VHC (Vibes, History & Culture)

In this episode, on this special July 4th edition, a perfect story in the conversation about the “American Dream” and what that really means. I had a chance to chat with, Sumi X who is a pop artist on the rise and who has amazing musical journey that includes how she became inspired by her Indian immigrant parents hard work ethic which led to her achieving her dreams in music!   Song Credits: “Thi...

In this episode, we conclude our month long celebration of Black Music Month and the commemoration of Pride Month!  We’re exploring the history and legacy of Voguing and the Ballroom Culture including music pioneers who helped influence the ballroom scene like Sylvester, the complex history Madonna’s iconic hit, “Vogue” and so much more!   Song Credits: “Vogue” by Madonna ℗ 1990 Warner Bros Record...

In this episode, in continuation of our month long celebration of Black Music Month and our Juneteenth Commemoration!  We’re exploring The Minneapolis Sound, the rich history of this unique style of music from this unique musical hub. We’re talking music from Prince to Morris Day & The Time to Shelia E. to Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and so much more!   Song Credits: “Get It Up” by Morris Day &a...

In this episode, we’re continuing our month long celebration of Black Music Month! And this episode, we’re chatting with Dennis Reed Jr. a local Charlotte, NC pianist and founder of Inspire the Fire INC and the Sainted Trap Choir! Dennis is sharing his musical journey that led to founding these amazing choirs that led to performing on some of the world’s biggest stages as well as the music and art...

We’re kicking off a summer long episode run of VHC as well as the month long celebration of Black Music Month! And in this episode, we’re chatting with Elizabeth McCorvey a multi-instrumentalist, fiddler musician and singer. And we’re chatting about her awesome musical journey and musical influences as well as the importance of celebrating the presences and musical traditions of Black Americana an...

In this episode, we’re CELEBRATING THE 3RD ANNIVERSARY OF THE PODCAST! And to celebrate the occasion, I’m chatting with fellow podcast host, Cody Tinsley, co-host of the show EarWax! Cody is sharing his experience as a former radio store clerk and his love for all things musical history and so much more!

In this episode, I had a great conversation with CR, an Indian composer and producer blends a great mixture of traditional Indian music with techno pop and so much more! CR is sharing with us his musical journey and some great gems about the rich history of Indian music and more.   Song Credits: “Steel Heart Instrumental (VS Pop)” by CR Srikanth ℗ 2025 VS Pop Records LLP “Neon Bharat Instrumental...

In this episode, I’m chatting with Peter Pepper, singer, songwriter and musician of Alternative/Punk music and he is sharing about his musical journey and how that led to him helping other artists with his platforms Adventure Punk and so much more.

In this episode, I’m chatting with Paul Whitten, an Army Veteran, History Nerd and the Founder of Nashville Adventures and he is sharing with us his love for history, especially Music City’s rich and diverse musical history, legacy and so much more.

In this episode, we’re taking a deep dive into the rich history and legacy of the Apollo Theater which originally begin in 1914 as a burlesque venue that was white-only. But 20 years later, the theater would transform into African-American Entertainment cultural hub and staple that we know it today. We’re also paying a special tribute to “Showtime at the Apollo” co-host, Kiki Shepard.   Song Credi...

In this episode, I’m chatting with musician, singer/songwriter based in Nashville, Lee Isaacs. And Lee is a storyteller at heart who is sharing his musical journey as well as his love for diving deep into the storytelling of classic albums and so much more.    Song Credits: “Born Outta This Time” by Lee Isaacs ℗ Lyrradical 2024 “Burning the Candle” by Lee Isaacs ℗ 2025 DISCLAIMER: No copyright inf...

In this episode, I’m chatting with UK songwriter and publisher, Greig Watts about his journey as a songwriter and his work in helping other songwriters and producers with their own work. We also had a conversations about songwriters and creators in music navigating the industry today.

In this episode, as the month of March wraps up were celebrating Women’s History Month! And celebrating the commemoration of Women in music with a deep dive into the transformation into the group, LaBelle from the doo-wop girl group to the glam rock soul and futurism sound and style that would provide a blueprint for other female groups and so much more.   Song Credits: “Never Walk Alone” by Patti...

In this episode, I’m chatting with retired pianist, composer and author, Kurt Ellenberger as we discuss his musical journey and how that lead to him writing about the interconnection between not just classical music, but other genres when it comes to math and so much more.

In this episode and just in time for the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, I’m chatting with Irish fiddle musician Tara Connaghan and we’re discussing her musical journey and about her work with sharing knowledge and experience with session etiquette and so much more.   Song Credits: “Máire Mhaitiú, slow air” by Tara Connaghan “The Kesh Jig/The Monaghan/Morrison's Jig (Medley)” by Craig Duncan ℗ 2009 Gre...

In this episode, we are taking the journey into the music and musical culture of Puerto Rico. And this journey is inspired by none other than Bad Bunny, after his incredible Super Bowl Halftime show who is also the biggest music superstar in the world right now and he is credited for changing the game for Latin music and Latin Hip-Hop music. We’re exploring how Puerto Rico influenced Bad Bunny's m...

It’s a very special episode of VHC!!! We are celebrating the 100TH Episode! We’re not only celebrating the show and all of that the show has been and will continue to be in enlightening and inspiring stories and histories of music and musical culture. Also on this the special milestone, we’re concluding our celebration of Black History Month as a tie in to the 100TH Anniversary of BHM with reflect...

In this episode, in the continuation of the celebration of Black History Month, I’m speaking with the first guest of season four, Clipper Erickson, pianist and composer. Erickson is sharing his passion of sharing stories and preserving the music of classical music greats like Nathaniel Dett, Florence Price and others.   Song Credits: “In the Bottoms: IV. Dance” by Clipper Erickson ℗ 2015 Navona “C...

In this episode, in the continuation of our celebration of Black History Month, we’re paying homage to the late/great Richard Smallwood, a gospel music legend whose music has had much impact not just on Gospel music but the world. We’re exploring Smallwood’s incredible compositions and its influence in Black Church musical traditions and Gospel music as well as his early beginnings as a musical pr...

In this Season Four Premiere of VHC, we are kicking off Black History Month 2026 by exploring the richness of the artistry, creativity and music of Neo Soul from its roots in 1970s jazz, funk, R&B and soul to some of the early pioneers of the genre from Maxwell to Erykah Badu to Angie Stone to Jill Scott and of course the late/great D’Angelo who we are paying homage to as well.   Song Credits:...

In this Season Three Finale of VHC, we’re going to be doing a “Vibe Check” of the podcast this season. Including getting a bit real and getting some things off my chest, especially about the podcast no longer being with Spotify and some informative context behind that story. Also, we’ll discuss the truly amazing things we explored, shared and discussed during this season!

In this episode, as we come closer towards the Season Finale of Season Three of “VHC (Vibes, History & Culture)” we’re chatting with Mikki Thee Boddie, who was a guest on the show early in Season One of the show. And she is back to chat with me about all things music in the year of 2025 including conversations about Beyoncé’s historic Grammy wins, the Rap beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake,...

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the life and legacy of musician Buddy Bolden. And to share in the conversation, I’m speaking with author, Norman Woolworth who wrote the fictional mystery novel, “The Bolden Cylinder” which includes the story of Bolden and so much more.

In this episode, I got a chance to chat with two amazing artists, Rob Murat who appeared on the show during Season One and Maya Elizabeth. And they are sharing with us about their awesome duet, “All I Can Say” and sharing how coming together to craft the song all came together, as well as the process for Grammy Nomination as well as their musical inspirations and so much more. SONG CREDITS: “Stare...

In this episode, we’re giving the well-deserved flowers to a NC legend and trailblazer, Hattie Leeper also known as “Chatty Hatty”!!! We’re exploring her incredible career as the first African-American woman Radio DJ in NC and as well as all of her great accomplishments and more. Song Credit: “I Can't Hide It” performed by The Appreciations ℗ 2013 Charly Acquisitions Limited “Love Have Mercy” perf...