Announcer: Welcome to Business Life 360 with Kristi Kay, where we covered trends and impact in the world of business.

We get to know CEOs, leaders and innovators, and we see firsthand how business and life connect.

Business life 360 with Kristi Kay is made possible in part by KeyBank National Association trustee for the Walter Eaton.

Her Human Memorial Fund and ProMedica Toledo Hospital, celebrating 150 years of serving our community, also by viewers like you.

Thank you.

Kristi: Hello, I'm Kristi Kay, welcome to Business Live 360.

Glad you're here to dive deeper into the business world and the lives of those success driven people who impact it.

To know me, to understand how much music inspires me in my everyday life.

And I just couldn't help but feature the music industry from the perspective of a world class singer and a song stylist in the business for 60 years, to a current Grammy winner, producer and sound designer.

The successes, the difficulties, the industry perspectives.

We delve into the music business right here, right now.

So settle in and come along with me.

This is business life 360.

Since the days of swanky supper clubs and night lounge performances in the 60s, Jean Holden has been singing.

Her performances have included opening for Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra Jr and Count Basie.

She grew up in the South during segregation.

She was a working mom before the term working mom or super mom existed.

Gene Holden now shares insight into her world over the decades, and we also get to spend time with her daughter, Lisa Holden, who's been her business partner and keyboard player for the last 20 years.

So let's head to Lucille's Jazz Club at toll House in Toledo, Ohio, to hear more.

Jean Holden, 60 years in the music industry.

Tell us, in a word, what it's been like for you.

Jean Holden: It's been magnificent.

Sometimes have been down, sometimes been up.

Kristi: You have the voice of an angel.

I have seen you perform.

You perform for thousands and thousands of people through six decades.

How did you first get into the music industry?

Take us back.

Jean Holden: Well, I started when I was 13 singing in Shreveport, Louisiana, and studying, and my vocal instructors pushed me into opera, and it wasn't something I really wanted to do, but throughout the years it has certainly helped because I use all of those there, all of that.

Those trainings to what I do now.

Kristi: Now, as you look back at your life, gene, before the civil rights in the segregated part of the country, Louisiana, tell us more about that chapter in your life.

Well.

Jean Holden: I love country music.

And in Shreveport, Louisiana, there was a show, a place called the Municipal Auditorium, where they had the Louisiana Hayride every Saturday night, and it was broadcast.

So I'm here with the glued to the radio, and I would hear Patti Page, I would hear Patsy Cline singing crazy.

And I would think, oh, I would love to go to the Municipal Auditorium, but being a little black girl in Shreveport, Louisiana, I was not allowed to do that.

One of the things that I experienced in Shreveport, Louisiana, and this was prior to, Rosa Parks sitting on the bus that we had trolleys in in Shreveport, Louisiana, the trolleys that ran with them all on a wire.

And we had the colored section from the back to the first two seats.

Well, I got on the trolley and it was filled with black folks and up to the last colored seat colored.

I sat there and every other seat was full.

This white gentleman got on the trolley seat and his the white section was filled also, and he didn't have any place to sit.

And the driver looks up in his mirror and he could see me, and he says, and I looked up and said, But I'm in the colored section, and he says, I don't care, girl, get up or get off.

and even to this day at 84 years old, I want to I want to tear up, too, of how I felt, how demeaning that was, how I felt to get up out of that seat.

People say that this there is no racism, but there has been.

We've come a long way.

But I don't forget, I haven't forgotten, I haven't forgotten that I don't hold it against anyone either.

Kristi: But you can't forget.

Jean Holden: I can't forget.

Kristi: You know, you call yourself a song stylist and you've been doing this, as I said, for six decades.

What is the secret to your longevity and being in this business, as long as you've been and continuing to entertain and really be a part of people's lives?

Jean Holden: Well, I think the main thing is taking care of my voice.

that that to me, is the most important thing.

Kristi: How do you do that?

Jean Holden: from the training that I had to is to.

This is precious.

It's an instrument.

You cannot get a new voice for.

Kristi: You and your daughter.

Lisa, who plays keyboard, is a wonderful pianist.

She is.

You two together are amazing.

Oh, we are here.

You are the best of teams.

Jean Holden: I dare.

Kristi: Tell it.

Tell us more.

Let's kind of talk a little bit about that in terms of how those performances work.

We're going to be talking to Lisa really soon too.

Okay.

but how, how do you decide the songs, and is there a particular song that the two of you like to perform together?

Jean Holden: She'll write a list.

She said, mom, what about this song?

What about?

And she knows that I like the old songs, I like, I like the theatrical type songs.

She's precious.

We we we work so well together.

What a blessing.

Kristi: Let's talk to Lisa.

Okay?

Okay.

Kristi: All right.

Thank you so much to let you all.

Jean Holden: Thank you so much.

Okay.

I can't give you anything but love, baby.

That's the only thing.

And I've got plenty of baby dreams.

While scheming.

While you're sure to find happiness.

And I guess all the.

Things you've always pined for.

Gee, it's good to see you looking swell, baby.

Diamond bracelets, Woolworth's, doesn't sell baby till that lucky day.

Kristi: Lisa Holden, so great to be with you today.

Lisa Holden: Great to be with you, Kristi.

Kristi: Thanks for having me.

Absolutely.

I have enjoyed so many shows with you and your mom, and you two have been performing together for, what, 20 years now?

Lisa Holden: So yes, I would say I probably have been playing piano well for many years, but probably primarily my mom's piano player for the past 2025 years.

Kristi: The business of music and the music industry has really changed through the years.

So talk to us a little bit about how the business works now in terms of booking gigs and finding band mates for your mom's concerts and performances, what the venues are like these days?

Lisa Holden: Well, I like to think about the music business, the type of music that my mom has been in for years, the supper club days, are pretty much gone, and opportunities to perform in her genre of music are not what they used to be.

And fortunately, my mom's at a point in her career too, where she's kind of semi-retired.

But years ago we used to do, you know, weddings and all types of events like that, and you'd have to pull a band together.

We never had like a solid set of musicians, but it'd be like, can we get a bass player for this gig or that gig?

And that's still that part is pretty much how it still works today.

Kristi: Other details that tied to the business of music in terms of what has changed over the years, what are some of those things?

Lisa Holden: I think about the supper club days when people used to, get dressed up and go out for dinner and drinks and get a babysitter, and now it's a lot of sports bars and people take the kids to the sports bars.

And so the, the atmosphere, the, the venues for this type of music is not what it used to be, but my mom draws, even at her age, young people to her audience, you know.

Kristi: So she still remains Lisa Holden: Relevant.

Kristi: Yes, yes.

So for six decades.

Lisa Holden: Exactly.

And she still has, you know, voice students that she sees.

And so it's just really an honor.

Kristi: Yes.

Well, it is so great to be with you today, to be with you, mother Gene.

Lisa Holden: Thank you very much.

Kristi: Yeah.

So we're looking forward to maybe getting some up close and personal lifestyle kinds of conversations coming up.

Lisa Holden: That'll be fun.

Thank you so much, Christine.

Kristi: Thank you.

Lisa.

Hugh.

Real pleasure.

Lisa Holden: Thanks.

Kristi: And we're going to hear more from Gene and Lisa Holden later on.

My conversations with them inspired me to find out more about what goes into recording Award-Winning Music and who better than my next guest?

He's a Grammy winner, a producer and sound designer for Beyonce's Renaissance album, one of the top selling albums of all time.

Growing up in Sylvania, Ohio, and finding his music niche in sound design and production, Jameel Asthey is now legendary in the music industry, and he's only just begun.

Jameel, welcome.

It's fabulous to have you here.

Jameil Aossey: Glad to be here.

Kristi: So talk to us a little bit more about how many years you've been in the music industry.

Jameil Aossey: 24 at this point, professionally since 2014.

Kristi: So tell us about that.

In the years that you've been in the industry, what is it that you've been doing and that kind of evolution for you?

Jameil Aossey: Jeez, I mean, I started it, you know, recording it when I was in high school, right?

Just going down and making ideas on a keyboard booking studio time, 50 bucks an hour.

You know, you leave with cassette tape back in those days, and just working with people locally and just trying to help them create their sound.

Even when I was young and over the course of time you work with more artists, then you figure out what your best.

So for me it was production, so it took someone to tell me later on like, hey, you know what?

You're not the greatest artist vocally, you know, maybe focus on your production.

So that's kind of when I made that switch about 2013 into production.

Kristi: That was a pretty significant moment.

Then little did you probably know at that time, like, wait a minute.

So I'm shifting and maybe you didn't think about that originally, but that was probably some of the best advice you received.

Jameil Aossey: It really was, you know, focus on what you're best at, master that first, and then you can kind of go in depth a little bit.

Kristi: Tell us more if you were kind of, a quick synopsis of what it's like to be in the music industry, some of those jobs.

Jameil Aossey: Yeah.

So, you know, for me, production wise, it's helping the artists get to the destination of the song.

that's pulling resources, that's conducting the sessions, or just making sure that the music gets where it needs to be, bringing in, you know, certain writers or just you know, whether it be, you know, everyone but Ted's, and someone has to make a decision.

songwriter composer really comes in and says, okay, well, let's create the lyric in the melody and let's make what the song is about, if that makes sense, is make it catchy.

Let's find a way to help the artists identify their vision and how to take it home and make it understandable to the listener.

so and then talent managers, of course, are there, so we don't have to worry about negotiating deals or having those phone calls and conversations with people.

We just solely focus on creative freedom.

And so that's kind of like the brief overview of the creating part of it.

And then the.

Kristi: Managers, when we talk about your IT factor, you know, what was it that Beyonce and her team said, okay, this is the guy.

This is who we want.

Jameil Aossey: I think that we Covid allowed everyone to take a step back and just try to find a way to connect with them.

So we decided, well, you know what?

Maybe we should stop taking on projects that don't resonate with our passion.

We made a sound design iPad that her team got hold of, and they kind of came direct to us and said, hey, y'all, we heard this sound, we want this sound.

Would you mind working on the album?

Of course, of course we do.

Right?

And that's just how it happened.

Within a couple days, we worked on preexisting demos that she had, so we didn't make them from scratch.

They were already demos, and we just applied what we were doing at that time, which is what we believed in to her songs.

And then it just so happened.

So it was just confirmation again of if you follow what you believe in, then those things start to happen, because before that you had so many almosts and never panned out.

I feel like we were trying to fit into this circle that we just didn't have a passion for.

Kristi: What about the business side of you?

You have a great business mind to do you not?

Jameil Aossey: You try to be.

You know, I think the problem in music is everyone's out to take advantage of the creative and they have a business to run.

So that's understandable.

But I think we have to be smarter.

Business people ourselves.

We can't let those things happen.

We need to align with the right management and team.

And I've had a great mentor in S1 since 2013.

And I'll see you this one.

Yeah.

So he was my first industry producer that I had met who heard something I did and gave me a chance.

And we worked monthly.

We did AI chats at the time and I was sending folders and we just he would critique and we'd go back and forth and he would just show me how things are done and then identify, hey, this should be better.

We could try this.

It was never good.

Stuff is no good.

It was just, well, here's how you should look at it now and then that 18 months of kind of working back and forth.

And I was winning competitions, and he gave me a chance to work on a project through Interscope at the time, and we kind of took a vocal and rebuilt a song, and then it got placed and he offered me a deal.

And that was in 2014.

And ever since then, we've just kind of we work every day.

It's just been a great relationship.

He's been a great mentor and a brother and just everything you could ask for, and it helps you develop your own character.

Also because you see there are good people in the business.

Yeah, I was pretty fortunate to have him.

Kristi: There's something about that uplifting and that believer in you who sees you for exactly who you are and sees your potential.

Jameil Aossey: Yeah, and vice versa.

You want to see that in other people too.

Some people just want to make money.

Some people just want to use you for your ability and just kind of kick you out and bring the next guy in.

And, you know, I haven't had the experience that.

Kristi: You know.

Jameil Aossey: We've had a long growth process of of growing together.

And then you understand each other and how you work.

And now it's effortless to make anything now and, you know, you don't fight about it.

You just you understand each other.

Kristi: You know, there was a Wall Street Journal article that you were featured in and it said that music wasn't just made during the pandemic, but it was written by the pandemic.

How does that strike you?

I know you mentioned a bit, a little bit about the process during the pandemic and what you were going through and how it worked, but tell us more.

Jameil Aossey: Yeah, now you can do things remote.

So at that time no one was in rooms together, so it made it okay to just do things virtually.

It's not easy.

You're working remote isn't as good as being in the room, right?

I mean, you know, you you don't get to feed off people's energy that way.

But that whole era, if you will, created it a new pathway, especially for musicians to accomplish those things.

And what's great about that time frame is me living in Savannah, Ohio, gave me an opportunity to do something like Beyonce, a remote right?

Because that was a thing.

By then it was okay, was accepted.

Most people like that, you're in the room.

If you weren't in the room, you might not have that opportunity.

So I think that that that Covid might have been one of the best things that happened for technology in in many ways, not talking at all about the sickness or anything, just based on it, forced us to be more creative with how we were going to continue to work.

And so, yeah, I think that the whole Beyoncé situation was possible coming out of Covid.

It made it more possible for someone from a small town to have a chance at something like that.

Kristi: And you had mentioned before, too, about Beyonce and how her creativity really kind of was changed from the pandemic and how she was looking at music as well.

And you were quite that match for what she was looking for.

It also.

Jameil Aossey: Things just were in alignment.

I feel like sometimes you're drawn into the right things at the right time and with the right people.

We thought right when we found out.

I would never guess with the odds.

If you asked me years ago, we've never thought something like that would put that would be the artist.

But she's such an innovator.

And we were trying to be.

And we've always tried to be.

And I just think at the right time we just everything aligned.

And you know, it was a good fit.

Kristi: Jameel, we can't thank you enough for being here, for sharing all that you've shared with us today, your talents, your business acumen, your musical abilities.

We're so glad that you're here and joining us today.

So thank you.

Jameil Aossey: I'm glad to be here.

Thank you so.

Kristi: Much, and thanks for all you do for the music industry and well beyond.

Jameil Aossey: Thank you.

Kristi: And now let's head back to Jean and Lisa Holden to get a glimpse of their personal lives.

Gene and Lisa, thanks for welcoming us into your home today.

Jean Holden: Oh, it's so good to have you here.

Kristi: We love it.

So listen, want to hear a little bit more about you and your life outside of the business of music and some of the things that you two do together?

I know you spend an awful lot of time together at work, but also at home.

So tell us about some of the hobbies and the things that you like to do together.

Lisa Holden: My mom loves to go to Chico's and to Jill.

Kristi: A little bit of a chaperon shop or.

Lisa Holden: Yeah, she's, not much of an outdoors person.

in the summertime, she has a nice little patio outside, so she sits out there and that, but we enjoy.

We go out to dinner.

we're fortunate enough to be members at Toledo Country Club.

Lavon and I play golf there.

Kristi: All right, so you got to know.

Not a golfer.

Jean Holden: No not a golfer.

I'm not into any sports.

Kristi: No, no.

Now, something I know is true with you is you really take care of your spirit.

And meditation is a really big part of your life.

And I've really noticed with you that you you look so youthful at 84 years young.

Wow.

you, you're taking really good care of yourself.

What is the secret?

Jean Holden: Well, I just feel really blessed, and I'm.

I wake up with the with the attitude of being grateful.

And I think that that's, I would that's what I would, say.

Kristi: Now, the two of you have an awful lot of synergies.

What would you say are the things that you have the most in common?

Obviously, some differences in your interests and your hobbies, but what do you have the most in common?

Jean Holden: I think our hearts, I our feelings, our feelings, and both of my children, my son, and my daughter both have that that that heart that's sensitivity.

Lisa is just such a kind, kind and loving person.

Kristi: You are, Lisa.

And that comes through in everything you do.

It comes through.

We saw it on the stage and we see it in person all the time.

I mean, you like to serve others and you have that gift to help.

Lisa Holden: And I think that's really, been prevalent too, with my career that I had an education.

Kristi: Something I wanted to hear more about.

And we're going to look at your studio very soon and how much you love to mentor.

So how about you show us your studio?

Okay.

So some of the things that you're doing with your students.

Jean Holden: I'd love to do that.

That's wonderful.

Kristi: Well, let's take a look.

Thank you.

So, Jean, it's great to be here in your studio.

Jean Holden: Well, it's so good to have you in here.

Kristi: Thank you.

I know your passion is mentoring and teaching students to say.

Jean Holden: Absolutely no.

Kristi: Voices.

Jean Holden: I love it, I love it, I love to, I love to see them grow and doing something that they love doing, you know, and we have we have fun with it.

Kristi: And through the years, I'm sure you have taught what hundreds of, oh.

Jean Holden: Many, many I've been blessed to have many come through.

Kristi: It's one of your legacies for sure.

And I know something about you that is that you love to encourage kids to learn to use their voices.

And even if it's a competition, well, I kind of don't like a winner, a loser.

You like to really acknowledge.

And.

Kristi: Allow everyone to shine.

Tell us more about where that.

Jean Holden: Passion I, I think that each person has something very special to give and not to try to sound like the recording artist that they that they love, you know, but to find their own voice, their own place.

Kristi: What would you say your legacy is?

Jean Holden: When I'm when I'm going on.

I wanted not to be known, not to be known as such a wonderful singer, because I'm sure that many who are hell of a lot better.

But I want to be known as a person who cared, who cared and loved.

I love each person that comes through this door and that I have the opportunity to work with.

They are blessing.

They're a blessing to me and I want to be a blessing to them.

Kristi: Are you the same person today that you were when you started singing?

Jean Holden: I listened to my voice from old recordings and I can hear that I am the same except for the pitch.

I've had to lower the pitch.

Not is not as high as I used to be able to sing it, you know, but I, I hear the feeling is still the same.

So a lot like, with a lot of the songs that I sing, I've been experiencing so much of that.

Some things that are happy, some things that will make you laugh.

Because I laugh a lot, you know, I laugh at myself and with the, you know, but it's different.

It it keeps revolving.

Kristi: Yes.

And almost as if when you're singing, you're living the words of the song.

Jean Holden: Yes.

Yes, absolutely.

Kristi: I feel that when I see you singing.

Jean Holden: Do you really do?

Oh, well, then I've done something.

Kristi: Well, the music industry.

How exciting it's been to learn more about what it takes to win a Grammy and what it's like to be a singer in an extremely challenging music industry for 60 years.

And that's a wrap on this episode of Business Life 360.

I'm so glad to join me.

I'm Christy K and I'll see you on the next business life.

Announcer: connect with Christy K on LinkedIn at Christy K Hoffman and hear the Business live.

360 with Christy K conversation on FM 91 on Thursday mornings.

To watch previous episodes and more, visit our website at Dawgs VL 360 and listen to Christy Kay's podcast, Business Life After Hours.

Wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Business live 360 with Christy K is made possible in part by KeyBank National Association trustee for the Walter E Tune Memorial Fund and ProMedica Toledo Hospital, celebrating 150 years of serving our community, also by viewers like you.

Thank you.