This Insider felt another gut punch when colleagues called to relay news of the passing of publicist Juanita Stephens.
The pain resonated most with reflections of her impact on the music industry.
To those who may not fully comprehend the tasks of her title, any individual burdened by the identifier must liaise with media and influencers to advance their employer’s product.
Stephens mastered her craft.
Beginning in 1984, she was the first to promote a mega-group of youngsters dubbed New Edition.
At the time, her corporate bosses were MCA Records, where she honed her skills as the assistant to the director of publicity.
Although young in age, the ambitious newcomer spiraled to become a director and vice president in the Black Music division before exiting the hit-making enterprise six and a half years later.
Allegedly, while vaulting to success, she mothered the quintet so much that one of the members inveigled her to relocate to become his manager.
And why not? Perhaps she had influenced him to embark on a solo career, win a Grammy award, and even earn monikers, crowning him a two-time achiever of titles hailing him King of R&B and King of Stage.
Rhythm and blues royalty Bobby Brown certainly impacted her decision to leave the label and move to Los Angeles, California.
“Juanita was a beautiful and gifted sister,” Brown told Billboard Magazine, “We had decades of memories, and I could always count on her wisdom and kindness.”
He punctuated his statement recently by saying, “I love you, Juanita. You will be deeply missed.”
On returning to New York, Stephens re-established record label affiliation, joining two other powerful women to launch the newly-created Loose Canon Records. Industry insiders speculated the viability of a Polygram label headed by a woman, particularly one willing to sign controversial reggae deejay Buju Banton. However, Stephens ensured the nicknamed Gargamel experienced his first taste of global celebrity by signing his first major record deal, which yielded “Voice of Jamaica.”
Stephens is credited with manicuring his tarnished reputation, which was shaped by a burgeoning niche discography in Jamaica.
Notably, Stephens advanced her career when the label folded by focussing on a stable of rap artists.
To that end, during this same period of another era that enables recognition of women, this Insider penned an entire page to introduce readers to the executive who crossed genres.
The headline read: Stephens, ‘The first lady of Bad Boy Records speaks for reggae, R&B and hip-hop.’
At the label, she refined the image of its founder, Sean Puffy Combs, aka P-Diddy, and enhanced the profile of his roster.
Recently, Stephens gushed at the mention, saying, “Not only did (the article) speak truth to power,” but it also gave a nod to her role as spokesperson for the three reputed bad boys of reggae/dancehall, R&B, and hip-hop.
Throughout a reputable career, Stephens also influenced the careers of Elton John, Dolly Parton, The Jets, Patti LaBelle, Jody Wattley, New Edition, Chaka Khan, Brian McKnight, Stephanie Mills, and others.
Before taking ill, Stephens also toiled as the founder of JS Media Relations, an independent company she established. The outlet listed Charley Wilson and Tito Jackson in her impressive portfolio.
Stephens lived in Atlanta, Georgia.
She died there on March 1.
Friends, former associates, and colleagues will celebrate her wondrous life on April 12 at 3 p.m. at the Sugar Bar in Manhattan.
Civil Rights Leader Dr. Hazel N. Dukes Dies at 92
Social change may be delayed with the passing of Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, an NAACP advocate and Civil Rights activist.
From 1989 to 1992, she championed numerous causes with the national organization but remained president of the NYS conference until her death.
Dr. Dukes transitioned on March 1 at age 92.
A reliable advocate for justice, she solidly supported Black political campaigns throughout her stint. She recently stood with Black clergy and others to support Mayor Eric Adams, who was besieged with criminal allegations before receiving a pardon from Pres. Donald Trump.
One of her most distinguishing accomplishments recorded the historic achievement of becoming the first civilian to administer the oath of office to a governor of New York.
Dr. Dukes commanded that feat at the swearing-in ceremony for Gov. Kathy Hochul.
The powerhouse activist’s funeral services will be held on March 12 at 9 a.m. at Mother AME Zion Church, 140 West 137th St. in Harlem.
Flack And Fans Are “Back Together Again”
A profound sigh permeated social media when singer Roberta Flack transitioned during the last weekend of Black History Month.
Radio and television outlets and a grateful music fraternity coalesced to sing her songs.
Bequeathed a treasure trove of her hits, many wailed the lyrics to “Killing Me Softly,” “Closer I Get To You,” “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” “Feel Like Making Love,” “Where Is The Love,” and hits she collaborated with Maxi Priest, Donny Hathaway, and Peabo Bryson.
Annually, on my stints with American Forces Radio & Television Services, I regularly signed onto my radio show playing her joyful “Back Together Again.”
However, many Jamaicans dug deeper to reflect on her purchase to acquire a collection of carvings from Kapo Reynolds, a Pocomanian priest and painter on the island. The celebrated soul singer sought the African-centered Jamaican and established a foundation in his name in 1974.
The two reportedly shared the exact Feb. 10 birth date. News reports from the Daily Gleaner also claimed that on one occasion, she handed him keys to a ‘brand new air-conditioned Volkswagon bus.’
The singer visited Jamaica, recorded there, and even nurtured a friendship with Bob Marley.
Allegedly, he would stop into the singer’s West Side Manhattan apartment on visits to New York to exchange musical notes.
When she met and married a local, gossip about the man’s status as merely a street vendor ran rampant.
Following a long illness, the singer/keyboardist died on Feb. 24 at age 88.
A homegoing ceremony slates March 10 for a memorial tribute at Harlem’s Abyssinia Baptist Church.
Jerry Butler “The Iceman” Left An Impression
Needless to say, during Black History Month, news of the transition of Jerry Butler also struck an oomph! to the abdominal. On reflection, his albums were must-have properties and collector’s items in many Jamaican households.
His lyrics were regularly printed in the afternoon Star newspaper, and it is no wonder youths of the era memorized every word for personal karaoke sessions. Butler seemed to be consoled when he led the popular Impressions. “I’m So Proud,” “People Get Ready,” “For Your Precious Love,” “Only The Strong Survives,” and “Never Give You Up ” perpetuate the legacy he imprinted on generations of soul and rhythm and blues lovers.
The renowned, nicknamed Iceman died in Chicago on Feb. 20 at age 85.
Voletta Wallace was “Ready To Die”
Although Voletta Wallace never recorded a hit song, her impact on the music industry endures as the mother of Christopher Smalls, aka Biggy Smalls, and the Notorious B.I.G., whose legacy skyrocketed after he died in 1994.
Born in the parish of Trelawny, Jamaica, Wallace penned a book about her famous son, who helped to inscribe an imprint on hip-hop music when he recorded the eponymous rap tracks “Ready To Die” and “Life After Death.”
Following his shocking and untimely murder, the matriarch was forced into the spotlight because her sons’ associates encouraged her recollections and perhaps because he died just shy of his 25th birthday.
In the book “Biggie: Voletta Wallace Remembers her Son, Christopher Wallace,” a still grief-stricken immigrant recounts her journey to America and the sacrifices she recalled.
Wallace witnessed street namings, monuments, documentaries, and her son’s induction into the Rock’ n Roll Hall of Fame throughout her storied life.
Wallace died on Feb. 21 at age 78.
Ironically, it was reported that the matriarch’s mother still lives in Jamaica at 100 years old.
Keith Lynn Leaves “Empty Chair”
To many Jamaicans, the name Keith Lyn recalls the nostalgia
of the heyday of Byron Lee & Dragonaires.
Lynn was a musician who collaborated on many hits with the popular band.
However, he made his imprint when he wrote a song titled “Portrait of My Heart” in honor of recently deceased Carole Joan Crawford, Jamaica’s first Miss World winner. His rendition of “Empty Chair” remains a constant reminder of Lynn’s contribution to the Jamaican music scene.
Ayers Vibed “Everybody Loves The Sunshine”
Most recently, on March 5 in Women’s History Month, vibraphone musician and jazz great Roy Ayers quietly slipped away.
Dubbed the godfather of neo-soul, his jazz fusion with R&B enticed generations to the vibraphone, an infectious instrument.
His legacy as founder of a grouping he named Roy Ayers Ubiquity remains an everlasting testimony to re-listen. Among the most memorable tunes he recorded, his 1976 classic hit “Everybody Loves The Sunshine” is the standout to rehear again and again for frolicking, finger-snapping fun.
Angie Stone Said, “No More Rain (In This Cloud)”
A public memorial service for Angie Stone will be held on March 14 at Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral in Atlanta, Georgia.
A long list of celebrities has already committed to attendance, with actor Tyler Perry, gospel singer Kirk Franklin, and singers Anthony Hamilton, Musiq SoulChild, Stout, KeKe Wyatt, Tamela Mann, and Y’Anna Crawley leading the galaxy of stars. A private ceremony will be held the following day in South Carolina.
Sadly, the neo-soul singer died in a devastating car crash on March 1 in Mobile, Alabama.
She was the only fatality among a van full of passengers returning to her resident state when the vehicle flipped over before colliding with a truck.
Stone was 63 years old.
Among the hits she will be remembered, “No More Rain (In This Cloud)” is indelible.
“It Never Rains (in Southern California)”
There is a quote attributed to writer Johnathan Swift that sums up the simultaneous accumulation of challenges: ‘ It never rains but it pours.’
Loosely explained: when something negative occurs, others will happen simultaneously.
Although the year is only three months into the 2025 calendar, many tragedies have befallen.
Just one week into March, news of 64-year-old D’Wayne Wiggins’s death adds to a conversation about epitaphs to be written. Wiggins died on March 7. He was a co-founder (with his brother and cousin) of the R&B trio Tony!Toni!Tone!
Together, the California-based group soared to popularity in the 90s with their hit “It Never Rains (In Southern California).”
They became New Jack Swing sensations and will remain trailblazers of a history-making music genre.
May they all rest in eternal peace, knowing that their contribution made a difference.
Catch You On The Inside!
