I always manage to run into you in the most interesting places. Thx for dropping by.
insideplaya
This is the most insightful piece on Mr. Magic that I’ve seen this week; thank you! Such a deft combination of history, personality, and just plain coolness. I love the voice I hear in your blog, Gary. It’s clearly your time, my dear brother.
Love and kisses,
Carmen
Carmen,
As a key playa in this period, and an old and dear friend, I have the highest regard for your perspective. During your tenure as the president of Def Jam, hip hop grew up so much, and much of that can be attributed to your steady hand driving the most important vehicle and brand that the culture has produced to date. This month coincides with the 25th anniversary of the first record released by the label. I’m glad that Mr. Magic was able to live long enough to see the fruits of his labor realized in such a strong way.
xo
nsideplaya
I think you just gave me my marketing quote, bro! You sure know how to say it
Gary,
This is phenomenal. Your capturing of history, insights and observations are incredible. You’ve always been one of the playas I’ve most admired.
O.T.,
Thanks for checking in.
insideplaya
Gary, I am blown away…..Great Props!
Angela
Thanx and thanx.
insideplaya
I really enjoyed reading through your wealth of history and knowledge.
Thanx.
insideplaya
I just wanted to let you know i’m glad to see that you have continued to stay in the game ! we go back over over 30 + years my brother from the days of WRBB WILD, not to mention the club scence and a list of aquaintences to boot Paul Porter Harold Austin ,Greg Almedia Carliga Gans ,and the rest of the Soul’s Place Line up and it didn’t end thier. We cross paths again when I moved down 2 manhattan then across the bridge to leonia u down the street in inglewood you were with andre @ Uptown Me with Fonda Rae w/Patrick Adams & Greg Carmichael we both did good. Then you showed up at Polygram in a A&R position influence can be a powerful thing !!! so i’m glad we shared those times and we are still here doing what we love most. I have a few projects in the works and you know who i’m going 2 call to get that Launch to Orbit i’m glad your in the publishing/media end so let’s keep intouch i’ve been very busy but have sometime will send contact info God Bless Sincery,Tony Hollis
Tony
Great to hear from you my brother! I remember you taking me on my first commercial radio station visit, and introducing me to the legendary Sonny Joe White when he was programming WILD-AM in Boston. I wasn’t quite sure what I was going to do at the time, but you and our old friend, Greg Almieda embraced me, and were both instrumental in introducing me to the Boston record, and radio communities. I am forever grateful.
Keep It Hot
insideplaya
Hey Gary. Quite a cast of admirers you’ve got here. Thanks for welcoming me to the fold (again).
A big hug!
Kimi
Kim,
I am so happy to be back in touch.
insideplaya
This was great …I loved the sarcasm encased truth and was filled with joy about the prospect of real talent being given a chance. I watched the world of music that I loved erode and I use to think that it would be alright that the gifted ones were hiding until it was safe to come out….I hope this is the beginning….Andre has the gift to recognize real talent…I’m gonna put out an old school prayer that this is the time that will see him take his place in line with the Gordy’s, Ertugen’s and the Davis’ where he belongs as a home/refuge for extraordinary talent.
I too trust that you will be extending your work and making a documentary ….so that the history of these times is written from an honest perspective.
This article made my day….Thanks
Carolyn-
Always good to hear from a pro!
insideplaya
Gary, first thanks for the invitation to share some of your most intuitive and informed observations, in an area that you both understand and lived. This will take me more than just one sitting to read to truly enjoy. So while I stand here in the lobby, looking over the directory of information and will plan my reading of your thoughts and your guest collaborators, with great enthusiasm.
Peace
zack
Zack
Thanks for accepting the invite, and for dropping by. We hope to keep it interesting for you.
insideplaya
I absolutely LOVE this site Gary!!!! The perfect person to tell these stories and share history! A true Music Lover!!! You write beautifully, I can feel the Soul!!! Kudos!
Mo-
Thanks for the love my Sexy Southern Soul Sister..
insideplaya
Congrats “record man.” As was always the case, looks like I could learn a lot from you.
Best,
Monte Croft
Monte-
Just keep following your passion. You already know that. Thanks for stopping by, old friend. It’s great to have reconnected!
insideplaya
Amazing writing….In life we find friends, acquaintances, foes and such. In “the Game” we find ballers, players and playettes. I being one of the true playettes, find that in my Sr., it is not how you play the game but who really mattered during the process. You made a difference than and now. The INSIDEPLAYA now and always with me.
Respect and LOVE GREGE
G-
You made quite a difference yourself, and you continue to.
insideplaya
Gary;
Great post & site — look forward to seeing what’s next. Have a great year…
Thanks John.
insideplaya
These are some interesting stories you tell…Im quite fascinated with the inner goings on of music and the artist/record label relationships, in particular R&B singers from the 50′s and 60′s. Keep up the good work and make sure it’s interesting!
Thanks for dropping by with a word of encouragement.
insideplaya
Love the vibe
Thanks.
insideplaya
I love your writing style which made every detail seem like yesterday; thanks for the memories and thanks for sharing. Best of success on all your endeavors. Where is Heidi?
Rose-
You were a first hand witness to much of the events that I’ve attempted to detail in this blog. Thank you for your kind compliment. Our girl Heidi has a digital profile that she used infrequently.
insideplaya
Gary…
I’m a filmmaker in NYC, and I’m trying to put together a documentary on D’Angelo and his comeback. I’m an enormous fan of his and am so excited that he’s back to making music after all of these years. I was hoping you could point me in the right direction of someone I could speak with on his current mgmt team. Thanks.
What’s your phone number?
908.342.3513