While pursuing his JD and MBA at Georgetown, he independently produced and distributed his first CD (Lessons in Love), which sold more than 40,000 units; a phenomenal success for an unknown independent artist’s debut release. This album helped him launch his career as a renowned jazz keyboardist/pianist, and later, he released his second CD (Inter Alia), with staggering success
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This success caught the attention of Black Entertainment Television (BET) founder and businessman Robert L. Johnson, who invested and partnered with Marcus to establish Marimelj Entertainment Group. Under their partnership, MEG’s label Three Keys Music housed Studio 8121, a full-service recording studio, and two music publishing companies: Marimelj Music Publishing and Three Keys Music Publishing.
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As head of Three Keys Music, Johnson produced and released on the Three Keys Music label national jazz artists: Michael Lington, Jaared Arosemena, Bobby Lyle, Nick Colionne, R&B singer, Alyson Williams, neo-soul songstress, Zahzarah; and smooth jazz Saxophonists Phillip Martin and Brian Lenair.
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​To date, Marcus has released more than fifteen Billboard charted CDs, and has the distinction of having his groundbreaking 2008 Billboard Top 20 Contemporary Jazz FLO (For the Love Of) Anthology, which consisted of three distinct CDs -- FLO Chill, FLO Romance and FLO Standards - all chart Top 10 on Billboard Contemporary Jazz Charts simultaneously.
Flute-playing soul-jazz phenomenon Ragan Whiteside has become one of the genre’s most consistently dynamic and popular artists. Thanks to her incredible skill and creativity on her chosen instrument, as well as her charismatic presence on stage, Whiteside is at the top of her game. That was demonstrated in October 2022, when she became the first artist to win the competitive Best Contemporary Jazz Artist Award at the inaugural Jazz Music Awards, held at the Cobb Energy Centre in Atlanta. Whiteside is also a 2023 NAACP Image Award Nominee and four-time nominee for the Smooth Jazz Network’s Best Artist Award.
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That distinction is well-deserved, as the Atlanta-based musician, songwriter, and vocalist has become one of very few women players to excel in the male-dominated instrumental sphere, garnering ten consecutive Top Ten Billboard airplay singles by 2024. And she’s done it as an independent artist, releasing projects on Randis Music, the label she founded with her husband, producer, and composer Dennis Johnson.
Ragan's 7th album, RAGAN will be released in 2025. The first single, "Steppin' Out," is heating up the radio charts and is available on all digital download and streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Pandora, Deezer, and more. Joining Ragan on this high-energy track is Rich Harrison a.k.a. the artist RAH (Evelyn Champagne King, Atlantic Starr) on drums and Phil Hamilton (Luther Vandross, Anita Baker, Al Jarreau) on guitar
Walter Kittler’s journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the healing power of music. Originally a music performance major on scholarship at Michigan State University, he later pursued a career in chiropractic medicine, earning his degree from Palmer University. For 35 years, he balanced his medical practice in Lansing, Michigan, with local music gigs and church performances.
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However, a severe back injury ended his chiropractic career, leading to a difficult period of physical and emotional pain. During his rehabilitation, Walter had a profound realization—he could continue healing, not through medicine, but through music. Embracing his first love once again, he found that his music could provide the same comfort and restoration he once offered as a doctor.
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Now living in Tampa Bay, Florida, with his wife, Robin Bleier, and their two rescue dogs, Jet and June Bug, Walter continues his mission of bringing peace and healing through music. Robin, his co-Executive Producer, also lends her talents to his compositions, adding flute elements to recent tracks like Surrounded by Love and Absolute Love. Together, they create music that uplifts and inspires, sharing their passion from their seaside home.
Kharisma Jazzmatic Funk was formed 14 years ago in the north mountains of Georgia in the small town of Ellijay. Surrounded by southern rock and country rock bands, husband and wife. team, Terry and Venae Ellis, brought together a group of talented musicians who were passionate about playing old school funk and R&B along with jazz music. With John Taylor, as the band’s music director and cousin Greg Wilson as the vocal director we are looking forward to a new direction. Kharisma has developed a loyal and diverse fan base who frequently asked when Kharisma would be releasing their next album. In response, the work has begun.
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The success of the band as a whole is a family unit with over 80 years of combined years in the music business. It is truly a beautiful thing. All of the Kharisma Jazzmatic Funk band members are excited about officially launching new and upcoming projects. We look forward to seeing you at our next concert.