Saturday, November 24, 2007

Sam Cooke Returns in a New Musical Tour

The Great Sam Cooke Returns in a Triumphant New Musical to Tour America

Sam Cooke: Forever Mr. Soul -- "A Poignant & Powerful Story" -Philadelphia City Paper

Johnny Gill
Malik Yoba
Tony Terry

Los Angeles, CA (BlackNews.com) - Coming summer of 2008 Urban Musical Tours, LLC ("UMT") kicks off its inaugural season with a brand new musical, "Sam Cooke: Forever Mr. Soul," featuring multi-platinum recording artist, JOHNNY GILL, the phenomenal actor of stage, TV, and film, MALIK YOBA, and soul-stirring Gospel/R&B vocalist, TONY TERRY, attached to star.

Accomplished Broadway veteran Kevin Ramsey, playwright & director, has teamed up with rap and gospel music manager Greg "Uncle G" Lyons, veteran Wall Street analyst Randy Richardson, and entertainment attorney Terry Oneal to take the critically acclaimed show on a 30-city road trip that will lead to a Broadway finale.

The partners formed the new production company UMT, after the show's box-office success at the Milwaukee Rep, and subsequent world premiere at the Delaware Theater Company in 2006, and is the first among many musical projects and African American themed stories it will bring to stage, television, film, and internet.

Talking about the upcoming production, playwright/director Kevin Ramsey had this to say: "We are thrilled to have attached such extraordinary talent to this landmark theatrical event. On a rotating basis, each star will individually portray Sam Cooke. This musical celebrates the life of a legendary American musical genius that touched the world with his music. It explores the world that shaped Sam Cooke's life and his untimely and tragic ending."

Sam Cooke's unique musical styling touched millions worldwide and his life was replete with drama and intrigue. Indeed, Sam Cooke's life is one of the great unsolved mysteries ever to rock the music world. And in a bold grassroots effort to build awareness of the man, his song and his story, the production will feature some of the countries most prolific gospel choirs, as local talent, in select scenes. UMT partner, Greg Lyons states, "Our vision is to reach African Americans at the community level with a story that originates from that community. Involving and embracing the local church choirs creates a level of community involvement that is authentic and unprecedented."

Malik Yoba echoes similar sentiments: "When Kevin brought this project to me I knew instantly that it was an opportunity of a lifetime to participate as a performer, as well as, a producer. I am the world's biggest Sam Cooke fan." This critically acclaimed and celebrated work opened to rave reviews in 2006:

"YOU CAN RECOGNIZE HISTORY WHEN YOU SEE IT BEING MADE." - Delaware News Journal

"A MAGICAL COOKE." - Philadelphia City Paper

"ENTERTAINING AND INFORMATIVE fusion of biography and music, fashioned charmingly by the talented writer and director Kevin Ramsey...BEAUTIFULLY EXECUTED...CLEVERLY STAGED." - Time Out

"[Cooke] is HAILED TODAY WITH EMOTIONAL DEPTH IN STIRRING SONG" - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"Script DEFTLY CAPTURES THE COURAGE AND CONVICTION of a man." - Shepard Express

"[Forever Mr. Soul] IS SO MUCH SMARTER than recently opened jukebox musicals...A FLUID NARRATIVE." - Philadelphia Daily News

In addition, UMT partner Terry Oneal points out, "As we secure financing and sponsorships our aim is to further build upon the highly successful business model of Tyler Perry's theatrical ventures, as well as, implementing the marketing strategy that underscores the continuing success of "The Color Purple" to convert significant numbers of non-theatergoing African Americans into a new audience for the show."

Johnny Gill affirms, "Sam was an influential and amazing talent whose journey was similar to my own church up-bringing, and that of many African American singers in America. This is a wonderful opportunity to tell the story of one of my heroes." "Sam is so important to us today," Tony Terry comments, "If there was never him, where would we be?"

DESCRIPTION: Songwriter and performer Sam Cooke was one of the most popular and influential singers to emerge in the '50s. His blend of gospel music and secular themes provided the early foundation of soul music. Filled with over twenty-five immortal pop and gospel recordings -- this musical play about the life of a legend has proven a sure fire hit. Sam Cooke is and always will be -- Forever Mr. Soul.

UMT is repped by Shannon King Nash, Esq., CPA, of Nash Management and securities law firm Guydon Love, LLP. To request Media and Investor Relations information, please contact UMT @ 818-936-4679 or log onto www.umtlive.webs.com

CONTACT:
Mark Byerson
UMT LIVE PR
818-936-4679
umtlivepr@gmail.com

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