The Playground with Eddie Fluellen

"Music is central to my life. It's between God and music - and a lot of the time I consider those two words to be nearly interchangeable. My music is a reflection of the spiritual lessons that I practice in my life. I can't think of a better place to speak from, as we face profound issues, than through our collective voice and stories of magic, of vision and of love.” --- BRENDA LEE EAGERBRENDA LEE EAGER is the embodiment of her very words. While she rose to stardom for her impeccable vocal work standing next to the late, great JERRY BUTLER ("Ain't Understanding Mellow", "If This World Were Mine"), Ms. Eager has also performed with and written for a veritable who's who in the music industry. Find out which major recording artist was among her many fans and as such, co-wrote and recorded one of Brenda's songs. BRENDA LEE EAGER is on THE PLAYGROUND .... Where The Players Play. Oh, and don't miss the surprise ending!#theplayground #wheretheplayersplay #podnationtv #eddiefluellen #brendaleeeager #theresagoss #listenandlearn

You probably know her from her amazing vocal performances on season two of 'THE VOICE'. Yes indeed, she is quite the powerhouse! But, Ms. Yarbrough is doing so much more in the entertainment industry. In addition to her recording artistry she is also a classically trained violinist. She's an incredible actress with numerous television, movie and stage credits to her name. She even has an extensive background in theater and dance. Ms. Yarbrough brings her 'A' game to each and every facet of her career and it's easy to see why she gets such high praises from the elite in the business. Enjoy the multi-talented KIM YARBROUGH as she shares her figurative (and literal) roads to her many successes and the incredible focus it took for her to arrive at her numerous destinations. Also check out her poignant dedication to her father.KIM YARBROUGH .... Tonight on THE PLAYGROUND .... WHERE THE PLAYERS PLAY. #theplayground #wheretheplayersplay #podnationtv #eddiefluellen #kimyarbrough #theresagoss #listenandlearn

REGGIE CALLOWAY. Leader and founder of the legendary R&B dance group, MIDNIGHT STAR ("Freakazoid", "No Parking On The Dance Floor", "Wet My Whistle). And along with his brother and fellow musician Vincent, Reggie is the other half of the singing duo, CALLOWAY ("I Wanna Be Rich"). Master musician (trumpet, flute), prolific songwriter & producer and quite the knowledgeable businessman, REGGIE CALLOWAY lets us enter his busy world and shares his beginnings, his road to gold, platinum and Grammy winning success. He also lets us in on his technique to songwriting and producing and shares great stories of the many 'creatives' he's worked with along the way.REGGIE CALLOWAY .... on THE PLAYGROUND .... WHERE THE PLAYERS PLAY.#theplayground #wheretheplayersplay #podnationtv #eddiefluellen #reggiecalloway #midnightstar #calloway #listenandlearn

The lists of recording, production, arrangement and writing credits of vocalist/instrumentalist SKYLER JETT is virtually endless. It's amazing that with everything Mr. Jett has accomplished in the music and entertainment industries, he is not a household name. He stands next to greatness in most all of his endeavors. Celine Dion, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones...... and that's just the beginning. And wait 'til you hear how he brought the legendary icon himself, Sly Stone out of hiding and back on to the stage. But, the project that is near and dear to Mr. Jett's heart is musicforglobalchange.com. What is it and how can you help?SKYLER JETT will inform and enlighten you on THE PLAYGROUND .... WHERE THE PLAYERS PLAY.#theplayground #wheretheplayersplay #podnationtv #eddiefluellen #skylerjett #musicforglobalchange #theresagoss #listenandlearn

Just mention the name CHRIS JASPER and you already know! Widely known for his being a member of the '3+3' ISLEYS, his incredible keyboard virtuosity and musicianship stand alone. His songwriting, arranging and production chops are masterful. In just about all his recordings with The Isleys, there is a keyboard line or chord progression that is still memorable and iconic to this very day. For example, if I said 'For The Love Of You,' I know you'll start out humming that beginning synth line. And that quintessential song is just one of many that incorporates the infamous CHRIS JASPER/Isley's sound. Mr. Jasper has quite a few award winning solo projects under his belt as well through his Gold City Records label. A Julliard graduate, Mr. Jasper knows all too well, that while the music business can be fun and rewarding, it is still a business! A fact most tend to forget. And the steps he was willing to take, the things he was willing to learn to insure his success are the reasons Mr. Jasper remains a force in the industry today. Note taking time with artist, producer, songwriter and keyboard giant, CHRIS JASPER on THE PLAYGROUND .... WHERE THE PLAYERS PLAY. #theplayground #wheretheplayersplay #podnationtv #chrisjasper #eddiefluellen #theresagoss #listenandlearn #JULILLARD #songwriter

Recently, my producer THERESA GOSS produced a virtual summit aptly titled "Xtreme Biz Summit" in which she featured guest speakers who told the stories of how they, as she put it, "pulled up their bootstraps and got to work." Vocalist KEVIN DORSEY is definitely one of those artists who did just that. He knew what he had to do....and got to it! His work with such greats as QUINCY JONES and MICHAEL JACKSON are only the beginning of Kevin's illustrious career. Kevin's unmistakable baritone voice can shake a room to its core. And that voice and the masterpieces he has lended it to is but one of many accomplishments on Kevin's resumé. And that long list of recording artists, movies, television and production credits is breathtaking!Kevin is another long time friend from the great city of Akron, Ohio. There is so much I could write here about Kevin and his career but instead, I'm going to get out of the way and let Kevin take you on his road to success. And what a road it is. I'm going to let Kevin tell you his story as only he can, .... in his own hilarious yet inimitable way. Suffice it to say, you'll be blown away. And hopefully, you will be inspired to pull up your bootstraps as Kevin did. And as Kevin did, get to work!KEVIN DORSEY is on THE PLAYGROUND .... WHERE THE PLAYERS PLAY.#theplayground #wheretheplayersplay #podnationtv #eddiefluellen #theresagoss #kevindorsey #listenandlearn

A native of Los Angeles, California, veteran musician, vocalist and vocal coach DORIAN HOLLEY was in the thick of the entertainment business almost from the very beginning. Not only is he one of the most sought after vocalists in LA, but worldwide as well. After all, when your professional resumé practically begins with superstar MICHAEL JACKSON at the height of his own career, the sky is virtually the limit! And Dorian took full advantage. As if a touring Mr. Jackson didn't keep Dorian busy enough, Dorian was in constant demand to perform with a cavalcade of recording legends.Dorian has also kept busy in television and movies lending his vocal talents to a vast array of iconic roles. And even with all this, Dorian manages to find time to head his own band. Wait till you hear which legendary recording artist he pays tribute to which would win him rave reviews! Oh, and did I mention he conducts his own masterclasses? Yet, even with all this, it's nowhere near the half of it.Meet DORIAN HOLLEY on THE PLAYGROUND .... WHERE THE PLAYERS PLAY.#theplayground #wheretheplayersplay #podnationtv #eddiefluellen #theresagoss #dorianholley #listenandlearn

Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, home of the famed Las Vegas Strip, guitarist, vocalist, composer and band leader JERRY LOPEZ and his band, Sante Fe & The Fat City Horns is the proverbial ‘bar’ to which most bands and musicians aim to reach. And, it is a high bar indeed. Both the band AND it’s individual members are among the a-list of first call musicians hired for most of the shows here on the Strip and hired by internationally known performers for their own world tours. If ever you visit Las Vegas and you want to hear great arrangements of great music featuring great musicians, you owe it to yourself to find out where Jerry and his band are performing. Trust me, you will not be disappointed. Jerry frequently invites internationally known guest artists to sit in with him. And the performances are never thrown together. How does JERRY LOPEZ manage to keep a 15-piece band together and always keep it exciting for the audience, and fun and adventurous for his musicians themselves? And yet that is but one of Jerry’s many successful projects. Jerry is a wealth of knowledge and his extraordinary musicianship is only matched by his kindness and humility. And he is always ready and willing to share his vast musical knowledge. At all his performances, Jerry invites his audience to “Let the healing begin.” JERRY LOPEZ brings his healing to THE PLAYGROUND .... WHERE THE PLAYERS PLAY. #theplayground #wheretheplayersplay #podnationtv #eddiefluellen #theresagoss #jerrylopez #santefeandthefatcityhorns #listenandlearn

I don't think there is a single person I know who doesn't know the huge fan I am of the band, Chicago .... from the very "Beginnings" (Get it? Beginnings?). Imagine my excitement when the legendary BILL CHAMPLIN visited THE PLAYGROUND! This man's history is simply amazing! Where do I begin? HOW do I begin? SONS OF CHAMPLIN, CHICAGO, among others. Solo recording artist. Multi-platinum songwriter and Grammy award winner ("After The Love Is Gone", "Turn Your Love Around", among many others). Studio vocalist on a virtual who's who of award winning recording artist's hit songs. Keyboardist. Guitarist. B3 Organist!! Bill Champlin is indeed a PLAYER!! I'm sure you'd be blown away by the list of songs you've heard either written by or performed by Bill and yet had no idea it was him. For example, the hit TV show "In The Heat of the Night"? Yeah, that's Bill singing the theme song! Chicago's hit song "Look Away"? You guessed it. Mr. Champlin again. His soulful style in his singing, his songwriting and his playing is unmistakable. His forthcoming CD is a definite 'must-have' for your collection, and a testament to his skills. This man has not lost his touch in ALL the aforementioned areas! And Mr. Champlin shows absolutely NO signs of slowing down. Thank goodness!! The man is a wealth of wisdom, and wait till you hear the words of wisdom given him by his Mom regarding 'competition'. Golden! BILL CHAMPLIN .... on THE PLAYGROUND .... WHERE THE PLAYERS PLAY. #theplayground #wheretheplayersplay #podnationtv #eddiefluellen #theresagoss #billchamplin #listenandlearn

Every guest that I’ve had on The Playground has truly been a delight. And guitarist CHERYL COOLEY, leader of the iconic all-female R&B and funk band, KLYMAXX is definitely no exception. I couldn’t help but be drawn in by the passion that Cheryl still possesses today as she tells her story with such amazing detail. And her positive belief system from the very beginning continues to carry her through her career and life to this very day. With hits like ‘Meeting In The Ladies Room’, ‘The Men All Pause’ and ‘I Miss You’, Cheryl and KLYMAXX were destined for success! Who put Cheryl’s first real guitar in her hands? Who taught her the lesson that took her guitar playing to new heights? What bumps lay on her road to gold? What huge decision did she have to make that led her to perhaps her greatest music success, KLYMAXX? Cheryl Cooley of Klymaxx .... on The Playground .... Where The Players Play.#theplayground #wheretheplayersplay #podnationtv #eddiefluellen #cherylcooley #klymaxx #listenandlearn

Recording artist REGGIE 'RJ' JOHNSON is definitely one of those musicians that does it all. Keyboardist, composer, producer, arranger, music director (BOYZ II MEN, AZ YET). And with all that 'busy' going on, he still makes the time to release his own music with his band, RJ AND THE ASSIGNMENT. He has released four projects (to date) to rave reviews including his newly released CD, "HYBRID HARMONY"! Not unlike his previous releases, a definite 'must have'! And if you can't see RJ and his band during one of their stellar performances, you'll find RJ sitting behind the keys as music director for the legendary Boyz II Men. What is it like to work with such iconic voices and stage dynamos as B2M? What are RJ's views on the current state of the music business? ....... and the jazz world? REGGIE 'RJ' JOHNSON .... on THE PLAYGROUND .... WHERE THE PLAYERS PLAY. #theplayground #wheretheplayersplay #podnationtv #eddiefluellen #theresagoss #reggierjjohnson #listenandlearn

During SWITCH'S short stint at Total Experience Records which produced our last studio LP ("Am I Still Your Boyfriend?", 1985), I had the pleasure of meeting label mate and newly signed recording artist (AND another fellow Buckeye from Cincinnati, Ohio), PENNY FORD. I remember being amazed by her powerful voice! Not only is Penny a monster vocalist, she is also a super talented multi-instrumentalist. It would be no surprise to me when in a few short years, she would gain international stardom as lead vocalist for the hugely successful dance group, SNAP! who had the mega-hit "The Power". When I caught up with Penny after all those years, it was as if we hadn't missed a beat!From her home in Germany, Penny tells me what she's been up to all these years and what's coming up on the horizon.PENNY FORD is on THE PLAYGROUND .... WHERE THE PLAYERS PLAY.#theplayground #wheretheplayersplay #podnationtv #eddiefluellen #pennyford #listenandlearn

Vocalist, Songwriter and Vocal Coach ROMEO JOHNSON is among the highly sought after by some of the top artists in the business. He was vocal director in P DIDDY'S "MAKING HIS BAND" and "STARMAKER" as well as personal vocal coach to Diddy, himself. He was also a coach on the hit TV show, "THE VOICE". He's toured as background vocalist with such greats as Queen Latifah, Patti Austin, Michael AND Janet Jackson. He's been on the road with Sheena Easton where he played bass guitar and synth. He was a session vocalist with Stevie Wonder, James Ingram and Snoop Dogg, among many others. The man stays busy. Romeo and I formally met while performing in Vegas, but it turns out we've crossed paths many times previously without actually meeting. Little did I know exactly how close he was to home!A conversation with ROMEO JOHNSON .... on THE PLAYGROUND .... WHERE THE PLAYERS PLAY.#theplayground #wheretheplayersplay #podnationtv #eddiefluellen #romeojohnson #listenandlearn

Trumpet, Vocalist, Songwriter, Producer, Recording Artist and as if that's not enough, we can add Author and Speaker to the list of the many talents of musician SKIP MARTIN. This man has clocked more than 47 years in the business and he's still going strong. With a number of releases to his own credit, he has also graced stage and recordings as a member of R&B legends, Kool & the Gang and The Dazz Band. Skip is still extremely passionate about his music. His creativity has no limits. And on this segment, we get the extra added treat of SKIP MARTIN playing his trumpet .... on THE PLAYGROUND.... WHERE THE PLAYERS PLAY.#theplayground #wheretheplayersplay #podnationtv #eddiefluellen #skipmartin #listenandlearn

Recording artist, Songwriter, Vocalist and R&B Hall of Fame inductee PHIL PERRY has performed and recorded with the best of the best and it's no wonder since Phil is himself among the best of the best. Being in the business for over five decades, Phil has literally seen it all and as such he is a man full of very much needed wisdom. From his professional beginnings as lead vocalist and writer of The Montclairs, through all those years, Phil Perry would be called upon by the likes of Quincy Jones, Barbara Streisand, Lee Ritenour, and so many more than this small space would allow me to list. Mr. Perry is a huge presence in the music business and rightfully so. This segment is one where I urge you to listen .... and learn.Tonight, PHIL PERRY .... on THE PLAYGROUND .... WHERE THE PLAYERS PLAY.#theplayground #wheretheplayersplay #podnationtv #eddiefluellen #philperry #listenandlearn

Lead vocalist of legends THE MANHATTANS, GERALD ALSTON, a legend himself, is the man behind the smooth vocals of such iconic classics as, "There's No Me Without You", "Kiss and Say Goodbye, and "Shining Star". What role did fate play in getting Gerald Alston to become a member of this legendary group leading to a string of huge hits and a Grammy for the group? What is the secret to The Manhattans continued success? And for you vocalists, learn how Gerald takes care of his 'instrument', that dynamic voice. Over so many years, he continues not to take it for granted. What's next for The Manhattans featuring Gerald Alston? Find out this and so much more when we sit down with GERALD ALSTON .... on THE PLAYGROUND .... WHERE THE PLAYERS PLAY.#theplayground #wheretheplayersplay #podnation #eddiefluellen #geraldalston #themanhattans #listenandlearn

Funk music as an official genre made its debut in the 1960's thanks to legends like James Brown, Sly & The Family Stone and George Clinton. Artists such as The Ohio Players, Parliament/Funkedelic, Lakeside, Steve Arrington's Hall of Fame, ZAPP!, Slave, Heatwave and a host of others found their beginnings in Dayton, Ohio and DAVID R. WEBB has made it his lifes mission to make sure the world knows that Dayton, Ohio is the Home of Funk Music. You will find an ever growing testament to that fact at The Funk Music Hall of Fame & Exhibition in Dayton, Ohio where Mr. Webb is CEO, President and Proprietor. DAVID R. WEBB talks more about the Hall and another important new project he's co-created. Listen and learn on THE PLAYGROUND .... WHERE THE PLAYERS PLAY. #theplayground #wheretheplayersplay #podnationtv #eddiefluellen #theresagoss #davidrwebb #funkmusichalloffame #listenandlearn

From the moment I met Tommy DeBarge, I was immediately drawn in. Tommy had such an engaging spirit. Everybody loved Tommy. And Tommy loved everybody. In fact, he always said so. 'I love everybody, man!' He greeted complete strangers as though he'd known them for years. Tommy was indeed, EVERYBODY’S brother. I am honored to have known Tommy and to have worked with him. SWITCH brought us together and as a result, we are forever brothers. I'd lost touch with Tommy over the the past few years. Time, distance, circumstances, life. We had such a great time the last time we were together. I missed him in life and now I will miss him in death. In a special segment of THE PLAYGROUND, I asked a few special friends to share their thoughts and memories of the late ..... and definitely great TOMMY DEBARGE! Check out an awesome conversation and somewhat of a family reunion on THE PLAYGROUND .... as always WHERE THE PLAYERS PLAY. And as you all know, our brother Tommy was definitely a player! Rest, Tommy DeBarge (1957 - 2021).#theplayground #wheretheplayersplay #podnationtv #tommydebarge #eddiefluellen #theresagoss #listenandlearn

First guest... Mr. Phillip Ingram, lead vocalist and co-founder of former Motown Recording Artist, SWITCH; featured vocalist with Sheena Easton; featured vocalist with a host of recording artists including Quincy Jones, and older brother and Grammy winning artist, James Ingram. Oh, and did I mention featured vocalist and performer in the movie "My Best Friend's Wedding"? This man has quite the resumé and I've barely scratched the surface. Tune in and catch up with this most talented musician! On The Playground..... Where the players play!#PlaygroundWithEddieFluellen#OnThePlayground#PodNationTVSHOW LESS

Musician, Songwriter, Producer and now Author "SWITCH, DEBARGE, MOTOWN and ME"Greg has done so much both in and outside of the music industry. Listen as one of my mentors drops major knowledge on the ups and downs of his life, the ups and downs of the music business..... and offers the best advice ever. #ThePlaygroundWithEddieFluellen#PodNationTV#WhereThePlayersPlay