March 8, 2022

THE SPECIAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS goes to Jimmy Johnson- Blues living Legend (93), The Chosen Few DJs and The Jesse White and The Jesse White Tumblers

 

Jimmy Johnson Blues Legend

Born in Holly Springs Mississippi, Jimmy Johnson moved to Chicago at the age of 20 when his uncle presented him with the opportunity. Bought his first guitar at the age of 28 and played his first gig at 30 and recorded his first album at 50. He went on to develop one of the unique vocal and jazz-blue guitar styles that set him apart from others of his time. On April 2nd, 2022 he was scheduled to be honored and receive a Special Lifetime Achievement Award for his musical contribution to the music industry. 

 

The Chosen Few DJs

The Chosen Few DJs created a genre of dance music known across the globe that was born, nurtured and developed in Chicago by young DJs, artists, producers, party promoters, and club owners whose collective contributions forged a new sound from elements of disco, Euro-dance music, rock, and of course, drum machines.

 

The Jesse White Tumblers

The Jesse White Tumblers were created in 1959 to provide a positive alternative for inner-city kids. Team members must stay away from gangs, drugs, alcohol, stay in school and maintain a minimum “C” average. The team consists of male and female participants as young as age 6.  The team, with 7 units, gives more than 1,500 performances each year at major sporting events and community, business, and charity functions. The Jesse White Tumblers attract national and international attention and have performed throughout the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Bermuda, Belize, China, Israel, Tokyo, Japan, and Zagreb, Croatia. The team has also been featured in commercials, national television shows, and motion pictures.

March 1, 2022

The Chicago Music Awards (CMA) 40th Anniversary Special Honorees are: 

THE SPECIAL JEAN BAPTISTE POINTE DUSABLE HUMANITARIAN AWARD

 

Cesar Rolon Jr

CEO Imagen Consultants Inc. Founder – Latino Fashion Week

Cesar Rolon Jr has an extensive and versatile background in community affairs, marketing, promotions, event planning and development. As a former radio and television executive, Cesar launched Imagen Marketing Consultants, a boutique agency specializing in multicultural and experiential marketing for over fifteen years ago.

As the former Executive Director of the Little Village Chamber of Commerce and the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, Cesar has been instrumental in securing over 45 million dollars in grants and donations for various non-for profit organizations.

Cesar currently serves on several boards, which includes the Chicago Public Schools, Dia De La Mujer Latina, Institute of Latin Music, Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center Chicago, the Puerto Rico Fashion Council and Vive En Forma – Get Fit Live Fit, Illinois Transplant Foundation and the Global Disaster USA organization just to name a few. Cesar has a huge passion for community and education, which he believes goes hand in hand.

Cesar holds a B.A. in International Business and Human Resource, Northeastern Illinois University and has won numerous outstanding community achievement awards and serves on numerous boards throughout the State of Illinois.
 

Melody Spann Cooper

Chairman Midway Broadcasting Corporation

Melody Spann Cooper is Chairman of Midway Broadcasting Corporation, a best-in-class African- American owned media boutique whose properties include radio and interactive platforms. The two properties combine to provide niche programming to Chicago’s thriving Black and Hispanic populations. As Chairman of Midway Broadcasting Corporation, she joined an elite list of America’s female broadcast owners after purchasing the company’s controlling interest in 1999. 

Midway Broadcasting properties include WVON 1690AM, the oldest Black-oriented radio station in Chicago. With its urban talk format, the station is lauded as a leading source of information and community empowerment. In 2007, Spann Cooper spearheaded the corporation’s expansion with the development of WRLL 1450AM, Chicago’s Home for Hispanic Independent Broadcasters. WRLL is committed to preserving the authentic voice and culture of Chicago’s growing Latino target market. In addition to the company’s radio properties, Midway Broadcasting Corporation has established itself as a premier event and integrated marketing company. 

Spann Cooper’s other professional affiliations include: Commissioner of the Illinois Bicentennial Commission , the Co-Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Council for the Obama Library Foundation; Board Member of Chicago’s tourism board, Choose Chicago; Trustee of the Museum of Science & Industry; Member of the African-American Legacy of the Chicago Community Trust; The Executive Committee of the Business Leadership Council; Board Member of The National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Hales Franciscan High School. 

February 22, 2022

Martin's International welcomes  Johner T. Wilson III - Dinsmore & Shohl LLP as the sponsor for the category of Best Female Vocalist- 2021 in the 40th Anniversary of the Chicago Music Awards, which is set for April 2, 2022 at the Congress Place Hotel, 520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago. Visit www.chicagomusicawards.org for more information. 

 

Dinsmore & Shohl LLP has a nationwide team of more than 725 attorneys who are trusted advisers to Fortune 500 companies, institutions, associations, governments, professional firms and individuals. Clients count on Dinsmore to provide a broad range of high-quality, commercial and cost-effective advice. The firm prioritizes diversity, equity and inclusion in all facets of its business, as reflected in Dinsmore’s commitment to pro bono work and community service. JT Wilson III https://www.dinsmore.com/johner-t-wilson-iii/ is one example of the talented legal professionals at Dinsmore.  For more information, please visit www.dinsmore.com.

 Read more

January 21, 2022

Common, Ziggy Marley, Mr. Vegas, Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt featuring Ephraim Martin, in Awards/Festival flashbacks at 2022- Zoom Press Launche Read more

January 21, 2022

Martin's Int'l- 2022 Events  Change- Chicago Nominees revealed, IRAWMA 2023 Read more

November 29, 2021

Buy One Get One Free, 40th CMA & 29th IFOL- 2022, Martin's Events  Read more

November 24, 2021

IRAWMA'S President reacts to Grammys Reggae nominees  Read more

November 8, 2021

George Floyd Died for others to Live, Dr. Ephraim Martin told LLU Graduates- Tulsa, OK  Read more