BAAS Entertainment Podcast
Sherry Winston - From Music Executive to Legendary Jazz Flutist
Episode 118. Join host Troy Saunders as he chats with Sherry Winston! Not only is Ms. Winston one of jazz music's most esteemed flutists, but she is also a record executive, promotional manager, educator, public speaker, composer, author, chef, booking agent, a world-renowned performer, and all-around great person. Come get to know this legendary artist in this episode.
Sherry Winston has performed in many of the major concert halls throughout the U.S., including Carnegie Hall, Constitution Hall, Lincoln Center, and at the Kennedy Center. Sherry performed with icon Stevie Wonder in New York City to honor the legendary Hal Jackson on his 97th birthday. Sherry had the honor of performing for two sitting presidents: President and Mrs. Clinton during their last holiday party at the White House and for former President George H.W. Bush at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in NYC. Sherry has been featured in The New York Times, Ebony, Black Enterprise, Essence and More magazines. Sherry has been a featured guest on the Today Show, "Emeril Live," and has co-hosted and performed on eight shows for BET TV. Sherry has released six CDs with her first, "Do It For Love," going to #1 on BRE and the Black Excellence Charts. "Love Madnes," and "Life is Love & Love is You," were Top 10 at Billboard Magazine.
They start the episode by discussing Sherry's humble beginnings growing up in Corona, Queens, her college years at Howard University, how she began working as a secretary at Warner Brothers Records via their Elektra and GRP subsidiaries, and her move up the ranks becoming Director of Jazz Promotion at Columbia Records.
In the next part of the conversation, they converse about what happened at Columbia Records that made her concentrate on recording her own jazz records, the struggles of an independent artist, and how she copes with the ups and downs of being in the the music industry. This is a must listen for anyone that is in or planning to start a career in music. Words from a wise lady that has been maintaining a successful career for many years.
Throughout the episode Troy plays some of his favorite songs by Ms. Winston, beginning with "Sherry Love," and ending with her latest single, "Spice Island". Sherry tells wonderful stories of working with legendary artists Hubert Laws (and the rest of his family), Patrice Rushen, Jon Lucien, Najee, Kirk Whalum, Grover Washington, Jr., Eric Gale, and more. You can tell that Troy and Ms. Winston thoroughly enjoy each other's company. It was as if they knew each other for a long time even though they just met.
This is a wonderful episode that will keep you intrigued, make you smile and fill you soul with wonderful music!
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