Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonio Benton
Hi Antonio, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Antonio Jarard Benton, but most people—especially my family—call me AJ. I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA, and my love for music was sparked at an early age by my father. He was the personal bodyguard for Larry Blackmon of the legendary group Cameo, as well as many other artists throughout the ’80s and ’90s. Through him, I got my first taste of touring life, and that experience left a lasting impression on me.
Growing up, I had dreams of becoming a producer and an A&R executive. I played sports, but music always overshadowed everything else. My first instrument was the drums, which I mastered, but in the 8th grade, I switched to the tuba. That decision ultimately changed my life, earning me a full band scholarship to Tennessee State University. I majored in communications—just like my dad—but after three years in the marching band, I lost my scholarship due to my GPA dropping.
Despite this setback, my band director didn’t kick me out. Instead, he offered me a work-study position, allowing me to choose where I wanted to work. Without hesitation, I asked to be placed at the campus radio station, and that’s where my foundation was built. I made my concentration Radio, Television, and Production. Within months, I became the music director, and by the next school year, I was the operations manager. During that time, I also hosted one of the biggest radio shows on campus, which helped me build strong industry connections with music executives—relationships that would later prove invaluable.
While interning at 101.1 The Beat in Nashville, I met one of my mentors, Dre Davis. At the time, he was the tour manager for Danity Kane. I had no clue what a tour manager actually did, but he made the role look and sound so cool. I stayed in contact with Dre, eager to learn more. Around the same time, I applied for an internship at So So Def, where I gained hands-on experience as an on-campus college rep. Dorma Davis, the coordinator, was tough on me, but she taught me so much, and to this day, she remains one of my longtime mentors.
By this point, I had also become a DJ, throwing some of the biggest college parties in the city. I didn’t know exactly what I was doing at first—I just knew I couldn’t go back home to Atlanta, and I had to find a way to pay for school.
Then, in 2011, I got a major opportunity. I was offered a gig DJing for a group called Hamilton Park, thanks to another mentor, Yancey Richardson. Once they signed their deal with Atlantic Records, I became their road manager, marking the official start of my touring career. We went on a three-year run, starting with the Scream Tour. After much success with Hamilton Park, I reached back out to Dre Davis, and he brought me on as a road manager assistant for K. Michelle. From there, the rest is history. Over time, I worked my way up to becoming a tour manager in my own right, eventually managing my own tour with the incredibly talented Leela James.
I stayed by Dre’s side as his right-hand man for over a decade, learning the ins and outs of the touring business. I had my own clients as well but for the most part i assisted him with his clients. From artist relations to logistics, budgeting, and problem-solving on the road, I soaked up every piece of knowledge I could. Then, in 2023, I took a leap of faith and “jumped off the porch,” launching my own company—BLACK HAWK TOURING. It was time to step into my own lane and build something from the ground up. That journey—from playing the tuba in college to running major tours—has shaped the person I am today, and I’m still growing, still learning, and still pushing forward.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to becoming a tour manager has been anything but smooth, but like anything in life, you plant your feet, weather the storm, and keep pushing forward. One of the biggest struggles along the way was the inconsistency of work—touring isn’t a traditional 9-to-5, and there were times when gigs weren’t always lined up back-to-back. I had to learn how to navigate those gaps, stay financially stable, and constantly network to keep opportunities coming.
Another major challenge was educating new artists on the importance of having an established road and tour management team, rather than just relying on a friend or family member. Many up-and-coming artists don’t understand the depth of what goes into a successful tour—scheduling, budgeting, logistics, securing accommodations, handling crises, and making sure the artist can focus solely on their performance. It was frustrating at times trying to convince artists that having the right team could make or break their career. Some had to learn the hard way, dealing with disorganization, missed flights, or unprofessional setups before realizing the value of a seasoned tour manager.
I’ve also faced the pressure of proving myself in an industry that thrives on relationships and reputation. Being in the right rooms didn’t automatically guarantee respect—I had to show that I could handle the pressure, solve problems fast, and make sure the show always went on, no matter what. There were times I had to take jobs that weren’t ideal, work crazy hours for little pay, or step into roles beyond my title just to gain experience and earn my stripes. But through every obstacle, I stayed focused, knowing that consistency, professionalism, and persistence would set me apart.
The journey hasn’t been easy, but every struggle has taught me something valuable. Now, as the head of BLACK HAWK TOURING, I use those lessons daily—ensuring that every tour I manage is run with precision, care, and the experience that only comes from weathering the storm.
As you know, we’re big fans of BLACK HAWK TOURING. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Black Hawk Touring is a full-service touring company founded in 2023 after years of mastering the road and learning the ins and outs of tour management under my mentor, Dre Davis of Blue Alley Touring. With a solid foundation built from firsthand experience, I knew it was time to step out on my own and create something that I couldn’t be fired from—a business that represents my passion, expertise, and dedication to the touring industry.
Our first client was R&B sensation Vedo. I first met Vedo in 2017 when he opened for a client on a tour. Even then, I saw his talent and potential, so I stayed connected with him and his team. When it was time for him to embark on his first headlining tour, I got the call—and that moment was a testament to the power of relationships, consistency, and reputation.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just launching Black Hawk Touring, but taking that leap of faith and proving to myself that I could build something meaningful from the ground up. Touring is more than just getting from city to city—it’s a machine that requires precision, patience, and the ability to adapt. I want readers to understand that a lot of hard work, coordination, and strategy go into the concerts they attend. There are so many careers in the music industry beyond being the artist, and tour management is one of the most essential.
At Black Hawk Touring, we pride ourselves on making the client and their team feel at home. Life on the road—being away from family and the daily comforts of home—can take a toll on an artist’s mental and emotional well-being. Our goal is to alleviate that stress by creating a seamless experience, ensuring that every artist and crew member feels supported, comfortable, and focused on their craft.
At the end of the day, touring is about more than just the music—it’s about the experience. And at Black Hawk Touring, we make sure that experience is unforgettable.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to break into the industry, find someone who is already where you want to be. If you don’t personally know this individual, do your research—study their journey, understand their work, and look for ways you can add value to what they do.
When starting out, one of the most important things to understand is that serving and being an asset is key. Your goal should be to make someone else’s job easier, whether that’s by handling small tasks, anticipating needs, or simply showing up with the right attitude. In this industry, work ethic and reliability speak louder than words. If you position yourself as someone who is dependable, proactive, and willing to learn, opportunities will follow.
Success isn’t just about who you know—it’s about how you serve, how you contribute, and how you prove yourself valuable.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackhawktouring?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackhawktouring
