Real Talk w/Bobby Hardy welcome's recording artist David Martinez of The David Martinez Band Wednesday Sept 8th at 4:00pm PST www.blogtalkradio.com

David Martinez, singer/songwriter, born and bred in Corpus Christi, Texas, will release his independent debut record this Summer. Music started at a young age for David, who was influenced by his father, a multi-instrumentalist. Influences at 4 years old, included Grand Funk Railroad, Kiss, Steve Miller Band, Led Zeppelin, and countless others.

At 15 years old, David's father purchased his first guitar and David immediately started learning chords and how to play to the likes of Zeppelin and Hendrix. Dave hooked up with friends from school and immediately started to song write. This is where a foundation was built and now results are starting to be seen.

In the summer of 2006, David hit the road with Jimmy Willden and Hope Cassity and toured the Western and Northern part of the US. This was an experience that was priceless and led to a meeting with one of David's main influences, Leroy. Leroy came out with his debut album in 2000 and was one of the few signed to Hollywood Records. Before that, Leroy fronted a band called HOG, which was part of the Geffen family.

After the tour ended, David returned and began working on songs he wanted to record and asked Leroy if he would produce. To his surprise, Leroy was ecstatic and excited to be working with someone he could mentor and take to the next level. Leroy has worked with the likes of Bob Cavallo Sr., Jack Joseph Puig, John Mayer, Steve Jordan, and Pino Palladino. In March of 2007, David flew to Los Angeles and recorded two songs at Leroy's Place in Hollywood, CA. One of the songs was "Can't Find You", which served as the catalyst to work on a record with Leroy and his great musician friends.

At the end of May, David jumped in his car, drove from Corpus Christi, Texas to Los Angeles, California, and made it in time to start recording June 1st. Leroy enlisted drummer Kane McGee of The Northstar Session, Cha Chi who is a percussionist in the L.A area, Adam MacDougall, keyboardist, who is a current member of The Black Crowe's and has played with Leroy, Nikka Costa, Macy Gray, and The Jayhawks. This was an experience beyond belief and Leroy pushed David to the limit and summoned the untapped talent within himself. Leroy also played lead guitar, percussion, slide guitar, mandolin, harmonica, backing vocals, and acoustic guitar.

Cocktail Hour with Jones & Hardy welcomes Harry James Elston of Friends of Distinction Monday at 6pm PST www.blogtalkradio.com

Harry James Elston was born into a musical family in Dallas, Texas and grew up in San Diego, California.

In his mid teens Elston was part of a group called “Cel Foster and the Audios” which was chosen by the The Johnny Otis Rhythm & Blues Caravan in a talent search. (Otis produced Etta James’ first hit, “Roll With Me, Henry”, also known as “The Wallflower” and “Every Beat of My Heart”, first recorded by “The Royals” is his most famous composition which became a hit for Gladys Knight.)

In his mid twenties Elston worked as a limousine driver for “The Temptations” and in the early 60’s he LaMonte McLemore, Marilyn McCoo together with Fritz Baskett, Rex Middleton, and Lawrence Summers formed the Hi Fi’s and went on tour with Ray Charles who produced the group’s single “Lonesome Mood”.

In the mid 60’s after leaving the Hi Fi’s, Elston and Floyd Butler joined with Jessica Cleaves and Barbara Jean Love, formed the legendary group “Friends of Distinction” a name which was suggested by Love.

In the late 60’s Hall of Fame football player Jim Brown, who became the groups manager, introduced them to RCA Records and in 1969 their first album, “Grazin”, was released.

The album included the song “Grazing in the Grass” which a top five on both Pop and Soul charts. The song was originally an instrumental composed by Philemon Hou, first recorded by the South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela, produced by John Florez, arranged and conducted by Ray Cork Jr. Elston wrote lyrics for the song and sang lead on it. The single sold one million copies gaining the group their first gold record.

The other single was “Going in Circles.”, which earned the group their second gold record, which sold over one million copies and peaked at number five on the Top Ten pop and three on the R&B charts. “Going in Circles” was written by Jerry Peters and Anita Poree.

In 1970 the group recorded their third album, “Real Friends” on RCA Records with Charlene Gibson who replaced Barbara Jean Love. Jessica Cleaves left to join the R&B group Earth, Wind and Fire and later Parliament.

“Love or Let Me Be Lonely”, from the album, Real Friends, earned the group a second Top 10 pop hit, featuring Charlene as the lead. “I Need You” was also recorded by the group.

“The Friends were quite prolific from 1969-71, releasing 5 albums (a sixth appeared in 1973). They also released a number of great singles, including “Check It Out” (later remade by Tavares) and a terrific cover of Neil Sedaka’s “Time Waits for No One.” Their best cuts are excellently compiled in The Best of the Friends of Distinction, which was released in 1996.” Myspace.com/HarryElston

In 1975 the group separated and sadly, On April 29, 1990, Floyd Butler passed away.

Over the next 20 years the groups music was remade by the Gap Band, the late Luther Vandross, Paul Davis and Disney star Raven Simone.

Real Talk w/Bobby Hardy presents Curb Creatures September 1 @ 4:00pm

Synopsis
Curb Creatures is the tragic story of a group of homeless people living in the streets of Hollywood in search of a dream and identity that was never found. Their path often next to an uncompassionate society is littered with addictions and mental illness that often turn the simplest tasks into arduous struggles. As they struggle to survive the harsh streets they call home, reality sinks in and slowly their twisted perception and denial begins to crumble giving way to the rude obscurity of the inhumane world they inhabit.

Biography
Writer, producer, director Carlos Manuel Aguilar's passion for non-fiction filmmaking is evident in Curb Creatures's intensity and energy. His experience in documentary filmmaking dates back twenty years. Later, he focused on biographical videos. Mr. Aguilar's earlier films used the Cinema Verite style to his best advantage creating intimate stories about unique people in living life fully in the Los Angeles area.

Blog Talk Radio Presents Cocktail Hour with Jones & Hardy Monday's from 6pm to 7pm

Real Talk w/Bobby Hardy Wednesday August 18th at 7:00AM

My special guest on August 18 will be Mr Tony Jones of My girl 1 & 2 with (Dan Akroyde and Jamie Lee Curtis). We will also welcome Michelle Armenta a spokeswoman for working wardrobes. .Michelle Armenta remembers the three female volunteers who came into the room at the start of a Career Success program at Phoenix House in Santa Ana. "I thought to myself, these women are just going to get torn up," she said with a laugh. "But I listened to what they had to say, and what they had to say changed my life."

After her first arrest in 2005 on drug-related charges, Armenta was facing jail time. She was sentenced to spend six months in jail and six months in rehab.

During her stay at Phoenix House, she went through Working Wardrobe's career program. She received a job lead from Working Wardrobes and landed work in customer service.

"Working Wardrobes helps you with the whole process, even the simplest things, like setting up an e-mail address and a resume," she said. "The program just makes people look at themselves differently."

She credits Karen Lawson, a consultant for Clover Brands Marketing and a Working Wardrobes volunteer, for coaching her toward success.

"I still call her all the time to talk or for advice – even for small things like if my shirt will look good with something. I think that's how you can tell how effective this program is and how strong the bonds are that it creates," said Armenta, 40.

In 2007, she went back to Working Wardrobes to volunteer as a success coach. She now works as a sales representative: "I'm so grateful to Working Wardrobes, and I'm so happy I was able to bring this program to other women."

DONATE TO WORKING WARDROBES: http://www.workingwardrobes.org/pledge.htm or call
(714) 210-2460

Noel Stein's Restaurantuer (Book)

In a story embracing America's obsession with food and restaurants, Noel Stein recounts his days in the industry, beginning with his dishwashing stint at Brooklyn's legendary Garfield's Cafeteria. His charming, hilarious anecdotes include building Playboy Clubs worldwide and turning Manhattan's Bice into a multi-million dollar restaurant. Stein gives readers cogent, captivating insights into the restaurant world, offering tips and tales that will charm both passionate chefs and average diners alike.

Real Talk w/Bobby Hardy blogtalkradio.com/yasbow Wednesday's @ 7:00AM

DRAKE LOPEZ


Real talk with Bobby Hardy is a show that deals with everyday life. Bobby is a published poet, Recording artist, stage and film actor (He was a quiet man with Christian Slater, Elisha Cuthberg and William H Masy & Smokey Joe's Cafe the 5th Avenue Seattle). Bobby will interview celebrities and many other interesting guest. The main topics will be, Music, karaoke, celebrity talk, bobby hardy hollywood, i'll take you there.

My First Guest: Mr. Drake Lopez

The first show is an introduction too Bobby Hardy, the singer, the actor and poet. Bobby will also welcome Drake Lopez to the show to discuss the recent news regarding Prop 8. Drake is a California native and resident graduating from USC where he studied Theatre to pursue his life-long dream of being a performer. As a performer for Disney Character's and Parade Departments, Universal Studios Entertainment Division, and dancer for local clubs. He's been able to fulfill his dues as an entertainer. Currently, he's gracing the local karaoke stages where he met me. performing as a flautist and Choir member at Hollywood Lutheran Church, he's able to reach out to his community as an activist since the onslaught of California's Proposition 8, volunteering for Vote For Equality where he diligently canvassed and phonebanked to reverse the effects of Prop. 8. And now is celebrating the victory!

The Black Gospel Blog: "Amazing Grace" - Bobby Hardy

The Black Gospel Blog: "Amazing Grace" - Bobby Hardy: "“Amazing Grace” Bobby Hardy Available on iTunes (2010) www.bobbyhardy.com In this age of auto tune, Pro Tools, mixes and remixes, sometimes..."