Centerstage - Chicago's Original City Guide

In developing his own sound, Phil demonstrates no allegiance to his contemporaries. He goes from classical to jazz to contemporary funk as easy as walking from room to room in your home. A prolific guitarist, with over 1,000 recordings, Phil Upchurch is comfortable playing blues, soul, R&B and jazz. He has been a prominent figure in music circles for more than 50 years. In addition to his work with Jimmy Smith, this self-taught musician has performed and recorded with some of the music industry's biggest names. His talents have teamed him with musical legends such as Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Ramsey Lewis, George Benson, Carmen McRae, Marlena Shaw, Jack McDuff, Joe Williams, Stan Getz, Cannonball Adderly, Herbie Hancock, Grover Washington, Jr., Chaka Kahn, Donny Hathaway, Wynton Kelly and Eddie Harris, to name a few. He has performed extensively throughout the United States and internationally. His credits also include 23 albums, movie soundtracks and television commercials too numerous to count. Today, Mr. Upchurch still enjoys a very active performing career. Sonya Maddox, CEO of WONDERVISION Music and Entertainment, has the grace and charm of a Southern belle coupled with the confidence and allure of a Hollywood diva. This Atlanta-born, television, screen, and stage actor/songs tress has become one of the most sought after, respected performers in the Page Two/ Phil Upchurch – Sonya Maddox commercial arena. With over 200 commercials to her credit, corporate America loves the essence she brings to their project. Her most recent commercials include Listerine, Home Depot, and South Beach Diet. In addition to her acting, Sonya's musical career is on the fast track, performing both on screen and to live audiences. Her first starring screen role was in the award-winning Hanelle Culpepper Film A Single Rose, which made it to the 12th cut for the 2005 Oscar Awards. Maddox received national acclaim for her portrayal of the character Rose. In addition, Sonya performed three songs for the film. Maddox also wrote and starred in Wonder, an autobiographical one-woman show. She wrote and sang all the lyrics for the productions score. Sonya continues to perform her music with a renewed sense of purpose. Sonya joined forces with music legends Phil Upchurch and Howard McCray.

“Truly, CD” is produced independently by WONDERVISION Music and Entertainment. All of the songs are by far, original. The Jimmy Smith memorial Scholarship fund in which Sonya and Phil are founders. Focus on the awareness and importance of true jazz in today's music. Says Upchurch, “The Jimmy Smith Memorial Scholarship Foundation was founded as a way to honor my friend, one of the world’s greatest jazz pioneers.” Both Upchurch and Maddox (who have teamed on numerous projects around Los Angeles) are excited and honored to pay homage to one of the worlds most influential jazz organists of all time. The scholarships provide financial assistance to talented high school-aged musicians who may not otherwise have the resources to further their musical studies. CD’s will be for sale at the performance and proceeds will help benefit the Jimmy Smith memorial Scholarship Fund. Your support helps to keep the memory and musical contributions of such a great jazz legend alive, and at the same time, provides financial assistance to talented high school-aged musicians who may not otherwise have the resources to further their musical studies. About Jimmy Smith Jimmy Smith, who began his career in the early 1950’s, is known for his clean, volcanic executions, in the tradition of Charlie Parker. Smith single-handedly, in 1956, brought to prominence the Hammond B-3 organ, as a solo voice in the jazz world. He revolutionized the jazz organ, turning what was for the most part, an overlooked instrument into one of the most inclusive, dynamic jazz instruments of its time. Being credited with creating the distinctive sound of “soul jazz,” Smith Page Three/ Phil Upchurch – Sonya Maddox was also the recipient of the prestigious Jazz Masters Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Endowment for the Arts, the nation’s highest honor in jazz. Smith died at age 79 at his home in Scottsdale, AZ, in February of this year. He has over 100 albums to his credit.

Charitable donations are welcome and can be made out to The Jimmy Smith Memorial Scholarship Foundation, and mailed to P.O. Box 38821, Los Angeles, CA 90038. For more information or to schedule and interview, please contact a Foundation representative at 818-601-3157.

Got a correction? Click Here