KDHX shines the Volunteer Spotlight on Your Lady Edie B.

KDHX shines the volunteer spotlight on Your Lady Edie B. and her project "The Jazz in My Soul-Marvin Gaye-Bobby Scott Collaboration" - a concert based on her play "Jazz in My Soul: A Marvin Gaye Fantasy."

A St. Louis playwright, Edie has been a radio personality for over 40 years. "Your Lady Edie B." hosts R.S.V.P. on Sundays from 10 p.m. to midnight.

The play follows a woman who is obsessed with the beautiful ballads Marvin Gaye collaborated on with singer, songwriter, and arranger Bobby Scott in 1968. The play concludes with a concert where, in her imaginary mind, Marvin would have performed had he had more time. 

Edie said she has been attempting to get her play produced for years but has yet to achieve any success. She feels that time is running out and wants to do something to show appreciation for the many Marvin Gaye fans who have supported her over the past seven years on her beloved Gaye-Scott project.

"The Gaye-Scott project is very dear to my heart because it originated from my passion for radio. I first learned about Marvin Gaye's aspiration to become a jazz singer back in the '70s during my early days at WESL radio," said Edie. "It's also personal to me because during my first show at KDHX with Michael Bishop and his “Old Soul Harmony Show,” I had the opportunity to interview Mickey Stevenson, who was the first A&R man for Motown Records, and later on,  Art Stewart, the sound engineer at Motown Records who assisted Marvin Gaye in completing the ballads that Marvin and Bobby collaborated on. Their interviews inspired characters in my play, and as a tribute to the play, Michael Bishop and KDHX, actor A.J.S.R. will be portraying the part of Mickey Stevenson from the play, as a special treat for the event.”

"I'm excited about the 9-piece band and the incredibly talented vocalist, Brian Owens, that my husband, Jeff Anderson, brought together to perform the music and arrangements of Marvin Gaye and Bobby Scott," Edie said. "Brett Stamps, Professor Emeritus of Music at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and the trombone player in the band, as well as Eric Slaughter, a master guitarist from St. Louis, who is also part of the ensemble, are credited with transposing the Bobby Scott recordings for this Gaye-Scott Collaboration."

Some of the musicians will participate in a panel discussion immediately following the concert hosted by Professor Emeritus of Music at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. You can read more about these talented individuals at www.jazznmysoul.com.

Edie would like to announce that the "Birdseeds," a small ensemble created by Harvey Lockhart's "Heal Center for the Arts" organization, will perform at the reception. The Birdseeds ensemble allows students to practice their craft early and transition smoothly into more advanced groups when they are ready.

"It's a privilege to showcase these talented students," Edie said.

"My husband Jeffery and I are thankful to the Steward Family Foundation for their support in helping us raise funds for the "Haven of Grace." The Haven of Grace provides support to pregnant and homeless women, offering a safe nurturing home, educational programs, and long-term support for both the mother and child. At the same time, it instills hope, dignity, and the pride of independence. We are grateful for the opportunity to help.

From Your Lady Edie B.:

"If you're a fan of Marvin Gaye and want to help us re-imagine what could have been, we invite you to join us. Or, if you're a caring individual who wants to donate to a worthy cause like The Haven of Grace (more than a place), we'd love to see you. Please join us on September 22nd, 2024 at the Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Ave. from 3-6 pm for The Marvin Gaye-Bobby Scott Collaboration. Your support is immensely appreciated, both for Marvin Gaye and Bobby Scott. Thank you very much."

For tickets and more information visit: www.jazznmysoul.com