WE GOT MAIL
1 of 2
E-Mail from Bobby Shaw...
Enola Gaye Porter
1955 - 2004
Usually I try to be the bearer of good news but unfortunately sometimes not all
the news is pleasant. This afternoon, I received a call from Chad Novak, telling
me that Enola Gaye Porter had passed away last night at the early age of 49.
Enola was the owner of Midwestern Dance Record Pool and anyone who knew her, saw
that she was like a mother to the dj's in her pool or in reality, like a mother
to anyone she cared for (she would call me constantly when my mom passed away to
see if I was ok). In addition to her warmness and devotion to her pool, Enola
treasured gathering "her children" to take them to the Winter Music Conferences
and Billboard Dance Summits.
Recently Enola started to lose her eyesight and I was touched deeply when I went
to Detroit a few months ago and she insisted on attending a dinner with Chad,
Bruce Devery, Chris Anthony, and me as I knew that she rarely departed her
house. I have to say it brought a tear to my eye as we had to guide Enola to her
seat but she refused to allow her liability to bring her down as she joked
around just as if nothing was wrong with her.
I was fortunate to have known Enola's mom Dawn and I would have to say, like
mother, like daughter. They were like two peas in a pod and I know that they're
together now, talking about "their family".
A legend in Detroit dance music history is gone but her spirit will always
remain.
May Enola rest in peace.
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E-Mail from Relentless Aaron...
You know how it goes. You all have seen or heard about the
publicity (I'm sure), whether it's on Good Day New York, or you may have heard
the radio interviews on WBLS or KISS FM, or even caught the name here and
there...But, it's always up to us to control the images that are created in the
market place. So, here and now, I want to make this ABSOLUTELY CLEAR:I never sat
around and listened to the stories told by other people, only to write them down
and call them my books. My first publication/PUSH (in fact) was written while I
was in solitary confinement. That meant, no contact with other human beings
(except for correctional officers who served as the “keepers of the keys”). Mind
you, I didn't even have a dictionary with which to correct my own horrendous
spelling. That is to say, I am much too far ahead of the game to be that LAME
who listened in to other people’s stories, and then to interpret them as my
own. That, in my opinion, would be less talented and something that anybody
could do, not to mention, more an activity for the common huckster. I assure
you, that I am far past the “huckster status.” But, set aside any
misunderstandings, I want to thank you all who have helped in my progress,
whether you directly or indirectly played a part in my growth. This month marks
one year since I was officially a free man. And in that year, not only have I
released 6 books (with 4 more to be released by the holidays), but my office has
expanded, cases of books are crawling up my walls, we did the Barnes & Noble
seminar, the You know how it goes. You all have seen or heard about the
publicity (I'm sure), whether it's on Good Day New York, or you may have heard
the radio interviews on WBLS or KISS FM, or even caught the name here and
there...But, it's always up to us to control the images that are created in the
market place. So, here and now, I want to make this ABSOLUTELY CLEAR:I never sat
around and listened to the stories told by other people, only to write them down
and call them my books. My first publication/PUSH (in fact) was written while I
was in solitary confinement. That meant, no contact with other human beings
(except for correctional officers who served as the “keepers of the keys”). Mind
you, I didn't even have a dictionary with which to correct my own horrendous
spelling. That is to say, I am much too far ahead of the game to be that LAME
who listened in to other people’s stories, and then to interpret them as my
own. That, in my opinion, would be less talented and something that anybody
could do, not to mention, more an activity for the common huckster. I assure
you, that I am far past the “huckster status.” But, set aside any
misunderstandings, I want to thank you all who have helped in my progress,
whether you directly or indirectly played a part in my growth. This month marks
one year since I was officially a free man. And in that year, not only have I
released 6 books (with 4 more to be released by the holidays), but my office has
expanded, cases of books are crawling up my walls, we did the Barnes & Noble
seminar, the Harlem Book Fair, The Black Expo, etc. etc, as well as there is a
team of loyal soldiers who have a hands-on effort in seeing my way to the top.
There are three times as many releases coming from Relentless in 2005; as
always, MECCA CLOTHING is still sponsoring and supporting our brand, there’s a
new marketing effort in place to bring our titles to another 600,000 in 2005 and
the blessings never cease. Can you imagine? I did all of this having left prison
a year ago with just $10 in my pocket? And, can you imagine what’s in store for
the next year??? WOW. Even I need a deep breath. Thank you again for all of your
kind words, your resources and your prayers. Remember, keep your eyes on the
dream… not the competition. And that is just fine by me, since Relentless has no
competition! Happy 4th
Quarter!
i am Relentless Aaron,
Check out our latest interview on the VIBE
website!
"Urban Fiction's Don."
“FROM THE FIRST PAGE I WAS HOOKED...PUSH IS A BOOK ABOUT THE TEST CALLED LIFE
AND SEEING WHO FAILS AND WHO SUCCEEDS...
A PURE WINNER FROM COVER TO COVER".
COURTNEY CARRERAS Editor in Chief, YRB Magazine
*********