Top Music Producer

Music Producer Trevor Lawrence Jr.

Trevor Lawrence Jr. was born to Lynda Laurence (formerly of the Supremes) and Trevor Lawrence (Writer/Producer/ Saxophonist). Both of Trevor’s parents were original members of Stevie Wonder’s Wonderland band which brought you: Songs in The Key of Life, Inner Visions, and other Classic American Music History. After Stevie Wonder, Lynda Laurence went on to become a Supreme on Motown. She joined the group when Diana Ross left, and Jean Terrell took the lead spot. (Floy Joy)

Trevor comes from a musical family. Trevor’s grandfather Ira Tucker is credited as one of the forefathers of gospel music and has won a Grammy (1974) with the group, which he was with for over 60 years, The Dixie Hummingbirds. Trevor’s Aunt Sundray Tucker aka “Aunt Sandra” also sang with Stevie Wonder and countless others including Patti LaBelle. TrevBeats” (a name given to Trevor when he shot the pilot to his cooking & music show Beats & Eats w/ Cedric the Entertainer) began playing the drums at age 2. “I couldn’t sit and play so I had to stand up for the first couple of years,” says Trev.” Music is all I know, and a little about cooking.” By the age of 18 and a senior Trevor graduated from Hamilton with two scholarships one from Capitol Records (the Nat King Cole Scholarship) and the other the Lieber and Stoller Award from ASCAP. Trevor attended USC for 2 and half years and then transferred to Cal Arts and then transferred to the real world.

“The most important thing that happened to me in my first year of college was that producer Greg Porree’ (father of Justin Poree’ of Ozomatli, Trevor used to give Justin Drum lessons) called me for my first real record date with an artist named Vinx on Sting’s Pangea record label. I played on two

or three songs and that really changed my life. I decided that I really wanted to get into the art of recording. I started collecting snares and before I really had a set of decent recording drums Harvey Mason used to let me use his drum set to record, which was awesome.”

Trevor went on to record with artists like Macy Gray, Boys II Men, Dr. Dre, Peter Himmelman and a host of others before getting a very interesting call. “One Day I was at my Dad’s studio working with him on a movie(To Sir With Love II with Sidney Poitier) and I got a call from at the time A&R at A&M records Junior Regisford I picked up the phone and he said “Hi Trev hold on someone wants to speak to you” he clicked over and on three-way he had Terri Lewis from Jimmy Jam and Terri Lewis. I nearly fell over. I had played on a record for Jimmy and Terri, and they liked it and had a new group coming out named SOLO that was going on tour so in 24 hours I left warm Los Angeles in February and flew to Freezing Minneapolis where I rehearsed and learned about being on the road for the first time. We opened for Michael Bolton in Europe for a month and then we hit America with R. Kelly, LL Cool J and Xscape. It was an introduction to Sheds(large concert venues) crowds, tour busses, and everything I ever dreamed Touring would be.

I worked and worked and tried to build up my body of work and my name and here I am today still learning a lot. In 2004 I went on tour to Europe with Macy Gray, played on Stevie Wonder’s A Time To Love Album, played on Ashanti’s 3rd album (I also played on her first album) and went To Africa back-to-back with Stevie Wonder and Stanley Clarke a week apart. It’s weird how life is. I have pictures of Stevie holding me as a Baby and I worked with him 30 years later than my parents did.

In 2001 I met super producer 7 Aurelius who is responsible for a great number of hits with artists like Ashanti, JaRule, Eve, and Jennifer Lopez. I worked with 7 for several years and we did Lionel Richie’s album Just For You(2004) together and I co- wrote 4 songs on that one. And 7 is also the reason I met and co-wrote a song on Mariah Carey’s album Charmbracelet. “We had a Sound” together and also, we have a great chemistry in the studio.

After touring the world with Stevie wonder and doing the Live 8 concert for over a million people in Philadelphia, I continued doing studio work with Scott Storch, Mike Elizondo and many others in Los Angeles. I got a call from a friend of mine,

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By: Chrystal Allen-O’Jon Monetizing Hobbies

Benedicto Wanyama, Marshon Aunjel, & Their Son Michael Oduori Gonzo It’s an online family affair

Benedicto “Ben” Gonzo and his son Michael have created a new lucrative online selling service. They have photos taken of great products for potential clients to view for purchase. This has been a lucrative endeavor for them both in 2021 and they see the potential for 2022. Additionally, Ben builds and creates wood working, drums, shakers, jewelry boxes, storage furniture and unique functional cabinet pieces. Let’s not forget the queen of the house, wife, and mom Marshon Gonzo. She designs, or together with the client assists in creating beautiful works of art. If that’s not enough, Ben works with partners to build Music Studios and Van Conversions for business or living spaces. Again, his partner in crime, Marshon Gonzo uses her passion for photography, love of cooking, and love for helping people to bring in money via an independent home assistant, nanny and elderly care provider.

They collectively see their hobbies as a fun family way to generate business. Marshon explains, “When my husband Ben sold his first piece (a drum at Venice Beach, CA) and when someone in our community noticed a storage cabinet in our living room Ben created from an Idea I drew up of, we knew we were on to something lucrative”. Realizing the need for extra training, Ben took online courses for very specific ideas, as he needed clarity on whether building certain pieces and pure creative ability would align. To test market items, Ben began to sell items at his brothers store in Venice Beach and displayed his drums at drum gatherings. The response was overwhelmingly positive.

Of course, with the positive there are always challenges. Creating unique shapes for drums and furniture with stability was perfected through trial and error. Marshon recalls, “I remember a table Ben made with at least 1000 or more thin strips. The process included glue, screws, setting and sanding to obtain smooth results. It was a strain that took at least 6 months. I can with say with confidence, Ben is very patient”. When it comes to the paperwork and administration side of things, most of the work is during tax season and involves purchase orders, which helps us track and make sense of our expenses for the year.. “We are also able to keep our overhead expenses to a minimum by displaying and selling items online via Facebook, Instagram and Etsy”. As a family, the Gonzo’s have found the key to being steadfast about their passion. They listen to advice, explore vintage stores, always keep joy and laughter and the forefront. “We dance, have a glass of wine, or beer and just enjoy each other’s company. Most

importantly, we have found, if you don’t have love, you have nothing! No amount of money can bring true happiness – This comes only from G O D”.

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Terrace Martin who put me in touch with Snoop’s camp. I toured the world with Snoop and now my drum kits from those tours are on display at Hard Rock in Las Vegas and India.

In 2008, after Snoop I began doing more session with Dr. Dre. I started with him on and off in ’94 and did SNL with him in ’96 and ’98. Those sessions ended up with me joining the Aftermath Family and Production Team. I went on to have over 30 releases with Dre and we are still working strong today with some great things in store. Along the way I have been fortunate to work with Hans Zimmer on “Man of Steel” as well as many other Producers on records and Movies like “American Hustle” and even the most recent “Halo 5” video game.

I ended up getting involved in the Music Software business with a great company called MVP Loops. We successfully launched several software titles and have many more to come. Now in 2016 I have become co-owner of the Parent Company VIP Loops. The journey has been long, and it still feels like it has just begun. I thank all the companies that support me.”

Most recently I have been a part of several projects and releases such as: The Big Short, Anthony Hamilton’s newest album as well as Lianne La Havas, Euge Groove’s Latest album, Leann Rimes latest upcoming album, Herbie Hancock’s upcoming album, rapper YG’s upcoming album as well as newcomers: Banks, Charlotte OC, and Daye Jack.

Listen to some of Reaux Fareal music.

Roosevelt Wright (Ro Wright), he uses Reaux Fareal as his moniker because it connects him to his Louisiana roots and reminds him to always be himself… unapologetically. Reaux has publicly stated his greatest honor is being the father of three sons. Cadence, Ethan, and Caleb, the Godson that he always claims as his own.

Reaux played a role on the HBO series, Treme, and he has also been featured on Fox Sports, MTV, TBN, and Congo TV Network. He wrote, directed, and starred in Get The Ring, now playing on Amazon Prime.

“I feel I am more effective using my gifts to bridge racial gaps, empowering others through my books, and connecting people through my music and many creative abilities.” Page 17