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10 Questions with ... Johnnie Walker
November 19, 2019
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Radio and Recorded Music Executive. My career began in Country radio as an announcer, which led to a stint in Black Radio in Memphis. I later segued to Def Jam Recordings where I remained for 15 years. I rose from regional rep to National to VP and Sr. VP. I later advanced to Head of Black Music for DreamWorks Records. Most recently I was in City government where I utilized my career background for the operations of the Memphis Music Commission. I was the Executive Director.
1) What are you doing these days?
I'm the CEO and Founder of NABFEME which is a group of us organized in 1999. NABFEME is the National Association of Black Female Executives in Music & Entertainment, Inc. By the way, this holiday season, we invite everyone to "Give the Gift of Success." NABFEME New York has partnered with Dress for Success to support the challenges many women face while climbing the ladder of success. Join us for an evening of fun, #Sisterhood and camaraderie at Ruby's Vintage Harlem on December 10th
2) Could you tell us more about the organization?
NABFEME is a nonprofit networking empowerment resource base for women, headquarters is in Memphis, TN. The organization currently manages 20 Networks in the US and 2 Networks that operate internationally in Canada and Africa. NABFEME Africa was established in 2017.
3) How do you remember your days at Def Jam?
We were a family team! Everything was about the meaning of that logo... I believe we all had an imaginary Def Jam logo tattooed on our chests. It was a great opportunity to learn the business and grow. At Def Jam, you didn't just work records. You worked TV shows, movies, fashion, video games, energy drinks... we had our fingerprints in a lot of places. The artists were different in their own respective ways, however that didn't matter ... our job was to deliver the artists and the projects ... and that's what we did, together. I'd have to say; my staff was one of the best in the business.
4) What else keeps you busy these days?
Spend time with my grandchildren and spoil them to the 200th degree
5) Who influenced you?
I would lean more towards the staff that I had at Def Jam. I carefully picked each of them, many had never worked in the record business, however, they opened up to me and allowed me to pour myself in. They were a very strong, connected team that executed perfectly. Many of them are in different jobs now; however, some like Bill Evans are among today's top music executives.
6) Do you think todays producers, writers, and artists are much different?
It seems everyone has a microwave mentality. They just want it quick... now. Make a record and put it on iTunes ... that's all it takes. People send me links to songs, and I don't have a clue who they are. I love the technology being used, and while it's made some of the processes easier, it didn't necessarily make them better. You just can't take people and relationships out of music. Most music interactions are generated by emotion and I don't get much emotion out of a link.
7) What was the transition from radio into the music business like?
I was Program Director for a station in Memphis and we did not play Rap. Of course, that did not stop reps from Rap labels approaching us to get their music played. I was at a conference in Atlantic City and the late Wes "Party" Johnson approached me about a LL Cool J song that I was not playing. He gave me his pitch, introduced me to Russell Simmons and they went at it. I remained steadfast as to why the record didn't work for the station's format or my programming goals. I suppose I had the better argument as later I got a call from Wes saying that Russell wanted me to come to work for Def Jam. He quoted Russell as saying, "That girl can talk... I'd rather have her talking for me than against me. Later, I was hired.
8) Any recommendations for today's artists?
Be patient, overnight successes go as quickly as they come... Be disciplined, you have to know when to leave the party. Put the work in... there is no elevator to success... you gotta take each step to make it to the top. And Pray.
9) How do you see the future for urban music and urban radio?
I see a shift. Recycled beats are losing their steam. Artists are finding unique ways to bring back "real" music. I think good, relative, story-filled R&B music is coming back, and radio will make the adjustment when and where it needs to.
10) Would you explain the differences between a Regional rep and a National or VP/Promotions in the music industry?
The regional rep is basically the record label's "eyes and ears" in the market and is responsible for the label's interaction with radio, clubs, colleges, media, digital media, the fans or any marketing opportunity that will boost the label's goals and objectives. The National or VP has basically the same responsibility, but with a broader spectrum.... meaning all stations, all markets and everything contained within... including marketing, scheduling, dealing with artists and artist management, budgets, staff management, etc. I was in a conversation with Russell Simmons once and I said, "I'm not sure that's my market... he said, huh? The whole damn country is your market!" Oh well...
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