John M. Sussewell

Biography

(a/k/a “Suss!, Sasquatch!, Big Foot!) 

http://www.johnsussewell.com 

I remember awareness in New York City well before the age of two. Yes, I still remember a doctor in Brooklyn, giving me a vaccination in the crib at McDonough Street/Reid Avenue in the Bed-Sty area of Kings County - and the primary colors of ABC's floating above me in the very same crib. I remember hating it but now know it was for my protection. I remember seeing the Doctor at that time pinching me with a strange device that was supposed to desensitize me before the needle in my behind... heck, with what I know now it would have been better if he just masked the needle without the pinch! Yes, I remember that... but cannot honestly tell you how old I was aside from remembering the very crib I was sleeping in.

I remember the "pull-chain" toilet that when out of the crib I still could not reach. Some of you might remember the same toilets that relied upon gravity to flush, rather than water pressure that we leverage today. It had a reservoir well above the toilet seat... so gravity was leveraged to flush the toilet. I remember that experience, while my grandmother and my mother were seeking to train me to use the toilet rather than... oops! 

As a toddler I remember the times when my uncles, aunts and cousins would come over to that location and have the grandest meals around a big dining room table that would seat at least 15 people, me being among them. Yet I would always want to play with my cousins. My grandmother was a grand cook being from the middle eastern state of Virginia. I mean she would prepare meals that even the best franchises today cannot even measure up to.

And my Grandfather? His nickname was "Dolly." He worked very hard in the Brooklyn Navy Yard building ships that ultimately went into war. My grandfather worked very hard to support his family, while my grandmother cleaned the floors of the more affluent in Brooklyn during that time. My Mother was completing her undergraduate degree at a college in Manhattan during the times when I was still a toddler.

I remember my Great-grandmother (maternal) who shared in my raising. Most mornings I would walk down McDonough Street and be greeted by this lovely lady who took me into her apartment and made me the best breakfast that you couldn't even pay for today at any restaurant. I mean eggs, hominy grits, bacon, home-made biscuits and fruit cocktail for dessert. And that was just breakfast. My Mother couldn't fix eggs for me worth a squat! I hated eggs being scrambled in the frying pan... they should be well whipped to get rid of the white and embryo. Yet my Great-grandmother had a technique where she would boil my egg where all of the white was hard, while the yoke was dark yellow and runny. You must know what I mean, though it might not appeal to you. Yet that appeal has stuck with me until today... even if we're speaking about fried eggs! So, given that - just imagine what lunch was like before my mother or grandmother would come over to take me home. 

But then I remember also taking a nap in the afternoon sometime after lunch - in retrospect this allowed my Great-grandmother some time for herself. Yet after the nap I would have to walk down four flights of stairs to the basement of the apartment building so that I could assist my GGmother to haul coal back up to her apartment. That coal provided the means for both heating that apartment, as well as cooking . I was never uncomfortable there with my GGmother... she loved me and lived until the mid 70's when she died at the age of 105. I always trusted her because despite the hard times , I felt secure within my family. In fact, I trusted everyone in my family because we were close, while knowing my place. One "old" discipline was that "children should be seen and not heard." Heck I was old enough by then to be ruining 78RPM records as a drummer, either banging on or making melodies on the piano, or just being a three year old kid. These days I realize that every adult then was doing the best they could and certainly didn't want disobedient children running under their feet or in the street in front of a bus! LOL!

At three, another discipline was that I was not ever allowed to roam outside of any apartment on McDonough Street since that area even then was dangerous. I remember that when the Brooklyn Navy Yard was closing down, there was a fight right outside my apartment where my mother told me someone was stabbed and lost their life. I remember that it took quite awhile for any police cars to show up... but when they came my mother would not allow me to see the deceased person being carted away... and I was only three years old. It was at night and the Honeymooners were on the RCA Victor TV (Black & White) with Jackie Gleason, etc. I remember being scared, but somehow found solace in being with my family in the apartment.

OK... for clarity: there was an auto mechanics garage within 50 yards of our apartment on McDonough Street. I think today that they were not only fixing cars, but chopping them up for parts. ... and someone got into a feud with another ...probably over a gambling game whether through running numbers or playing cards (Bid Whist or Poker... who knows?). Bottom Line(?): given the demographic of that community, I don't believe they were playing chess for money!. 

Hmmm...Chess... I love to play today and cannot remember how I first became interested in that strategy game. But I remember when: I was nine years old (kind of late for the masters but already doing recitals with music on the piano), chess was one of my favorite games, aside from building models of airplanes..

Given all of  my memories through those years, I was very aware that I was in a family of gifted and loving souls. My Mother and her brothers recognized that as a toddler I was always drawn to the piano. Yes, I was banging the keys early, but occasionally struck out the melodies that I heard. Then there were the 78 RPM records that my uncles would bring over to the house and play that just caught me up in the sound. I would sit between the stereo speakers that my Uncle Sterling (my mother's brother) built with tube amplifiers and fantasize about making that kind of music. Though the transistor was already invented, the cathode ray tube (CRT) was the amplifier available then, which brought about the "stereo" experience for consumers back in 1953.  It was also interesting to me to see how all of those wires somehow wound up into musical image. Yes, I remember...

I also remember how even with an upright piano in the house, the rhythm of the music caused me to ruin some of the very same 78 RPM vinyl records that Uncle Sterling would leave over the house. Ruin? Most definitely, because I would take a few whisk brooms and play the music that I remember on the very records that should have been on the phonograph... as if I were playing brushes in my mind. I'd even ruin more records by listening to the RCA Victor radio that we had at the time, as if I were in the orchestra. Don't ask me how I remember this, but I definitely do. 

So... that's the picture from my memory (and not my dreams).

Coming from a family of gifted and loving souls, John began formal training on the piano under the tutelage of William Lawrence, accompanist to the classical concert vocalists: Marion Anderson and Leontyne Price.  I played the piano at the age of four and do not know how I could have done such, except to say that I have a nurturing Mother who loves me. I think this is what I'm trying to say: that in unconditional love there are many possibilities.

Lest we forget, the American culture did not truly embrace the contributions of African Americans to our Community of diverse citizens/cultures at that time (up to and including the 50's and 60's), let alone love each other as neighbors. More importantly if one lets economics alone (or advantage) predict reality, then that one is destined to be disappointed..  History speaks for itself; hopefully we all can learn not to be intimidated by the synergy of us All and move to change our view and hearts to respect LIFE and those living among us. None of us are accidents, and evolution does not play a role in the panoply of our personalities (despite the scholars of the Darwinian school).  Each of us are unique and have something to contribute while we respect each other and the Sovereign Creator "Jehovah!"  Extrapolate or Interpolate this to the vastness of the seen universe in the sky (and human endeavors), you'll get where the implication and exhortation is toward everyone's growth beyond ourselves.

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At 12, I realized percussion (viz. drums and percussion) was his true musical passion.  After eight years of studying piano, my proclivity for 'syncopation' caused a love with the drum kit and all of it's sonorous surfaces (colors).  Such would eclipse all else, while keeping the melodics and theory in mind toward personal enjoyment and public performances. "I really enjoyed playing the piano under my Mother's encouragement and mentoring.  My Mother is a very gifted mentor and parent and she's still among us in the land of the living; ... my father, on the other hand,  is asleep, but he too was most encouraging - I miss him. Yet more importantly, I know who my Father is spiritually: His Name is Jehovah through His son is Christ Jesus!  Some simply want to call Him "God," while other's rely upon 2nd person designations. I choose to give my Father the respect he deserves, along with His son - just like any of us would desire when addressed.  Just study and you'll make the distinction between the two named creators apart from other errant doctrines within so-called Christendom.  

There are many others who walk among us who cannot attest to the same claim upon what their faith. Yet they deserve our love and respect as much as do those of us in the true Faith to a Living God whom we are meant to know my Name! (Psalms 68:5).  When integrity is in question today, I have always resorted to what my parents taught me: to love respect the Bible without lawlessness (licentiousness) and be forgiving for what errors any of us may make in our imperfection, and not that of our Creator, Jehovah God!

= = =

At 13, I began training under Morris Goldenberg, then head of the percussion department at The Julliard School http://www.julliard.edu  in New York City. As it turned out, I discovered that Mr.Goldenberg lived within walking distance of my home in Bayside, Queens, NY. Weekly half-hour lessons (at US$25.00) and public concerts (e.g. The Goldman Concert Band, Prospect Park, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Brooklyn Technical High School Orchestra, Concert & Marching Band, Brooklyn, N.Y.) continued until I was accepted from Brooklyn Technical High School to attend Milton Academy http://www.milton.edu in Milton, Massachusetts (USA). Milton Academy was founded in 1798 in a small town about 15 miles south of Boston, Massachusetts (USA).  

In the fall of 1964, John moved from New York to Boston to attend Milton Academy as a boarding student.  After three years (sophomore to senior), I graduated Milton in 1967 with honors.  Though academically proficient, music did not take second-seat with me. Rote versus rhythm has always been a conundrum for me. I continue to make the distinction in my later life even until this day when I'll be 57 this year. What I mean about this is that there are often times when one needs to sync with a wholesome pulse in the rhythm of life, and not merely living by either our desires or simply other people's expectations. Relationships among us is paramount... I've learned to always think about the feelings of those around me first, rather than just what I want to do in life.  That attitude, though sometimes draining, has proven to be most rewarding for me in the long run. I've learned that I can always expect to receive more and above whatever I give or sacrifice for another human being.

It was at Milton Academy where my attention turned from orchestral playing to popular music (jazz, rock and R&B), while pursuing my goals toward college.  Academic, musical and extracurricular activities punctuated my experience at the Milton Academy under the guidance and care of a superlative faculty, staff and student body. Now keep in mind, I was attending a very prestigious secondary boarding (prep) school where the mix encompassed those who hugged me and those who hated my even being there. Those who I name below are NOT among those who hated my African-American legacy. In fact they embraced it, as I did them and them.

Among such positive students was my upper-classman James Taylor, later renowned as the Artist that we all know today.  The campus was rife with opportunities to expand into more musical genres, idioms and performances, while not diminishing the small classroom environs that enables any motivated person to reap the best academically.  "Yet my relationship with James Taylor at Milton was too brief.  I say "brief" since he was only there for one year while I was a sophomore student.  James Taylor's talent and creativity during that academic year ('65-66), impacted the entire school.  James T. is an inspiration to all of us through his sensitive songs.  I am so glad to have known him during a time when a black student from New York City was able to matriculate among a diversity of students and faculty - predominantly Caucasian of European descent.  Unfortunately, I never got the chance to work with JT after his departure from Milton, though I could perform with him any day of the week; and that on a professional level rather than a wish-list.

Other student relationships at Milton that John attests to is with Steven Bogart (my classmate '67 and son to Humphrey Bogart & Lauren BeCall), as well as  Joseph Kennedy (son to the late Sen. & U.S. Attorney General, Robert Kennedy).  

Steven Bogart was and is a most pleasurable memory for me.  "Bogey," as we dubbed him on campus, was quite invigorating!  He made me laugh in a genuine way!  Yet Steve B. had a serious side too... it only takes to know him. Thanks Bogey!!!"

Then I'll never forget when Sen. Robert Kennedy shook my hand to thank me for tutoring Joseph in mathematics...and that was at a time when civil unrest and racism was prevalent in the U.S.  When I was the dormitory student government head at Forbes House (House Monitor: Milton Academy), Joseph Kennedy was a particular concern for me because within his familial circle, there were things going on the federal government that we all were concerned about. I mean think about it: his uncle (President John F. Kennedy) was already assassinated, and I was mature enough to know that there were other losses already being felt (Viet Nam) .  I felt for Joe Kennedy and only had a marginal relationship with him despite us being boarded in the same Forbes House at Milton. And then within one year of my graduating Milton, Joe's father would be assassinated...one needs only to study history of this Kennedy family, and the loss of two great men that I grew to know over time.  I will never forget how President Kennedy (JFK) and his brother Robert catalyzed significant changes in our society.  Yes, they were gifted politicians, but I revere the memory of them.  Yet I thank the sovereign God for the vision that He plants into the hearts of men & women to recall and reflect... it may not have been popular, but it was right given the history of these so-called "united states."  These men are asleep toward a resurrection in a better system of things.

I wish I could re-live those days since I would likely have made other decisions about a career path… but then those days (daze) were most tumultuous in my life-experience at the time and I was so entwined in the campus on many levels.  I remember where some faculty members at Milton suggested that I be a lawyer rather than a musician.  Others said I should be a politician. Then others said I should seek the medical profession while music would be constantly in the wings.  Yet there were some among my peers that called me a "jungle-bunny" simply because they did not understand the true nature of the diversity among human-kind.  After getting to know me, they apologized for that diatribe and I forgave them;  and do thank Jehovah God for the experiences, memories and continuing relationships to today!   

I also remember Mr. Howard Abell, the music department head, mentoring me on many levels. Thank you Howard; may you rest in peace! - you are the personification of the Milton experience that persist even in these present times. Mr. Abell made sure that I had a drum practice room on campus whenever I wanted to hone the craft he appreciated in me as his student in all music activities of Milton. I mean (and no disrespect to anyone), this faculty and staff dared to be true to the very essence of that motto for the school since 1798.

The class of 1967 at Milton Academy is still heralded as one of the best graduating classes since their inception... and that has nothing to do with me, but with visionary leadership and a sensitivity toward morality and integrity. Unfortunately in these troubled times today, those qualities seem to be on the wayside... particularly in the leadership area that leads by example and sacrifice, rather than monetary gain.

Howard Abell impacted my life significantly.  While a freshman at Harvard College, it was Mr.Abell who called me back to Milton to tutor the then young "Rab Zildjian" on drums.  Though I cannot remember was year Rab was in (probably a sophomore), Rab is among the family that manufacturers "Zildjian" cymbals worldwide. Though the Zildjian family has long since split with two trade names (Zildjian & Sabian), they are still one family. Rab Zildjian was young and impressionable. We've lost touch over the last 30+ years, but this young man is now on the Board for one of the two world's premier manufacturers of percussive cymbals. So ask yourself... why I can't seem to get an endorsement! Hmmm...

I've revisited Milton many times over the past 30+ years.  The most recent visit, as of this writing, was for the 30th Anniversary of the Jazz Program, under the leadership of Bob Sinicrope, faculty.  The evening was a tribute to the Cannonball Adderley and his material.  Bob Sinicrope is a dear friend of mine.  He, and his wife Francis, displayed the best in hospitality!  Thank you Bob & Francis!  That weekend was jazz-tastic and Cannonball's material was invigorating to play again!

Here's the mp3 recording of that concert: in the Fall of 2003 with some incredibly talented students.  I had many opportunities to share with both the faculty and the students during that time.  

Here's the chapel talk that I gave upon invitation by the faculty during my trip.:

 http://www.johnsussewell.com/SussMiltonAcademyChapelTalk.mp3  

Also check out a recent Milton Magazine article that I was asked to submit for the Spring, 2004, publication: entitled "Power Is In The Decisions We Make..."  I was asked to submit this article by the editor of the publication.

http://www.milton.edu/news/pages/magazine_spring04_1-33.pdf 

http://www.milton.edu/news/pages/magazine_spring04_34-55.pdf   My article is on pages 46-47.  You will need Adobe's Acrobat Reader to see this.  You may acquire it free from Adobe's website.  Power is indeed in the decisions we make, if we just make the cognitive choice rather than being complacent with circumstances.

Here's a pic of  me at the kit, along with another pic of Aaron Goldberg, me & Bob Sinicrope during one of the many classes taught at Milton Academy during that time.

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Suss@Milton2003.jpg

http://www.johnsussewell.com/MAJazz_group_10-20-03.jpg   Seated to my right is Aaron Goldberg; to my left is Bob Sinicrope.  Aaron's webpage is http://www.aarongoldberg.com/  It was a jazztastic weekend as John exclaims.

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Upon entering Harvard University as a freshman in the fall of 1967 with the graduating class of 1971, http://www.harvard.edu, I leveraged every opportunity to play at school and around Boston..  Boston was and still is the epitome of a ‘college town.  I remember several experiences where my group (named The Rhythm Method, f/k/a The Capstan Players) was asked to provide music performances for a number of campus and citywide gatherings. The members of that group then, aside from myself on drums, was John Hagerty (bass), Doug Hendron (guitar), Carter Manny (guitar & sax), and a guy out of the Harvard Law School older than all of us, yet whose name I cannot remember. Sorry sir, but you were just right for our group while we waited upon Doug Hendron to graduate Milton and matriculate in Harvard College (due to his age and not his inability). 

I believe Doug's father was the very first surgeon to perform the separation of Siamese twins at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. If I'm wrong, then I'm wrong, but I believe I'm right. Needless to say, Doug H. (the son) is now an MD, but we have lost touch over the decades. I only know this stuff through my friends who know him. Cie La Vie! ... or as they say in German: So ist Leben.... ahh heck speak English Suss!: "Such is Life!"

OK, back to the thread. One such invited event was at a college campus-wide gathering where Dustin Hoffman was the keynote speaker following his filming of The Graduate. Our group provided the music, though Dustin was himself was guarded. Don't get me wrong... guarded was meant to say he came to speak and then was escorted off... so I was only able to shake his hand.

Another was with Bonnie Raitt, a student at Radcliff College (coed sister college to Harvard at that time).  Bonnie was fantastic as a burgeoning artist that we all know today in 2005.  She was very personable and congenial.  I’m very happy for her success in the music industry over the years and can only say that she incorporated her very personal approach to ‘blues,’ what is now well known amongst audiophiles.

Then there were a number of other students including Jerry Harrison of  “Talking Heads.”  I spoke with Jerry while he was in a mastering studio on New York City.  I was mastering remotely at the same facility (back in 1989?) and found out he was there.  Needless to say, we just had to talk long-distance by phone at the time.  I’m so glad that “Talking Heads” made it to the Rock ‘n Roll Music Hall of Fame.  Congratulations Jerry!” 

While at Harvard College, Bonnie R,  Jerry H and myself., along with a number of other musically oriented coeds, completed requirements for a Boston-wide stage production within the curriculum of the then known course: Humanities 105a - a musical drama! That was a most memorable experience for me, yet don't ask me what we were performing at that time. Go Figure! ;-)  I think it was a parody on a Shakespearian play, but I honestly don't remember. What I do remember is that I got an "A+" in the course - since I not only played drums, but also did the sound at certain points during the evening. . I also  remember that there were so many groups among the undergraduates; and that there was much camaraderie among the participants. Though very competitive, there managed to be quite a closeness in my recollection.

And then let me not forget when the film crew for the Hollywood production of the movie “Love Story” (protagonists Ali McGraw & Ryan O’Neal) used my telephone several times in my dorm room facing the Charles River!  Between classes and the movie Set, I remember so many opportunities to work with the crew!  That touch football game I played with Ryan O’Neal in the Radcliff quad, though not musical, was certainly up-front and personal in an athletic way!  I’ll never forget it!  I seem to remember that my team won - but who cares at this point - Ryan was ferocious though ... the RQuad chics were on his tail every time... and he loved it! Oops... did I say that? Ooops... so let me say this:

Harvard's focus is upon academics. With my major in Electrical Engineering (go figure) as a member in the graduating Class of 1971, my pursuits eventually gave in toward an invitation to come to New York City. In NYC, I joined a group managed by Bill Akoin (manager of the KISS band) and financed by the Oppenheimer family (of the fiduciary Fund).  It was through this exposure & relationship that I was able to network among the scene in New York City.  Some people ask how was I able to do this?  My response is simply that it was beyond mere ability, but rather a personal focus and spiritual blessing in life. I was confident... and to be frank, kind of arrogant at that time. So perhaps there's also an element of who you know rather than what you know. Yet I detest even admitting to that since there are millions, if not billions on our planet who should also have the same opportunity with the same privileges. OK, I've blogged again! Yet it needs to be said...

So for me it was more than being in the ‘right place at the right time, as long as I sustained a focus in what needed to be done… so long as it didn't hurt anyone else. That was my motivation... and guess what: even today it still is. In one phrase (?), it's called VISION with a MISSION!

As a resident of New York City again, my musical career began to span both the creative and business side of the industry.  I was able to creatively cover a variety of genres, idioms and environments (jingles (commercials), studio recordings and stage performances) as a drummer. 

A notable experience here is my  relationship with Billy Cobham. Billy Cobham (a/k/a "Boomer") changed my world view back in 1972 on the drum kit. All one has to do is access the web-site for Billy Cobham: http://www.billycobham.com and see my posts on the site.  Yet then, Billy reminded me that craftsmanship and accuracy is required for a drummer & musician.  It was something that I already knew but when seeing Billy play, I had to revisit it again.  I owe my former and present accolades to his mentorship on my instrument - and that remotely since we all must have big ears.  And then to think I played on the same stage with him during my tenure with the Average White Band (a/k/a AWB) and his Spectrum tour back in 1975.  Thank you Billy!  You are the best among the Best in my book!”

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John Sussewell’s (Suss's) stage performance roster and discography 

(Stateside, Canada, England, Europe and some African countries) 

includes: 

On the business side of the industry, I founded Beracah Records in 1982, where several releases over my tenure as CEO for 16 years, a producer, drummer & record label head, resulted in two Grammy nominations, two Dove nominations and two Stellar Award nominations for the artist Candi Staton, the critically acclaimed international "Sweetheart of Southern Soul.".

In 1995, I was invited to head up the Gospel division for Intersound, a multi-faceted independent label in Alpharetta, Georgia (USA).  I served there as Vice President and General Manager for the division throughout their acquisition (and IPO) by the Chicago based Platinum Entertainment (owners of The Houses of Blues nation-wide).  Upon being renamed to CGI Records by the parent company (and then going ‘public’ with distribution by the PolyGram Distribution Group – a/k/a PDG), my staff and I worked with a plethora of gospel artists including The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Candi Staton, Vicki Winans and many others. Unfortunately my departure from the company was necessary because there is no way for a "gospel" record label to have 60+ artists with releases within a two year period for each one. I detested the greed my superiors were trying to institutionalize among gifted and sincere artisans who just simply wanted to be heard beyond their congregations. And there were many of them... yet I would not be the "spook who sat by the door" with my mouth shut. Again... it's a matter of true leadership and not opportunism. In the long run, it doesn't matter how much money you get, but what you give in Life.

If asked what is next, my reply is that “I’m not finished yet – nor are any of us, if we take the time to think!  Just stay focused, vigilant and diligent!  My Agape Love to All!"

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