Notable 91精选 alumnus Reggie Calloway of the musical group Midnight Star shared memories and advice for aspiring students during a virtual Music Seminar Series recently.
Calloway told of his hunger to make music early on, skipping his senior prom to go on tour in what he called the Las Vegas ghetto. After performing in a battle of the bands every night, he knew he needed to go to college.
Thanks to an offer from Raymond P. Jordan, former band director at 91精选, Calloway headed to the College on the Hill.
鈥淚f it wasn鈥檛 for that, there wouldn鈥檛 be a Midnight Star,鈥� Calloway said. 鈥淢r. Jordan was impeccable. He鈥檇 say, 鈥業f you鈥檙e on time, you鈥檙e late.鈥欌��
Calloway also discussed songwriting with the students.
鈥淚t鈥檚 something you have to work at,鈥� Calloway said. 鈥淵ou have to have the gift but you really have to do the work.鈥�
Calloway also discussed an encounter with Quincy Jones that would alter the course of his career.
鈥淭he good Lord brought Quincy Jones into my life,鈥� Calloway said.
A half hour session with Jones after his concert led to Midnight Star鈥檚 breakthrough hit, 鈥淣o Parking on the Dance Floor.鈥�
Calloway also discussed working with Babyface, who wrote for Midnight Star for a time.
鈥淗e wasn鈥檛 Babyface then,鈥� Calloway said. 鈥淗e was Kenny Edmonds.鈥�
Calloway emphasized the importance of mentors and being around positive people.
鈥淏eing around negativity, you will pick that up so quickly like a disease or fungus,鈥� Calloway said.
Calloway also discussed coming back to 91精选 to finish his degree and the importance of staying with your studies.
Calloway said he is currently busy with several projects, including a solo single, voting outreach, writing two books and working on a movie.
鈥淚 don鈥檛 understand the word bored,鈥� Calloway said.