Meet Robert E. Person

Person

ROBERT E.

MOF: We are so thrilled to have you Brother Robert. How are things going for you these days?

Brother Robert Person: Thanks so much for this incredible opportunity. All is well. I just released new music and I’m very excited about this next chapter on this faith journey.

MOF: Tell our readers a little bit about you. Where do you call home?

Brother Robert Person: Washington, DC is my home but my parents are from North and South Carolina. As a result, I’m a southern boy from the BIG city.

MOF: What has life been like for you? Did you grow up in the church?

Brother Robert Person: Life’s been good for me. I grew up in a twoparent household and in the church. My church experience was cool. While growing up I had the awesome exposure to four branches of Zion: Baptist, Methodist, Fire Baptized Holiness and then, I went to Catholic school. So at an early age, I was fully exposed to Christianity.

MOF: You are a gospel jazz artist. Has that always been your genre?

Brother Robert Person: Yes. My sound is comprised of Jazz, Soul and Gospel. I think most artists consider themselves as “artist” but the industry (in some cases) forces a label on us. With that said, I welcome the term Gospel/Jazz. It really does encompass who I am as a recording artist.

MOF: What inspires your music? Where does the music come from? Life experiences? Is it in your soul?

Brother Robert Person: Yes, music is definitely in my soul. It really is who I

am. For me, music comes from all of the senses. You can feel, breathe, see and of course hear music in every experience. As I (quickly) approach 50, I’m now inspired by life itself and lyrics.

MOF: Who have been your musical influences over the years?

Brother Robert Person: WOW! There are so many… Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Luther Vandross, Richard Smallwood, Daryl Coley, All of the Hawkins family and the entire Winans clan. The newest edition to this list is Gregory Porter he’s phenomenal. MOF: Thinking back on your music career, what do you feel is your biggest accomplishment to date?

Brother Robert Person: I bless God for every open door (and the closed ones too). I’ve been afforded some incredible opportunities. I’ve traveled to Italy, I’ve sung for the Pope. It’s hard to say… but I think my biggest accomplishment to date would be debuting at #12 on The Billboard Jazz Albums Sales Chart with my first Jazz release CLASSIC COVERS (June 2018).

MOF: What has been your biggest challenge as an artist?

Brother Robert Person: FEAR (in all caps). I second guess myself way too much. Although my spirit knows better, my flesh struggles with it. With a little faith, time and wisdom, I’m learning to push thru and past this demon.

MOF: What can we expect from you coming up? Is there an album in the works?

Brother Robert Person: Well I just released a new EP entitled Classic Covers. This is my first Jazz album. It’s a collection of cover tunes hand-

picked directly from the great American songbook.

MOF: What advice would you give someone that wants to get into the music industry…particularly in the gospel jazz industry?

Brother Robert Person: The best piece of advice is a simple one: Be yourself and embrace your gift. This is sometimes difficult but it also takes time and wisdom. You can definitely learn from others and be inspired by other musicians… but always present the best you.

MOF: Outside of music what else can we find you doing? Any hobbies?

Brother Robert Person: Well… I love to eat. Probably too much. I love a good restaurant and good home cooking. I also like to travel.

MOF: There is so much craziness going on in our country at this time. We as men, especially men of color, are faced with dealing with the discouraging events going on in society on a daily basis. What words of advice can you give any man that may be going through something in their life right now? How do you manage when the going gets tough for you?

MOF: We are so thrilled to have you Brother Robert. How are things going for you these days?