09/01/17 Lynn Mabry – Vocalist with Talking Heads, Sly Stone, George Michael, Fleetwood Mac

Lynn Mabry, born in a musical family & raised in church, singing was as natural as breathing. In 1975 she audition for Latin artist Coke Escovedo at the suggestion of a friend. To her surprise, she was hired as one of his lead singers and began performing weekends at the historic King Richards Night club in Jack London Square in Oakland CA., and opened for Earth Wind & Fire. The rest is musical history.

A few months later, seeing her professional potential, her cousin Sly Stone (of Sly & The Family Stone) hired her to sing on his solo project “Heard You Missed Me” album, and followed with a promotional tour opening for Parliament Funkadelic and Bootsy Collins. During the tour, George Clinton enlisted Lynn with the other back up singers for many of his production projects. By 1977, she and the other singers were asked to join the band. She toured & recorded with the funk family P-Funl for over 4 years. Through this, Clinton launched and produced her first album as one of the original Brides Of Funkenstein, entitled “Funk or Walk” that topped Billboard’s Top 10 dance charts in 1978.

She became a proud parent of her daughter Akasha born in December of ’79. Although she took a 2-year break from touring, Lynn was being sought after, and eventually returned back to the scene in 1981. Touring internationally with Rita Coolidge, and immediately following, became a member of the Talking Heads (’82 – ’84). Starred in their highly acclaimed hit feature film “Stop Making Sense” and video “Naive Melody”. Went on to appear in other musically driven motion pictures such as “Tape Heads” & “The Night Before”. Also appeared in and co-wrote the opening track for “Chasing Popi”. In 1988 she was hired as featured vocalist for George Michael’s ‘Faith” tour & “Cover to Cover” tour in 1991, and on to other tours with Don Henley, Feetwood Mac, and Stevie Nicks. From ’92 thru’94, performed as featured vocalist on tour with Bette Midler and appeared in Midler’s HBO Special “Diva Las Vegas”. Frequently appearing on many variety & award shows including The Tonight Show, David Letterman, Pat Sajack, Grammy, American Music and Image Awards among many others. 2013 appeared on Jimmy Kimmel, and Ellen backing up Kenny Rogers and The Killers.

Over the years Lynn has also recorded, toured, and or appeared in videos with artist such as Mick Jagger, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Celine Dion, Eric Clapton, Dave Stewart, Sheila E., Ernie Isley, Chris Isaac, Neil Shawn, and many more, including some of the mega A-list Japanese artist like Namie Amuro, Ichiki Yazawa, Ruichi Sakamoto, Minako Yoshida, and Masayoshi Takanaka.

In 1995 retired from touring and ventured into the music business by partnering with world-renowned performing artist & entertainer Sheila E., by becoming Vice President & Executive Director of their newly formed music production company Heaven Productions Music. Shortly after, she began managing Sheila exclusively in 1997 thru 2012. In 2011 launched her new management company White Rose Entertainment & Investment Group and adding to her management roster, songwriter & performer: Havis, Image Producer & Wardrobe Stylist: Roni Burks, and her newest client pop and R&B Artist: Justin Avery. She was featured in the Academy Award winning documentary “20 Feet From Stardom” 2014.

In addition to Lynn’s extensive previous music business involvement, she embraces her passion for children as a philanthropist. She is Co-Founder of the Elevate Hope & Elevate Oakland Foundations, promoting music and arts education for at risk youth in public and private institutions, as well as an alternative form of therapy for children with special needs. Music and the arts continue to be her main focus to assist in making a substantial difference in the world.

At present, she has returned to the stage performing with Sheila E., as well as being a proud grandparent of 2 lovely grandchildren.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynn_Mabry

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Jackie Bertone is a master percussionist who for 30 years has toured and recorded with artists including The Beach Boys, Eagles, Michael McDonald, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Earth, Wind & Fire, Dave Koz, Tower of Power, Jimmy Buffet, Kenny G., Chicago, C&C Music Factory, Willie Nelson, Lorrie Morgan, Colin Raye, Santana, and Kenny Rogers.

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