CallaStyle has been involved in entertainment his entire life. A native of Chicago, he was introduce to music from two legendary artists: His uncle, Marshall Allen (Sun Ra Arkestra), and Gospel singer (multi-Grammy winner), Albertina Walker. He learned flute techniques from his world renown uncle, and has dedicated a song to him entitled: "WALKIN' WITH MARSHALL." "My uncle taught me that discipline is the key in learning and playing an instrument." he says. He move to Los Angeles, CA at a young age -- close to Hollywood. Early on he performed in local talent shows and school productions. He eventually began to coordinate and promote local shows in Jr. and Sr. High Schools. He performed as Master of Ceremonies in some shows, and as a singer in others. He studied music at Los Angeles City College, while receiving a degree in Radio & Television Broadcasting.Later, he attended San Jose State University, where he continued to study music, acting (where he acted in a number of University plays) and performed as a DJ for KSJS Radio. He also produced showcases for students at SJSU, while pursuing his degree in Radio, Television, and Film Production. During his stint as a DJ, he was fortunate enough to interview the great reggae superstar Bob Marley, for his radio show. "He was the greatest person," says CallaStyle. "Reggae music was fairly new in America at that time, but I knew about it and loved it. Bob gave me knowledge about the structure of Reggae, and the key components in maintaining the beat and pulse, and putting the other instruments around it -- circling around the beat."Afterwards, he became part of the street crew for Lewis Grey Productions, which produced concerts for famous R&B acts in the 70's. Those acts included Parliament Funkadelic, Isley Brothers, Earth, Wind and Fire, The Whispers, Rolls Royce and the Commodores. "I learned so much about professional showmanship from being backstage at those shows," says CallaStyle. "It has stayed with me to this day" During this time he also wrote articles for Soul Magazine, where he began to hone his writing skills. Using his communications skills in video production, he produced and directed music videos for local artists, and was Associate Producer for UPFRONT PRODUCTIONS'' cable television show. In addition, he started a video production department for the City of Hawthorne, CA (Hawthorne Community Television) where he produced over a 150 local shows. "This was a period when rap music was exploding," says CallaStyle. "And I met a number of rappers including, MC Hammer, EAZY-E, KRS1, Ice Cube and Ice T. I loved rap music, it was a fresh & exciting genre at that time" he recalls. Afterwards, he became a talent scout and v.p. of media productions for TRUE TALENT ENTERTAINMENT.An avid golfer, he hung around golf courses frequently. "I would come in contact with great artists who played golf," recalls CallaStyle. "I formed a relationship with Smokey Robinson which remains to this day. "At this point, CallaStyle had accomplished most of his goals except for producing his songs that he had been writing throughout the years. Eventually he moved to Northern California where he met Hip Hop producer Preston "The Wizard" Pinkney (PLP PRODUCTIONS). CallaStyle had met the perfect producer for his music venture. "It was right on time," reflects CallaStyle. " I met a fresh young producer who had a cutting-edge sound, and was looking for an artist with experience. It became a great learning experience for both of us musically. This collaboration produced CallaStyle's debut cd: "KEEP MOVING STRONG" a combination of Hip Hop beats, Reggae, Neo-Soul, and Be-Bop flute instrumentals.He released the cd under the name CALLA-CALLA. Songs from the cd have been played on college radio stations, as well as stations in Africa, Europe and France. "It was a great feeling hearing my song, "LUV @ DA KLUB" being played at an after party for the Cannes Film Festival," he says. "A blissful kind - of - feeling." One of the songs that he's most proud of is "PROPS 2 HIP HOP", a song that gives recognition to some of his favorite rappers. "I think there's something on the cd for everybody," he notes. "In this age of downloading, and customized play lists, I'm sure one of my songs will fit in on listeners play lists."In 2007, he produced "CELEBRATE KWANZAA," a song his peers regard as the official Kwanzaa celebration song. He's currently working on his sophomore project, which he says will be more pure. "I just want people to hear my music, enjoy it, and become my fans;something every artist desires.".. real editor best profile tools real editor best profile tools
How I made my profile:
I used Dave & Jay's amazing myspace profile editor .
Grab The Code!Click anywhere in the box and hit ctrl-c to copy. Then paste the code into your about me section.
