When I was ten years old, my father a renaissance man, handed me tools that would carry me throughout life---a still camera, film camera, confidence and critical thinking.
Immediately, I had credibility with the family members as the witness to all the special events, and the griot (the family storyteller). Over the years, I realized that I enjoyed listening to the stories of many whom I interviewed. Here is my thoughts concerning a very "special person" who came with a bang and left in a whisper. I am sure family members will realize what they took for granted...as all family members will.
Mr. Barnett and I had a more personal relationship. When life would try to beat me to the ground, I would stop by his establishment for advice and some lunch. Ray would engage in philosophical and spiritual explanations as to why and who---concerning my emotional plight. The first day we met, Ray named me ELECTRA. He said to me, "you are International. You are Elegant. You are Powerful. Many of the men who encounter you, will want you for your "beauty", they will be afraid of your knowledge. Make your decision and decide whose life you are willing to live. Yours or someone else."
Thank you my friend,
With Love and Light...
ELECTRA!
___________________________________________________________________
Today, January 20, 2012, I would like to acknowledge one of the first friends Houston provided to me. Mr. Ray Barnett, Entrepreneur and Super Club Owner, Husband, Father and Friend to many in the Entertainment Business and those with a clean heart.
Houston Reporter Darryl Linden sent this text concerning Mr. Ray Barnett:
Ray Barnett, my concert promotions mentor and the man who taught Al Hayman the promoter game, who was the First Black Man to own a "mega supper club" for wealthy whites, was a father figure to Charles Bush and gave him his first job in the club game. And the First Black Man Elvis' Colonel ever let do an Elvis Concert. Mr Barnett was a larger than life figure who owned 27 clubs and over 50 classic luxury vehicles.
He will be memorialized today in Houston, TX, Taylor's Night Club at noon...he is a true American Black Entertainment Legend!
by line Darryl Linden Houston TX.
January 20, 2012
Producer/Host Natalie J media
Natalie J Interviews Russell Means (Activist/Actor)
Facebook Producer/Host Natalie J The Night Train
Natalie J interviews Founder of Griot Therapy