Philadelphia Music Greats on Campus to Celebrate and Give Back

Patti Labelle

Legendary Philadelphia artist Patti LaBelle joins Josh Legions, Community College of Philadelphia Music student, to share news of the College’s own record label, Spring Garden Records, as well as to support the work of the students in the College’s Sound Recording and Music Technology program.

This summer, homegrown musician and producer Jamar Jones and a host of notable Philadelphia musicians and celebrities came to the College for a musical and social event and to learn more about the College’s new record label venture, Spring Garden Records.                     

The private event served as a birthday celebration and listening party for Jamar’s soon-to-be-released sophomore solo project, Fatherless Child, on Sony Music. This event, held in the College’s Pavilion Cube, attracted some of Philadelphia’s most established musical greats, as well as some up-and-coming local talents. Jamar Jones gave a stirring live piano performance of songs from his current album, and an impromptu and stellar mic toss amongst vocal talents in the room!

Jamar Jones

Philadelphia music legends: Producer Jamar Jones and iconic performer Patti LaBelle joined by L. Armstead Edwards, CEO of Edwards Entertainment Group and chair of the board of directors for United Bank of Philadelphia, to celebrate Mr. Jones’ birthday and the release of his upcoming album, Fatherless Child.

A native of Philadelphia, Jamar selflessly shared the evening’s platform with the College as he expressed his commitment to leverage his network and experiences to support Spring Garden Records while encouraging others in the industry to do so as well. Mr. Jones, who produced the theme song for the movie, Hurricane, starring Denzel Washington, has lent his talents as a producer, arranger, composer and musician to artists such as Kanye West, Janet Jackson, Jamie Foxx, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Usher, Fantasia, Mario, Jill Scott, Warryn Campbell, Adam Blackstone, The Rickey Minor Band, Rihanna, Eminem, P. Diddy and Philly’s own living legend, Patti LaBelle (pictured). Ms. LaBelle stopped by to celebrate Jamar’s musical accomplishments, take pictures with guests, and share her talent and insights with students in the College’s Sound Recording and Music Technology (SRMT) program and those involved in the label.

The work of Spring Garden Records, led by assistant professor and head of the Music department, Paul Geissinger, and Dr. David E. Thomas, is one of the newest collaborative innovations being developed at the College and will serve as a new platform of communication and artistic expression for the students and members of the College community. Stay tuned for more exciting news and a launch event for the label in 2018.