BOARD MEMBERS
The Southern Soul Foundation Board Members are dedicated, committed and passionate about preserving the heritage and bringing forth above board standards for Southern Soul Music.
PRESIDENT:
YOLANDA SINGLETON
Yolanda Singleton is the owner of Xperience Jxn Entertainment founded in 2012. Prior to starting Xperience Jxn Entertainment, Yolanda was a partner with Family Affair Entertainment for over 20 years. After identifying a need for entertainment that displayed our historical culture of Soul, Yolanda created a celebration of Soul thence “The Soul-A-Bration . Yolanda manages the day to day operations but employs a team of about 50 - 75 people when she puts on a production. Her main goal and focus is to bring good, quality live entertainment to the city of Jackson at a good, fair price without cutting corners. She wants people to experience entertainment on the same level or better as they would experience if they traveled to other cities like Atlanta, New Orleans or even New York City. Yolanda is uniquely qualified to manage this task because of her great interpersonal skills, ability to engineer and execute a plan, remain calm under pressure and her genuine love for people and great entertainment. Yolanda enjoys attending church, listening to live music, attending comedy shows and plays, Chicago style stepping, line- dancing, fishing, riding ATV's, horseback riding and has a true passion for riding motorcycles.
Yolanda Singleton manages her non-profit, By God's Grace and is an active member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Mississippi Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, Rotary Club of Jackson, Women for Progress, Friends of Fallen Riders Motorcycle organization, Anderson United Methodist Church, Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale, and the Southern Soul Foundation . Yolanda currently serves on the Board of Directors for Rotary and is the President of the Southern Soul Foundation.
VICE PRESIDENT, TREASURY:
SHERENE REEVES
With over 30 years of Accounting and Finance experience working in multiple areas from entry level to
management, Sherene Reeves MAFM has proven to have a solid understanding of what it takes to be
the top financial expert on the Southern Soul Foundation Board. Elected as the Vice President of
Treasury, Sherene has served as the Treasurer from the Foundation’s inception. Sherene’s strengths are
professionalism, resourcefulness, experience, education, and knowledgeable in accounting. She holds a
Master of Accounting and Financial Management from Devry University. She currently works as a Senior
Accountant for a local government agency and worked for multiple non-profit agencies.
Sherene’s connection Southern Soul is as the artist, Lady Sunshine. Lady Sunshine is a singer, song
writer, artist coach/manager and promoter. Her first year as a Southern Soul artist she was nominated
for multiple awards. Serve as an assistant for an on air with a Southern Soul Radio Personality. Lady
Sunshine has written multiple songs with Southern Soul in the title:
a. If it Ain’t Southern Soul released 2022
b. The Southern Soul Slide released 2022
c. Southern Soul Anthem released 2023
d. Southern Soul Christmas Bells released 2023
Sherene AKA Lady Sunshine believes in doing what’s right, helping others, staying classy and professional.
VICE PRESIDENT/BRAND AMBASSADOR
JERRY 'BOOGIE' MASON
Following his 30-year-long career in traditional radio, Crestview Florida -based entrepreneur
and promoter Jerry “Boogie” Mason built a network of traditional and new media connections via e-
mail, print advertising, and social media, to promote blues, Southern Soul, and other genres of
music rooted in communities of color. His email blast, The Boogie Report, continues to alert the world’s
blues communities with up-to-date information on the latest recordings, tours, emerging artists, and
cultural opportunities. Through Mason Media Services, Jerry aggregates relevant material from various
social media and local community websites to provide a forum for readers to exchange ideas, share
information, and remain connected to the arts community at large. Building on the success of The
Boogie Report, Jerry hosts the Southern Soul Video Network, The Blues Buffet Radio Program, and a
digital daily newsletter. Jerry has served as Publicity Chairman of the Central Mississippi Blues Society,
advisory board member of the Jus’ Blues Foundation, Advisory Board Of the Jackson Music Awards
Association member of the Board of Directors of The Blues Foundation, member of The Board Of
directors of The Vicksburg Blues Society and Information Officer of Solomon D. Loche American Legion
Post 501.
Awards And Accolades
Jus Blues Music Best Radio Show 2010
King Mose Memorial Award 2019
Backstage Atlanta Radio and Records Service Award 2021
Keeping The Blues Alive Award 2022
VICE PRESIDENT, EDUCATION
DIEDRA HURDLE
DieDra has an amazing range. She is inspired by many great singers such as Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, and Whitney Houston. Her voice reminds the music listener of Anita Baker with her silky smooth approach to slow jams, Patti Labelle with her vocal techniques and Aretha Franklin with her gospel background. Never wanting to be compared to anyone and establishing her own sound, DieDra has previously gotten the
title as “The Blues Diva” and now the music industry has crowned her as “The Alabamablues Queen. DieDra has worked hard and has lived up to her well deserved titles, “The Blues Diva” and most recently “The Alabama Blues Queen”. In June 2020 She wrote her first Movie entitled "Frienemy for Life". Since then she has written 2 more entitled "Turkey Creek" and "Ocoee Blues".
Awards
2010 Blue Note Award
Nominated for: Best New Artist by Blues Critics
Nominated Song of the Year “Hip Swing’ in Blues by JUS Blues
Nominated Female Artist of the Year 2009 JUS Blues
Semi Finalist in the 2009 International Blues Challenge
Nominated “Most Popular Female Artist” 2010 by JUS Blues
Nominated 4 Carolina Beach Music Awards 2010
Best Blues Album, New Artist of the Year, Blues Song of the Year, and Best Solo Album
2014 International Blues Challenge Finalist
Nominated for Jazz/Blues Female Artist of the Year 2016 by Alabama Music Awards
Millie Jackson Classy and Sassy Award August 2023
Judy Collins Icon Award August 2021
Nominated for Female Blues Artist of the Year from Alabama Music Award May 2021
and 2022
The Southern Soul Foundation Board Members are dedicated, committed and passionate about the preserving the heritage and bringing forth above board standards for Southern Soul Music.
VICE PRESIDENT, SECRETARY
"DR. NICK" JOHNSON
Nick “Dr. Nick” Johnson is a native Washingtonian. He retired from the Federal Government after a 38 year career in Air Traffic Control, serving as a Controller, a training specialist, supervisor and a division manager.
As music has always been his passion, in the late ‘90s, he began laying the foundation for his “second career” by working at WPFW, producing a weekly radio show. This eventually led to a co-host position with D. C. Radio legend, Bobby Bennett.
Eventually, he would get his own show and, as “Dr. Nick,” hosted the morning show on XM Satellite Radio’s SOUL STREET. The focus of SOUL STREET was classic R&B and soul oldies spanning from the mid ‘50s through the mid ‘70s.
He also hosted the “Doo Wop Special,” a weekly (every Sunday evening) 2 hour show playing oldies but goodies from the vocal classic era, the ‘50s.
When SIRIUS purchased XM Satellite Radio, the XM programmers were terminated and he returned to WPFW, first hosting “Bluesday Tuesday,” then the Thursday edition of “Don’t Forget The Blues.” Eventually, he was asked to host a show featuring Southern Soul music on Saturdays. 12 years, he hosted “Southern Soul Rumpin’,” a 2 hour show on Saturday afternoons, featuring the best in Southern Soul & Blues.
Eventually, he would leave WPFW and join the team at ATX SOUL RADIO (www.ATXSOULRADIO.com), hosting “SOUL STREET” and also “SOUTHERN SOUL RUMPIN’” (Southern Soul & the Blues).
Additionally, as a professional announcer, he has served as Master of Ceremonies for various concerts, shows and award ceremonies. For nearly 10 years, he MC’d “Blue Monday Blues” at Westminster Presbyterian Church in southwest
D. C., and is the MC for Hardway Connection’s (a local Southern Soul Band) weekly club shows. He also frequently MC’s shows at The Carlyle Room, Bethesda Theater and other venues in the Washington, D. C. Area.
Dr. Nick has also provided voice-over narrations for government and industry training films, as well as WPFW Public Service Announcements.
VICE PRESIDENT, CHAMPLAIN
TBD
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VICE PRESIDENT/PUBLIC RELATIONS
Chandra " Shanie Dee" Dewberry
Chandra "Shanie Dee" Dewberry is a distinguished radio on air-personality whose vibrant career spans across several terrestrial radio stations. Her magnetic presence in the world of radio has been defined by a passion for music genres close to her heart: Soul, Blues, R&B, and Gospel. Chandra's dedication to these musical forms has earned her a special place in the hearts of listeners, connecting souls with the power of rhythm and melody.
Beyond her role as a radio personality, Chandra Dewberry shines as a Motivational Speaker and a Philanthropist. Her journey is marked by an unshakable commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. One of her most profound areas of impact lies in her dedication to addressing the critical issue of domestic abuse. Chandra serves as a steadfast supporter of Larita's House Domestic Abuse Foundation, where her advocacy and contributions have helped countless survivors find their voices and regain their strength. Through her work, she has proven that music and empathy together can heal wounds and bring hope to those in need.
Chandra's multifaceted career also includes significant contributions to the music industry. She has collaborated with LeRae Record and Sweet Success Records LLC in various capacities, showcasing her versatility and dedication to the craft. As an event planner, she has orchestrated memorable musical experiences, bringing artists and fans closer together. In her role as an A&R (Artists and Repertoire), she has demonstrated an exceptional ear for talent, nurturing emerging artists on their paths to success. Chandra's stint as a Road Manager has taken her on incredible journeys alongside some of the industry's brightest stars, ensuring that their performances leave a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.
Chandra "Shanie Dee" Dewberry's life and career are a testament to the transformative power of music, the importance of giving back to the community, and the relentless pursuit of one's passions. Her dedication to uplifting others through her radio presence, motivational speaking, philanthropic efforts, and music industry endeavors continues to inspire and make a profound impact on the world. Chandra Dewberry is not just a radio personality; she is a force for positive change and a beacon of hope for those in need.
VICE PRESIDENT, MEDIA/MARKET
TBD
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