When someone thinks of Black musical influence some names that come to mind are Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Beyonce, 2pac, and Notorious B.I.G. The list goes on and on depending on one’s geographical region, age, or musical taste. But those who are often forgotten from this list of Black musical influencers are the people behind the scenes pushing boundaries so that our favorite artists are heard and properly represented.
That is exactly what led Ms. Lynn Allen Jeter, often referred to as “Mamma Lynn,” to create the Annual Toast to Urban Music Executives event. We celebrated the 10th year at the Tinhorn Flats in Hollywood on June 21st. Lynn Allen Jeter and Associates partnered with Luster Products, MIQ, Urban Network Digital, Warner Bros Records and SESAC to honor music executives and bring together both veterans and new comers to network while celebrating Black Music Month during BET Weekend in Los Angeles, California.
This year’s honorees included Brandra Ringo, Jeriel Johnson, Lynn M. Scott, and Tunji Balogun.
Brandra Ringo is A&R for Universal Music Publishing Group. She is responsible for developing writers while connecting them with music producers.
Jeriel Johnson is the Senior Project Manager over Urban Music at The Recording Academy. A big part of his job is to discover new music and to connect with artists, managers, publicists, songwriters, and producers. He builds relationships and keeps his finger on the pulse of what is happening musically in the genres that he manages.
Lynn Scott is the VP of Marking at Warner Bros Records. She has worked with artists such as Naughty by Nature, 2pac, Erykah Badu and more. During her career she has contributed greatly to developing global brands.
Tunji Balogun is the VP of A&R at Sony Music Entertainment.
There is no wonder Ms. Lynn Jeter curated such an impressive list of honorees given her extensive experience in the music industry. Also behind the scenes throughout her career, Ms. Jeter has cultivated the careers of some of the most renowned celebrities and continues to develop new multi-talented artists. With her start at Motown Records, Jeter’s hard work and tenacity helped her to rise in the ranks.
Jeter has worked with countless celebrities and companies over the past thirty years including Diana Ross, The Jackson 5, The Commodores, Gladys Knight, Judge Greg Mathis, LisaRaye McCoy, casting director Twinkie Byrd, basketball player Lisa Leslie, NFL’s Ray Lewis, late soul singer Teena Marie, and more. Her long list of clients also includes “The Tonight Show,” BET Awards, Warner Bros, and Interscope & MCA Records.
Knowing the importance of networking and learning the ins and outs of the industry other attendees included singer/songwriter Brittany B (Priority Records), author/screen writer Lolita Files (“Once Upon of Time in Compton”), executive producer and media mogul Mona Scott Young (VH1), Associate Director of Urban Music at ASCAP Moya Nkrum, and more.
Honoring such music industry icons is the reason this event has continued to grow and has reached its 10th annual culmination.
