Columns, Profiles and Reviews, in Full

Where It Began

The Story That Started It

Writing for Yahoo! was never the plan. I started because a friend needed help.

One night in East Texas, I found a number for Stone Creek Studios, the studio founded by Boyz II Men, in a magazine article. I figured I would call and ask a random question so I would not sound like a groupie. When Kowan “Q” Paul picked up and said hello, I introduced myself and asked, “How do I become a producer?” A little-known fact about me: I was already a background singer who spent time at the local studio. I wanted my chance to get closer to the industry and shine a light on local talent. We were friends from the year they opened their doors in 1996 until a few days before his passing.

Kowan wrote, produced and played for artists including but not limited to Janet Jackson, Boyz II Men, Faith Evans, Will Downing, Redman, Ginuwine, Omarion, Marques Houston and Patti LaBelle. His songs are still heard across the airwaves. When his health kept him from music, the industry he gave so much to left him stranded and alone. He passed on my birthday. I took it as his way of telling me he would be okay, to always remember him, never give up and keep being the free-spirited me.

I wrote the announcement to help his family bring him home to Peoria. I contacted as many fellow publicists, celebrities he worked with and anyone else I could reach, so his spirit could rest in peace and be free.

In reaching out, I discovered I could contribute to Yahoo!, not only to ask for help but to share his story. Since then I have connected with a few people he and I both knew, though not the way any of us should have. The music industry and LA faded for me after he was gone. I stay in contact with his brother and helped him publish his own book. The music lives on, and so does the writing.

For Q.P.
From ‘Jive Timer’
I hear you, homie…

Read the 2009 Article