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| Photo by Jeff Fusco |
I woke up early this morning to the news that the manager for the band The Roots , Rich Nichols has passed away.
Now word on what happened yet.
What I know is that Nichols and The Roots along with The Jazzy Fatnastees helped rebirth The Philly Music Scene. With Nichols help Philly Music expanded beyond Philly International Records and Will Smith to a new era of soul and hip hop creativity representing Philadelphia.
Behind the scenes Nichols helped The Roots and The Jazzies bring great new music to records, tapes, CD's and Mp3 and downloads.
During the 1990's The Roots and Jazzies could be heard coast to coast on FM radio.While articles about the artists Nichol's managed could be found in The Source, Vibe, Essence and other magazines.
In my mind however, Nichol's biggest contribution to The Philly and World Music scene was his contributions to establishing The Black Lily. The Lily was an Tuesday night performance series set at Philly's coolest, slickest, hippest lounge of the time The Five Spot.
The Black Lily helped start the performance careers of Jill Scott, Musiq Soul Child and so many other now famous singers and songwriters.
Nichol's did more than just provide a venue, his vision served to inspired myself and thousands of Black Lily style showcases across the country since Nichol's had started The Black Lily.
I had the chance to speak with Nichols twice about his experience developing The Black Lily and changing what popular music could and should be. His insight has saved me a lot of money and heart ache. I learned from his expressed mistakes, but I also was inspired because he helped generations of musicians get their voices heard.
If you have ever enjoyed a night of music and performance at The Little Wellness Arts Center....?
Rich Nichol was a key inspiration.
Good Night Brother, Rest In Peace and Thank You.
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