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Roots 101 African American Museum gets rave reviews for music legend Static Major exhibit

(Louisville, KY) Roots 101 welcomed during Kentucky Derby weekend the long-awaited tribute to the ‘King of Kentucky” the late Stephen “Static Major” Garrett.  The exhibit will take you through the legendary music career of the musical genius.  The Louisville, Kentucky native was a singer, songwriter, and record producer.  Born on November 11, 1974, and died on February 23, 2008.  He was a member of the R&B trio Playa that went on to have hits like “Cheers 2 U” and  “Don’t Stop the Music”.  This is their 25th anniversary of the group’s formation. 

Static Major has produced with some of the biggest artists in R&B and Hip-Hop from Aaliyah, Ginuwine, Nicole Wray, Pretty Ricky to Lil Wayne.  Proceeding Garrett’s death, in 2018, hip-hop superstar Drake featured Garrett in his hit song “After Dark”.  Then in 2020, Louisville native Jack Harlow hit. “Luv Is Dro”, which was a song of Garrett reworked by Harlow. 

You can see the temporary exhibit through July 8th. 

Avonti Garrett, the widow and mother of his two children remembers not only the artist but the family man.  “Stephen Ellis Garrett aka Static Major was a special one-of-a-kind person.  He not only was a talented singer, songwriter, and producer, he was a good husband, father, son, and friend.  He was a family man who was generous to all.  Static had a way of leaving a memorable impression with everyone he encountered.  The love that he generously displayed made all of us feel special to him.  His timeless music still has a great influence over the music industry.  Static Major is and will forever be a true legend.  The Goat!!! By age 33.  His family, friends, and I appreciate the love and we are truly grateful for the honoring of his legacy.  He is greatly missed by all. “

Lamont Collins, Founder of Roots 101 shares his excitement about having the exhibit at his museum.  He says, “It’s so important to document and preserve our history.  Stephen “Static Major” Garrett played and still plays a vital role in the entertainment industry.  This was a long time in the making, this should have happened a long time ago. We are happy that Roots 101 in Garrett’s hometown was able to make it happen.  We invite you to come see the temporary exhibit.  We hope it will have a permanent home someday, but it is an honor to be the first to display his life and superstar career.  Legacies matter and Roots 101 continues to chronicle history of African Americans in our community and the outstanding contributions made not only to Kentucky but the world.” 

To setup an interview contact VIPP Communications at  booking@vippcommunications.com. 

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Music legend Static Major exhibit opens at Roots 101 during Kentucky Derby weekend

(Louisville, KY) On Monday, May 8th, Roots 101 welcomes the long awaited tribute to the ‘King of Kentucky” the late Stephen “Static Major” Garrett.  The exhibit will take you through the legendary music career of the musical genius.  The Louisville, Kentucky native was a singer, songwriter, and record producer.  Born on November 11, 1974, and died on February 23, 2008.  He was a member of the R&B trio Playa that went on to have hits like “Cheers 2 U” and  “Don’t Stop the Music”.  This is their 25th anniversary of the group’s formation. 

Static Major has produced with some of the biggest artists in R&B and Hip-Hop from Aaliyah, Ginuwine, Nicole Wray, Pretty Ricky to Lil Wayne.  Proceeding Garrett’s death, in 2018, hip-hop superstar Drake featured Garrett in his hit song “After Dark”.  Then in 2020, Louisville native Jack Harlow hit. “Luv Is Dro”, which was a song of Garrett reworked by Harlow. 

Prior to the public exhibit opening, which will be in Roots 101 from May 8th thru July 8th.  (With a possibility of a longer run).  There will be a private event on Sunday, May 7th from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  The Music Is Like Breathing Brunch will give family, friends, and special guests an opportunity to get the first look at the exhibit and share special stories of the talented Kentucky native who was ahead of his time. 

Avonti Garrett, the widow and mother of his two children remembers not only the artist but the family man.  “Stephen Ellis Garrett aka Static Major was a special one-of-a-kind person.  He not only was a talented singer, songwriter, and producer, he was a good husband, father, son, and friend.  He was a family man who was generous to all.  Static had a way of leaving a memorable impression with everyone he encountered.  The love that he generously displayed made all of us feel special to him.  His timeless music still has a great influence over the music industry.  Static Major is and will forever be a true legend.  The Goat!!! By age 33.  His family, friends, and I appreciate the love and we are truly grateful for the honoring of his legacy.  He is greatly missed by all. “

Lamont Collins, Founder of Roots 101 shares his excitement about having the exhibit at his museum.  He says, “It’s so important to document and preserve our history.  Stephen “Static Major” Garrett played and still plays a vital role in the entertainment industry.  This was a long time in the making, this should have happened a long time ago. We are happy that Roots 101 in Garrett’s hometown was able to make it happen.  We invite you to come see the temporary exhibit.  We hope it will have a permanent home someday, but it is an honor to be the first to display his life and superstar career.  Legacies matter and Roots 101 continues to chronicle history of African Americans in our community and the outstanding contributions made not only to Kentucky but the world.” 

Media can R.S.V.P. for the private reception at booking@vippcommunications.com.  To setup an interview, contact VIPP Communications at 502-341-7306. 

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THE HEART AND “SOUL” OF THE URBAN COMMUNITY CHANGES MUSIC FORMAT AS IT CONTINUES TO USE ITS VOICE AS A PLATFORM FOR CHANGE

(Louisville, KY) On Friday, August 7, 2020 at 10:47 am the sound of 1350AM WLOU & 104.7FM returned to its original format of soul music.

With the new stereo sound, you will see a new logo and station tagline, but the roots of the station remain intact but with a broader appeal from news and information but filling a void in the community when it comes to soul music. The format will give listeners an opportunity to go back down memory lane with music from Earth, Wind & Fire, O’Jays, Stylistics, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, Sade, Isley Brothers, Anita Baker plus many more.

“The Original Soul of Louisville” adds Archie Dale as the General Manager and Mark Gunn as Program Director and Afternoon Drive On-Air Personality to the already dynamic team of Krystal “Miss Krystal” Goodner in the Morning Drive and others to be announced.

With 70 years on the airwaves, WLOU is one of the oldest urban stations in the U.S. So, when it was acquired by David B. Smith Sr., long time radio personality, program director and co-owner of Kentuckiana Broadcast Group he wanted to make sure its rich history was celebrated but also be a voice for African Americans. Gunn says “We’re reaching the underserved adult Black demographic by going a lot deeper musically than the other Gold based stations in the market. In addition to REAL Soul Music, WLOU continues to deal with the soul of Louisville by directly addressing social issues we are facing today and to be an information hub to our listeners not only on the air, in the community but on our social platforms.

Smith’s love for radio has been a constant especially in Louisville and Southern Indiana so when he heard that the station maybe acquired from someone outside the region he says “Passing up the opportunity to purchase such a legendary station was not an option. The possibility of WLOU being owned by anyone not from here just wouldn’t be right”. “I’m honored to walk in the footsteps of former owner The Reverend Dr. William E. Summers III”.

With more than 30 years in the radio industry, Smith says they are not deleting the Gospel programming but moving it to our sister station, AM 1240, WLLV.

For additional information, contact VP/GM WLOU/WLLV Archie Dale at 502.776.1240

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HISTORY

On October 21st, 1951, AM 1350, WLOU hit the airwaves as the Soul Of Louisville to become one of the first five full-time R&B stations in the country and over time, one of the top – rated stations in the nation.

The tradition of excellence and service to the Black Community was brought to the forefront by legendary on–air personalities like “Super Neal” O’Ray, Brenda “20th Century Fox” Banks, Bill Price and Tony Fields to name a few with The Reverend Doctor William E. Summers III leading the charge.

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