So So Def

It was 1959 when the brother and sister team of Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton set out to turn an abandoned theater in the Memphis neighborhood of Soulsville USA into a tiny record store. It wasn't long before it grew into one of the most important recording studios and one of the true icons of American music. Stax Records successfully captured the spirit of the times and helped launch the careers of such legendary artists as Rufus Thomas, Sam & Dave, Issac Hayes, Albert King, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, and Booker T & the MGs.

When looking for the perfect location to photograph the "Afroman" mascot of Jermaine Dupris' So So Def label, it seemed like an obvious fit to shoot in Soulsville USA. And so we did at the famous corner of McLemore Avenue and College Street in front of what is now the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Without Stax's mark on the musical world, So So Def artists like Kriss Kross, Da Brat, Xscape, Jagged Edge, Lil' Bowwow, Bone Crusher, Anthony Hamilton, J-Kwon, and Jermaine Dupris may have never had their voices heard.

So in the spirit of creativity, I hope we all take this month to reflect fondly upon the artists and dreamers who've helped sculpt the musical and creative worlds of today. As for me, I'll be enjoying the works of many fellow artists in NYC and showing some of my photography at two events next week...oh, and of course, hanging out and having some beers.

MTV Overground #3 is a brand-new volume dedicated to Designer Toys written by STRANGEco founders Gregory Blum and Jim Crawford. It features interviews from influential people in the designer toy biz as well as coverage of over 500 toys through 300+ images. The official launch party is from 7 to10pm on February 14th at The Showroom NYC gallery.

Swear to Save CBGBs is a benefit featuring the work of 150 musicians and artists, all come together to keep CBGBs in its original Bowery home. Opening reception starts at 6pm on February 14th at CB's 313 Gallery.

Hope to see you there,
-Brian

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