Byron J. Smith

L.A. Welcomes National Association of Negro Musicians 2024 National Convention

Cora Jackson-Fossett, Religion EditorJuly 3, 2024

The National Association of Negro Musicians will hold their 2024 National Convention at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, 711 S. Hope Street, in downtown Los Angeles. The convention begins Sunday, July 14, and continues through Thursday, July 18. The theme is “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The NANM Western Region Branches will host the gathering, which is expected to attract hundreds of people. The branches are the Edna Hammett Porter Music Association where Bettye Randall and Rose Kimball serve as co-presidents; and Georgia Laster Association of Musicians where Yolanda Mitchell West is president. Also co-hosting are the Taylor Benjamin Smith Performing

G.L.A.M. Honors McNeil & Hayes at 53rd Annual Memorial Concert

Cora Jackson-Fossett, Managing EditorNovember 9, 2023

A musical extravaganza is promised at the 53rd Annual Memorial Concert sponsored by the Georgia Laster Association of Musicians, Inc. (G.L.A.M., Inc.) on Saturday, November 11, at 3 p.m., at Founder’s Church of Religious Science, located at 3281 West 6th St., in Los Angeles.

Crenshaw & Around Religion

Lataillade to Receive BBA’s Lifetime Achievement Award

Staff and Wire ReportJune 12, 2019

The Black Business Association will honor gospel music legend Vicki Mack Lataillade at its Salute to Black Music Awards Dinner on Tuesday, June 18, at 7 p.m., at the California African American Museum. Lataillade, the founder and owner of GospoCentric Records and B-Rite Music, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Lisa Collins, publisher of L.A. Focus, will also be recognized with the Outstanding Gospel Publication Award and Byron J. Smith, president of National Association Negro Musicians, will be honored with the Outstanding Artistic Vision Award. Radio pioneer Lee Baily, founder of EURweb.com, will serve as emcee. With a roster packed with major gospel stars, Lataillade has changed

Business Crenshaw & Around Local Music News (Business)Religion

BBA Celebrates Gospel Music

Staff and Wire ReportMay 22, 2019

The Black Business Association (BBA) will recognize gospel music legends at its Salute to Black Music Awards Dinner on Tuesday, June 18, at 7 p.m., at the California African American Museum. Vicki Mack Lataillade, co-founder of GospoCentric Records will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award; Lisa Collins, publisher of L.A. Focus will be the Outstanding Gospel Publication Award recipient and Byron J. Smith, president of National Association Negro Musicians, will be honored with the Outstanding Artistic Vision Award. According to Earl “Skip” Cooper II, BBA president/CEO, acknowledging the genre is part of the organization’s annual commemoration of Black Music Month. In the past, the nonprofit has paid tribute to