5 minute read
SUGAR BEAR
from Entertainment Issue
FOUNDING MEMBER
Advertisement
OF GRAMMY NOMINATED E.U. THE LEGENDARY SUGAR BEAR
Q. Tell everyone who you are and what you do.
A. Hi this is Gregory "Sugar Bear" Elliott from the group E.U. famous for the record “Doing the Butt” that’s me “Oooooow!”
Q. Let us talk a little bit about your journey and how you got to where you are today.
A. It started in high school. Music was my heart; from talent shows, to award shows, performing and collaborating with other artists. I tried boxing and basketball, but my passion was music. I loved playing the bass guitar. My journey has been a blessing.
Q. Let us talk about the song since you mentioned it. What was the inspiration behind it, and did you think it would be such a classic?
A. I can tell you the story. This was back in 1987. E.U. was a household name and Spike Lee was doing his movie “She Gotta Have It.” And he came to the 930 club in Washington DC and saw us perform and everything led from there.
Q. When did JuJu join the band?
A. He has been with me for the last 30 years. He came from another band he wanted to join us, and we needed a drummer, so it worked out.
Q. Let us talk about the “Mute D.C. Go-Go’ movement.
A. It was a movement that came about because the demographics in D.C has changed and the owners of the community that has recently been established in the location of Howard University area were not used to the GoGo music being played continuously in this area. There was a noise complaint that backfired and caused a movement of protest for the love for Go-Go music in the D.C. area.
Q. Out of all the places you have performed what has been your most memorable performance?
A. I would say Chicago, I was at funk fest, and we were the headliners. It was an all day show. The concert was free with over 250,000 people in the crowd. The line up was spectacular. Everything was electric. It was amazing.
Q. How was it performing on the BET awards?
A. It was a dream come true! I did Soul Train and MTV a lot of big platforms so when they called about the show, I was like Yessss! We had to cancel four shows for this, but the promoters understood. We received great love.
Q. What can we expect from you the rest of 2022 and what are some of the goals you want to accomplish?
A. Personally, I would like to work on unity. I believe music can do that. Unity of all people. I’d like to see all people come together and have fun and party. A family thing, and I am in the studio now to bring more songs like “Da Butt’ and I cannot wait to bring this album out.
Q. What festivals do you have coming up?
A. We just did a wine festival with over 5000 people there. We have another coming up at the Wolf Trap in Fairfax VA. I love doing festivals and receiving all the love.
Q. How was the experience working with Chuck Brown?
A. Well, he was very influential in my life. He gave me a lot of pointers for my career. He told me I needed to play what people want to hear. I studied that and that is why we are here.
Q. Well on the personal side a lot of people do not know that you are a teacher, tell us about that.
A. Yes, I have been a special education teacher for 26 years til this day. I enjoy it. Watching them reach different milestones in their lives. It is rewarding. I love doing what I do, and it touches me when I hear
about the violence in schools with teachers and students enduring violence.
Q. Can you tell us a little bit about your challenges and hurdles that you had to go through?
A. Everything that glitters ain’t gold. People see the big names and lights but know there are a lot of ugly things that go in behind the scenes. Being booted off rosters, soundchecks go right but still not right during the performance. I am a performer, so the things bothered me, but I kept going. It is a very dangerous business and you have to really want it. If your passion is not there, then do not do it.
Q. What do you think I missing in music today?
A. Love. I really think musicians do not share stories anymore. No one talks about just life and stories. The messages the meaning of music is missing. Everything is not about a party or a gang banger.
Q. Where have you always wanted to perform!
A. I have been all over the world, but I have not been to Africa. So, I would like to spread my talents there. I would love it due to the drums in the Afrocentric culture.
Q. What is a Gem that you would like to share with your fans?
A. Put God first in everything you do and let him guide you. HE will blow your mind with the elevation.
Q. What is your music process like now that you are older?
A. I move more towards rock. I am in the Jimi Hendricks experience portion of my life.
Q. What was the best advice you were given?
A. To be myself.
Q. Who is your top 5
entertainers of all times? A. Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, Donnie Hathaway Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Minnie Riperton.
Q. Who would you like to perform with?
A. They are both deceased, but it would be Michael Jackson and Prince.
Q. If you could trade places with one person for one day, who would it be and why?
A. The president of the United States. I would make an executive order for gun control due to all the senseless killings.
Q. If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
A. Do it better. Surround myself with experienced people in every department that shares the vision of the...... big picture.
Q. Where can the readers follow you?
A. Follow Instagram: @DARealSugarbear Facebook: @EUSugarbear and @darealsugarbear on twitter.
