(L-R) Black Fives founder Claude Johnson (http:///www.blackfivesblog.com), Julius “Dr. J” Erving, y yo.
There aren’t many times in life when we are blessed to exchange positive energy for more than a moment with our childhood influences, however last week I was able to . . . twice. As you well know from an earlier post, former Rucker Pro/NBA All-Star Julius “Dr. J” Erving and I were special invited panelists at the House of Hoops opening in Harlem.
I actually had met him back in ‘82. Fordham University’s summer camp invited up the Upward Fund Academy for a day, and each of us were able to shake his very large hand for a split second afterwards. He exuded this very cool energy, like he was larger than life on the court but humble and approachable off it. He was the most famous person I had ever met at that point (I was 15).
Years forward, between Vibe Magazine and my ESPN “It’s the Shoes” series, I’ve met a ton of a-list celebs from Jordan on down. Some have been mad cool, some, unfortunately, have not. I have to say if I could’ve chosen just one person to meet out of them all, it’d be my favorite musician/producer/singer/songwriter/arranger Mr. Stevie Wonder.
Stevie Wonder on the mic @ at our “Wonder-full” concert after party talking about Black and Brown unity after I told him I was Puerto Rican. (He’s blind for those who may not know.)
No artist has had the impact on my life as he has, and I’ve been paying tribute to his music, along with DJ Spinna, for the last nine years with our Keistar Productions (www.keistar.com) party “Wonder-Full.” Well, after his Garden performance last weekend, homedude rolled up on our joint, came on stage, shared with the crowd words of love, and chilled. Kindness emanated out of his heart. Amazing brother, and an unforgettable pleasure to join hands with. Word is bond. Bless his soul and thank you.
If you want to hear his speech and see more photos from his appearance, check out my www.myspace.com/bobbitogarcia page.
For heads in the Bay Area, we’re rocking on Dec. 8th:
November 29th, 2007 at 12:55 am
Bakar says:
Dr. J still looks like he can lace up a pair of old-school Cons and drop 30.. amazing.
November 29th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
Bobbito Garcia a.k.a. Kool Bob Love says:
yeah–he’s got more hair on his head than me or claude johnson too!
November 29th, 2007 at 6:05 pm
g says:
whats goodie Bob?
man,just wanted to relay my envy to you 1st hand!!!
lol! you got to meet THAT DUDE!? one of only 2 musical
geniuses walking this planet?! in my humble opinion
theres only Stevie and Prince….
i couldnt fathom what it mustve been like to vibe with
that dude…..
your scouting report on the doc was dead on too. i got
to meet him in 96 when converse had that heavy ass
leather all star editions out. my man Black had a lil
deal with them,so they invited him up to the offices
on broadway to get some gear and kicks. they were
having a marketing meeting with the doc himself in
attendance. he came out and we all stood there
straight geeked,mouths all agaped,straight groupie
style! lol! he was mad cool,almost regal dare i say.
very humble,even asked our opinions on the
sneakers,and we kept it funky with him,guess it mustve
trickled down cause they stopped making them shortly
afterwards,lol!
fyi, biggest a**hole celeb ive met, hakeem
olajuwon,dude was a straight di**head! lol!
November 30th, 2007 at 1:04 am
Jeremy Ripley says:
Great stuff Bob!
He’s probably one of the few men in this world I would love to join hands with…haha. On the real though, his music is timeless. Most of my family and friends aren’t too keen on the mid late 80-mid 90’s rap I’m playing. But throw on a Stevie joint though and everyone’s bobbing their head.
P.S.-No Mas has the illest shirts. I like that sweater as well!
December 8th, 2007 at 11:29 am
Doc Rob says:
Pure Genius, One of a kind…
Stevie Wonder has always been my favorite musician of all time….I grew up in the South Boogie Down Bronx, and I’m 33 now, hiphop still flows thru my bloodstream, but his music is timeless art. I’ve listened to ‘golden lady’ and ‘you and i’ so many times it’s turned me into quite a crooner just singing along… He should have a shrine in the smithsonian…now!