Danny Simmons -- A true blessing in My Life
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 | Danny's book inspired me to learn more about the early days of the NY art and culture scene...his depiction of the east village back in the day left me wishing i could turn the clocks back for a minute and experience this tumultuous world if only for a moment Amazon Price: $4.44 List Price: $20.95 |
 | This book...to me...is where all of who Danny Simmons is...is given lovingly to us...paintings and poetry that speak from a heart full of love, truth, spirit, strength and inspiration...a must for your coffee table or a gift to a friend who is an avid lover of art Amazon Price: $30.00 |
First of all I think I should tell you a little bit about this most amazing person...he is the older brother of the music mogul Russell Simmons but more importantly he is an amazing painter, writer, poet, philanthropist, art gallery owner amongst many other attributes
I'm not going to go into his personal life...that isn't what this article is about...it's about how he has inspired me to become a strong artist...he has inspired me to keep walking the walk and talking the talk...he never said no to me whenever i asked for help along my path...and i can tell you i was always in his face asking him to do something for me like give my musical package to the Brooklyn Academy of Music-- The Cafe (Brooklyn, NY) where i eventually got my first big break performing back in the early part of my live performance career and later leading to perform with the likes of Sonia Sanchez, Vernon Reid, Ursula Rucker, and Sydnee Stewart at the renowned Brooklyn Academy of Music Opera House for Def Poetry Plugged In...a moment that solidified me as a real working performer
He never said no to letting us use his space for some event or another...he once asked me to perform for his annual July 4th rooftop event back in the day (and let me tell you it was the happening spot in Fort Greene Brooklyn) it was actually my very first performance with a band...he knew that i didn't have a lot of experience but he always gave you a chance...he always believed in you even when you didn't believe in yourself...he listened to my demo CD's and gave me the right kind of criticism...the kind that actually forced me into bettering myself...i could go on and on and on...he was the person who introduced me to the person that arranged for me to perform at the Whitney Museum NYC...a huge honor and one of my biggest shows to date...today i consider myself an artist and i can definitely say that Danny had a hand in igniting the spark that lights my way
There is no greater gift than to actually be able to say that i know an angel...i can say that with all the zeal in the world...and i know that there are a lot of people out there that can attest to this very real fact
We'd been out of touch for a little while but finally we re connected on facebook...i smiled when i saw that he was actually using it to stay connected with folks...every now and again i see his comments to people...always encouraging...always giving some artist tidbits of inspiration and congratulations with his very loving words
Danny Simmons is the face of the ARTS AND CULTURE scene in Brooklyn NY and beyond...and that is a fact!
I will always be grateful for the blessing that he was and is in my life and in my art!
Info
- Artist-author-chairman: Simmons tapped to be arts council chairman
Brooklyn artist, author and philanthropist Danny Simmons, one of the newest members of the New York State Council for the Arts, has been tapped to serve as the council's interim chairman. Nominated - Danny Simmons's Page - Black Art In America
Danny Simmons's Page on Black Art In America - An Interview with Danny Simmons | Literary Kicks
- Danny Simmons - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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What a great tribute to a fascinating human being. Thank you for sharing and I'm so glad that Audra suggested I stop by and visit your site.
I'm very familiar with Russell Simmons and his creations! It's a pleasure to get to know his brother now. Thank you for sharing with us.
wonderful tribute. Very inspirational!
@iamaudraleigh u are so sweet! Thank you!!
You wrote a beautiful tribute to your Anele. Voted up and shared!
@Hyphenbird !! thanks so much for reading and leaving me your wonderful message!! thanks thanks thanks..kgr
This was a lovely tribute and a very nice thing to do. It is always great to know people remember kindness. Have a great evening. HB
@honorablewoman thanks so much for reading!! And sharing your words!! Have a great day!!
I saw him once on T.V. (Runs House). It is always a blessing to have someone that believes in what you were created to do, to bless others with on this Earth. God bless you!
@jagendelight thanks for reading!! And yes he is a true friend and a great mentor !! I truly enjoyed sharing this story!! Peace and light !! K
nice hub. it is great when someone extend their hands of help in a genuine way and that you can acknowledge them in such a way, he must be a good friend and mentor.
KGR,
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful expression of tribute to one of your mentors :-)
It also reflects on your gracious character of sincere gratitude, which is something much needed in today’s world of “ self-made ” declarations of success.
All the best!
@BKCreative thanks for stopping by to read!! what a small world..maybe we even crossed paths at some point before i left Brooklyn who knows anyway thanks again and thanks for your kind words!! peace and light..kgr
@Fossillady your are an awesome support thanks for always reading my hubs and sharing your wonderful messages..have a blessed and beautiful evening!! kgr
A great tribute to your friend and an inspiration to others!
It's great to pay tribute to those so deserving - and he is without a doubt the person who has made the difference here - and beyond.
I live a few blocks from Danny Simmons here in Brooklyn, and he has always been tremendously supportive of the art community here in Brooklyn. I've gone to his birthday party many years ago and enjoyed some visits to his home where it is so cleverly decorated with art. He also has a private museum here in Brooklyn.
I've been living overseas for some years so I am just settling down at home again. And just running into folks once again. It's nice to be surrounded by so many incredibly creative people. It's inspiring.
I enjoyed reading your hub. Rated up!
@Amy thank you so much for this wonderful message...my heart is full!! I hope you are finding peace in your life..have a great day..k
What a great person YOU are, karengibsonroc. Few people express the gratitude you have here for an "angel" that helped you. You have the face and heart of an angel yourself. It sounds like you are enjoying a fabulous career as an artist and enjoy the company of some wonderful friends. Thank you for this great read!
karengibsonroc Hub Author 2 months ago
@billybuc @Sunshine625 @Vinaya Ghimire Thank you all for reading this article...it is very dear to me...your comments have made my day and given me the courage to continue to express myself and to share both my story and those who have made an extreme difference in my life...a special shout out again to @iamaudraleigh for her support by sharing and bringing people to read this hub...peace and light...to all of you and your families!!