About Me
Like most well known artists A.M. (Stephen Rutland) started his singing career in the church with the encouragement of his family and his minister of music, the late Reverend Donald Vails (Ebenezer A.M.E. in Fort Washington, MD). Soon A.M. began growing as a singer and songwriter. Born September 10th, (Virgo) to Vivian and Elbie Rutland Jr., in the small town of Beckley, West Virginia, this military brat was inspired and influenced by singers like Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Karen Clark- Sheards, Faith Evans, Joe, Brian McKnight and Michael Jackson. I enjoy these artist, because their songs give meaning, understanding, and hope, explains A.M. All are important attributes A.M. hopes to bring out in his own singing and songwriting. His talent really began to develop while he attended North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham, North Carolina. He played trumpet for the NCCU - Marching Sound Machine, a brother of the band Fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi (KKPsi) and sung with the university gospel choir. A.M. also participated in the NCCU Jazz Vocal Ensemble. Where he received Best New College Jazz Vocalist (Down Beat Magazine, 1994). He was featured on the NCCU Jazz Ensemble CD of 1994. Eventually he stepped from behind the horn and moved in front of the mic. In 1993 he began a quartet style sing group called LeJice http://www.myspace.com/lejicegroup (formerly known as Forte). A local independent label, Grand National Productions, helped the group successfully complete their debut album titled No Regrets. The label also helped them release their first single and video for Is the Situation Right. LeJice opened and even headlined many local and national events. The group opened up for such major stars as Notorious B.I.G., K-Ci and Jo-Jo, Aaron Hall, Christopher Williams, Faith Evans, Music Soul Child, Joe, Keith Sweat, Azyet, Case, Craig Mack, Luke, Eryka Badu, Christion, Brownstone, and many others. The group lasted 8 years until time took its toll, and they all went their separate ways.A.M. participated in President Clintons inauguration into the white house by singing with his church choir, and a small vocal ensemble. The gospel groups provided back up for songstress Anita Baker, gospel great John P. Kee, and the everlasting Aretha Franklin. Currently, A.M. is working on his first solo project at Sound Scripture Studio (owner/engineer James Lee). This project will consist of works written, produced and arranged by A.M. It will also contain music from some of the local up and coming producers in North Carolina such as Quinton Boyd (a.k.a. Q-Dot) of Killahbanger Productions, Everett Pearson, Ray Watkins (a.k.a. Music-man), and from Atlanta, Ga., Craig Merritt (a.k.a. Craig Boogie) of Day After Productions. A.M.s first solo album will also feature a host of local North Carolina rappers the likes of which are Flamboyant, Ty-tan, Q-Dot, Rah-Rah, Mike Majestic and D.R.C.- Sheik of 21st Records.First and foremost I just want to write good songs. Hopefully Ill write songs that will touch others, just as songs of the past have touched me says A.M. He continues, Over the years Ive been listening to the direction of R&B/ Hip-Hop Music. Women are becoming more and more assertive in their songs, but still ask the question, Why? While men hype up the roll of being a gun holding, drug dealing thug or a skilled womanizing player. For this project I felt it was time to tell another side of the story. We always hear about how guys cheat on, lie to, and neglect women. Leaving them asking, Why is it so hard to find a good man? This project will put the question to women, Is it a good man you really want? ..
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