In the musical metropolis of Detroit, a man with an unyielding spirit and a melodic heart laid the groundwork for a musical revolution. John D. Boyd, a visionary and cultural pioneer, left an indelible mark on the city during the 1990s, and his profound impact on the city continues to resonate, serving as a testament to his enduring legacy.
His journey began with the founding of the Boys and Girls Choirs of Detroit, a remarkable project that aimed to replicate the renowned Boys Choir of Harlem. This groundbreaking initiative showcased his commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting the power of music. Building upon this success, Boyd went on to establish the Michigan Fine Arts Youth Choir, further amplifying the voices of young artists in the region.
However, Boyd’s influence transcended local boundaries as his family’s extraordinary musical journey took them to New York City, where they made history. With an unprecedented move, nine of his children were personally signed by the legendary rapper and business mogul Jay Z to his ROC NATION music label. This groundbreaking partnership elevated Boyd’s boutique music company, the Peace Industry Music Group, to the status of an imprint subsidiary under ROC NATION.
Now, after 17 years of igniting his children’s careers on the national stage, Boyd returned to his beloved Detroit with a new mission: to guide and uplift the next generation of young artists. To achieve this, he established The John D. Boyd Artist Production and Development Workshop, which took place at Detroit’s historic Saint Regis Hotel and The Masonic Temple. The five-day workshop held enriching activities, including artistic development, midnight production camps, emerging artist showcases, a formal benefit gal, and a captivating Mother’s Day brunch and concert.
“I was concerned about artists and bridging the knowledge gap between being a successful commercial artist and graduating from music school or just developing their art independently,” Boyd expressed. “There’s a lot that one has to learn to bridge that gap into higher levels of the music industry and entertainment. I think my favorite thing to do is to see artists become inspired, more encouraged and pursue their craft to fulfill their dreams because it’s very challenging the road that they’ve chosen. So, just being in an environment that encourages them and gives them the tools to make resources a lot more accessible makes their dreams accessible.”
Music Group/ROC NATION, the workshop aimed to provide a platform for aspiring artists to hone their skills and reach new heights was held May 10 to May 14, where attendees immersed themselves in a transformative experience, benefiting from the expertise and guidance of John D. Boyd and his team of industry professionals.
The workshop commenced each day at 10:00 a.m., offering a comprehensive curriculum that ran until 6:00 p.m. The festivities kicked off with the vibrant Rhythm, Drum & Music Opening Celebration at The Masonic Temple. The following day, participants continued their creative journey with workshops and activities, culminating in a soul-stirring Gospel Concert & Album Release Party.
Through education and access, Boyd plans to use his platform and expertise to help elevate artists and prepare them for the industry and all that comes with it.
“My advice would be for individuals to take the time to clarify their aspirations and goals, and to prepare themselves mentally and emotionally for the challenges that lie ahead. Many artists reach a certain level of success but struggle to progress to higher levels. It is common for artists to find themselves in a state of uncertainty, wandering without a clear path to their desired destination. Reaching the metaphorical “Promised Land” of success requires a different mindset, unwavering dedication, strategic thinking and a wide range of abilities and skills. So, for those who are truly determined to reach their desired goals, it is crucial to clarify their intentions and be willing to put in the necessary effort and preparation to make it happen.”
The workshop’s next stops include Atlanta, New York and LA. Those interested in learning more about the program and workshops are encouraged to reach out to Demetria Hoskins at demetria514@gmail.com.
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