Today we’d like to introduce you to Gene Andrews.
Gene Andrews, Jr. is no stranger to the music industry, especially to Gospel Music with many, many, many & many years of experience(lol) his journey began singing at the tender age of three and by age seven recorded his first single “Until Then.” As a child prodigy in his hometown of Brooklyn, New York singing for various programs around the city, He was blessed to perform in concerts featuring the likes of Gospel Legends Rev. James Cleveland, Shirley Caesar, Dorthy Norwood, Late Mattie Moss Clark. Dino, Larnelle Harris, Blackwood Brothers, Richard Smallwood, The O’neal Twins, Milton Brunson, Jessie Dickson, Andre Crouch, The PTL Club and many others in the Gospel Music industry. He has performed at Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, Apollo and across this nation. Gene is also an accomplished musician where he spent many years at Bethel Baptist Church (WJ. Hall) and Concord Baptist Church where the world renowned Rev. Dr. Gardner C. Taylor Pastor Emeritus.
Gene credits his rich history Gospel to Melvin C. Walker, Joe Bostic (first gospel radio announcer in NY city.) The Legendary organist Dickie Mitchell who played for Mahalia Jackson at the I have a dream speech delivered by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and his Father Gene Andrews, Sr. who is Brooklyn’s oldest living Gospel promoter. Also an accomplished musician. His dad & mom foster the Gospel Music culture in 70’s, 80’s & 90 “s bringing concerts featuring every Gospel artist you could imagine.
Gene who has been vocally classically trained while he attended the MFA program at City College by opera great Dino Cassolis. He has also worked with Donnie Osmond, Roberta Flack and other secular artists. he was understudy to Ralph Carter (Good Times) in the original Broadway play “Raisin In The Sun”, He had a feature role in the Langston Hughes play “You’ve Taken My Blues And Gone” featuring Roscoe Lee Browne.
Gene’s business background took him to Wall Street gaining employment with The Bank of NY & Morgan Stanley working in the stock market Senior VP working on the trading floor in the Global Custody & ADR departments. His diverseness took his music and business experience relocating to Nashville, TN where he opened two successful clothing stores and launched Global Entertainment Group, a music management and production firm. Where he would start a career in music management and production Working with Dr. Bobby Jones Gospel (BET), Ben Tankard, Grammy Award groups Take Six and Living Colour (MCA), Country music star Tricia Yearwood. He was asked by Thomas Cain and Catherine Brewton who was a Senior Director at that time to invite Mr. Ben Tankard as the very first perfromer at the BMI Trailblazers Awards Ceremony held in Atlanta.
Gene went on to Co-Executive Produce with his longtime friend James Robinson (General Mansger Malaco Records) Grammy nominated JJ Hariston & Youthful Praise Incredible God & Thank You For The Change. Stellar Award nominated Zak Williams 1/Akord and is currently working on newcomers Issac Brown & Gang’s project. He is also consulting on new music and film projects. There are new signings on the horizon with Laila Lopez (TMZ), Lady Q & Latoya Polk( (Comedians), Gospel Artist Michelle Prather known for her vocal abilities with (Kurt Carr, Donnie Mcclurkin) and Playwright Zuri Craig (Tyler Perry).
Once again Gene found a reason to relocate to Atlanta tas a consultant for Real Deal records(Evander Holyfield). He expanded during this time By hosting Gospel @ The Undergroungd featuring Joseph Robinson & Chosen Aggregation (formly know as Dirk Chaney) he met some very talented artist and began to develop them one in particular is Darius Scott, who at the time was all of 14 years old and now he is a grown young man who has produced music for Chance The Rapper & Nicki Minaj, Its a blessing to be a brick in someones career.
At present Gene is developing opportunities for new artist, While Co-producing a Super Bowl event in Atlanta that honored Keisha Lance Bottoms (Mayor of Atlanta), Jermaine Dupree, T.I, Monica and others, Gene invited a very gifted violinist to perform Ms. Javonne Jones to the event she was mind blowing he calls her the Led Zeppelin of the violin. Ms. Jones has become a big focus “I Love her work ethic, spirit and drive” I want to support Javonne the world needs to know about her says Gene. Global Entertainment Group also has new signing are on the horizon with Laila Lopez (TMZ), Lady Q & Latoya Polk (Comedians), Gospel Artist Michelle Prather Known for her vocal abilities with Kurt Carr, Donnie Mcclurkin. Playwright Zuri Craig (Tyler Perry). Author & Therapist Shanna A. Jefferson & Singer Tya Storyz.
Gene has ventured into the film industry and has introduced Hollywood to his city Alpharetta late 2019 he assisted on a Netflix project he secured the project with the help film producer Alicia Godmasch. He shot it in beautiful Alpharetta, GA. Many more projects are coming to Alpharetta. Expansion is happening in the city and to his company’s model. Gene is planning the film, music festivals, plays, seminars and workshops to introduce to a city he’s resided in nearly 15 years. He believes that Alpharetta needs some diversification besides building homes, shopping malls, parks and restaurants. The city needs to allow other cultures opportunities to bring new & fresh ideas “Change is healthy, it allows growth. It eliminates control and fear!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No. It’s not been a smooth road, In 2006 my wife Rochelle passed away from a heart attack this created many obstacles and challenges. I had three young children that needed my full focus, I had to find ways to keep them on track. This took making sacrifices missing opportunities that could have advanced my business tremendously. I created a foundation to turn a tragedy into triumph. I founded The Heart Of Rochelle Foundation, this foundation supply’s heart defibrillators to elementary schools in North Fulton Schools. I raised funds by creating a skincare company for my ten year old daughter Jahrae’ at the time this would help fund our cause. My children were able to get a taste of what entrepreneurship looked like, These ventures served as ways to overcome obstacles to move forward. I saw first hand how many hats women wore on a daily basis balancing career and family. It sparked me to establish the “GO Woman” movement and would serve as vehicle for men to celebrate women rather than women celebrating women. By offering Seminars, Workshop, Day sessions & Luncheons women are empowered! It also allows men to remember the “GO Women” in their lives who will ultimately leave LEGACIES! for more info www.imagowoman.com
Please tell us about your work.
The solid foundation of Global Entertainment Group is true dedication and emotional bonds to everything regarding music. Unlike the classic idea of management and record labels, this unique concept is crafted and managed by strong minded and fiercely driven people with great experience in this industry. Global Entertainment Group is of the point of view within the music industry that stands for change and will see it happen.
The basic idea is the constant expansion in all areas of the business. The bigger and stronger the network is, the more we can support the business side of the music industry in favor of our artists. Who might need it. Everything stated above, combined with a passion for making different dream projects a reality for ourselves, as well as for people around us, we aim to be the one label making the total difference. We are dedicated to help our artists – not to limit them. The solid foundation of Global Entertainment Group is true dedication and emotional bonds to everything regarding music. Unlike the classic idea of management and record labels, this unique concept is crafted and managed by strong minded and fiercely driven people with great experience in this industry. Global Entertainment Group is of the point of view within the music industry that stands for change and will see it happen.
Global Entertainment Group utilizes knowledge of some of the most experienced and respected music professionals in the industry. It takes pride in implementing innovative business solutions to develop the careers of a client roster ranging from breaking to established the artist.
What sets us apart is our services are comprehensive and tailor to the needs of our clients. They include: Artist development, day-to-day administration, digital strategy, marketing,direct-to-fan distribution, and public relations, contract negotiation, tour support, publishing, security, PR, Production Staffing, Theme & Set design, cost analysis, Stage design, AV, event execution & Management, sponsorship’s & launches. I take pride in being a connector!
I am most proud of the growth and relationships I’ve made through the years. Even the bad that came with the growth. The people who called themselves friends, People that I have personally invested time and finances into within the earlier stages of their careers and now they have seemed to forgotten. I realize that some people in our industry will be TAKER, My goal is too never forget those who have helped me along the way. A building cannot stand tall without the bricks that made it. Remember….. EVERY brick counts!!.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Passion, Commitment, Tenacity and Integrity are characteristics of my success. I believe when you surround yourself with quality people then quality can only come back to you. I love too push people, however the push must come from within first. Many people look to be pushed rather than push. Everything takes teamwork, I’m one for strategically connecting others for the win. My success has been in giving many that I have helped whether it was financially, time or even allowing them access to anyof my resources has been the blessing for me.the sad thing is some people have never say Thank You! It may hurt However, you learn and move on and never be bitter!.Surround your energy with like minded people who have sincere motives.
To be successful it comes with humility. as stated, I won’t forget those who have made an impact in my life. People who thought of my family enough to sacrifice there time and energy when they didn’t have too for me. Many times we base success when things are going great, success is based on when things are not so great. Our set backs are only for a great come back!!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.globalentertainmentgrp.com
- Phone: 770-219-6516
- Email: gene@globalentertainmentgrp.com
- Instagram: @globalentertainmentgrp
- Other: www.imagowoman.com
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