The HBCU Band Experience with Christy Walker

TW: sexual assault

Christy talks with Nathan B. Haymer, the former director of Southern University's renowned "Human Jukebox." They delve into the intriguing details of Nathan's newly released tell-all book, "Juked," where he candidly shares the highs and lows of his tenure as SU's director. From the intricacies of leading the Human Jukebox to the turn of events that led to his federal prison sentence for embezzlement, Nathan opens up about his experiences. Nathan's story has become the buzz of the HBCU band world and is a must-listen! 

Nathan's book "Juked" can be purchased on www.haymertime.com

More episodes of the podcast coming in 2024!

In this BONUS episode, Christy chats with Frank and La Keisha Johnson, founders of the HBCU Culture Legacy Foundation, and alumni of Johnson C. Smith University's International Institution of Sound (IIOS).

Christy learns the (funny) story of how they met, what they learned marching in the IIOS, and most importantly, how they give back to band programs through their foundation work. 

Follow them!

HBCU Culture Homecoming Fest And Battle Of The Bands:

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Can you believe it's been 20 years since the movie Drumline was in theatres? Christy brings back friends of the podcast, Michael Lee, Warren Shaw, and Geoff Thompson to reminisce on the making and release of the movie. They also discuss the movie's impact on HBCU bands of today. 

This episode drops 20 years to the day that the movie was released. 

The HBCU Band Experience with Christy Walker will return in 2023. 

In this episode, Christy chats with Corey "Mr. Hanky" Dennard, an award-winning and chart-topping music producer who has worked with artists like T.I., City Girls, 2 Chainz, and more. Really, he's produced a LOT of artists we know and love.

Corey is a proud member of Southern University's "Human Jukebox", and talks about how things he's learned in the Jukebox help him in the studio.  

Corey can be found on most social media platforms (Instagram, Spotify, YouTube, etc.) at AMRHANKYBEAT 

This week, Christy chats with "Prof" Larry Jenkins, an Assistant Band Director for the "Aristocrat of Bands" at Tennessee State University (his alma mater). Hear some fun facts about him (for one - he almost didn't major in music), and he drops some news on some future AOB projects that we cant wait to see! 

Larry's Instagram: @profjenkins

This week, Christy talks with her friend Darrell Spires, who marched for Tuskegee University's "Marching Crimson Pipers" in the 70s and 80s.  Learn about how this jazz-head, "Accidental Bandsman", and proud member of Kappa Kappa Psi used lessons he learned in the band in his successful career as an engineer. And being from Tuskegee, there MUST be a mention of the Commodores!

This week Christy chats with Larry J. Allen, better known as LA or YOU.C.LA, who is a producer, singer, writer, choreographer, and more! Larry was the head percussionist for Beyonce's "Homecoming", has performed with artists including J. Cole, Missy Elliott, and Cardi B, and has been seen in productions on HBO, MTV, and BET. Larry is a PROUD alumnus of Prairie View A&M's Marching Storm, where he was a percussionist and Head Drum Major. Find out about how he went from the B.O.X. to the big stage!

Larry's Instagram and TikTok: @you.c.la

This week Christy speaks with Kim Evans, who marched for FAMU's "Marching 100" and now serves as the President of the Marching 100 Alumni Association. Kim reps the '100' ALL DAY EVERY DAY and is a true ambassador for the program. Find out about her humble beginnings and how marching for FAMU prepares her for any obstacles that get in her way. 

She's also an author in "The HBCU Experience  - HBCU Band Alumni 2nd Edition" which can be found on Amazon.  

Did you know that "Drumline" was NOT the first movie about HBCU Bands? This week, Christy interviews Darryl D. Lassiter, who wrote and directed "Pay the Price", which was released several years before Drumline. Darryl is an alum of Alabama State's "Mighty Marching Hornets" and shares his marching story and some good ol' HBCU band history. Listen and learn!  

Pay the Price Trailer:

Vickie Winans - "It's Alright" (featuring Alabama State's Mighty Marching Hornets) - produced by Darryl Lassiter:

This week, Christy chats with an old friend, Thurman D. Hollins, who has led 3 HBCU band programs - Johnson C. Smith, St. Augustine's, and most recently, North Carolina Central. Find out about how this "Mad Band Director" rose through the ranks from humble beginnings, and what he's doing next. Also, Thurman tells Christy some news about his career that shocks her! 

"Diary of a Mad Band Director" and "The HBCU Experience - HBCU Band Alumni 2nd Edition" can both be found on Amazon.