Written by | Ray Cornelius
Grammy nominated 90s girl group SWV, Stellar Award winning-singer and pastor Bishop William H. Murphy and VP of eOne Nashville’s Phil Thornton were recognized Saturday afternoon in Atlanta, GA during the 1st Annual “Comeback Power Brunch.”
Isaac M. Hamm III
The event was held at Buckhead’s Level V and was presented by Isaac M. Hamm III of IM3Media. Hamm founded the awards ceremony a few years ago in his native Philadelphia and decided to create an Atlanta version when he moved here in March of 2015. The “Comeback Power Brunch” commemorates Black History Month and the artists, music executives and influencers that contribute to Black music’s global success.
Y’Anna Crawley singing her single “We Need You“
Featured performers included “Sunday Best” Season 2 champion Y’Anna Crawley along with up-and-coming inspirational singer Jarvis Mays, singer-songwriter Darius Paulk and YouTube sensation Destaine Jennings, who blew SWV’s LeLee Lyons away with soul-stirring versions of their songs “Use Your Heart,” “So Into You,” “Weak,” and “Rain.”
Destaine Jennings performing a medley of SWV hits
“I never knew our songs could be so much fun,” said Lyons. “These gospel singers make me so sick. (LOL) They make our music sound like a whole new song. More importantly, I loved how she [Destaine Jennings] personalized them and made it her own. She wasn’t trying to sound like Coko. She just made it her own and had fun with it.”
Another highlight of the event was the panel discussion on music industry topics featuring celebrity DJ and music producer DJ Fadelf, celebrity publicist Vaughn Alvarez and Deanna Dixon of The SANGersRoom. They each talked about everything from the ongoing marriage between gospel and secular to the role social media plays in the success of new artists to the old school debate of Prince-vs-Michael Jackson.
However, the pinnacle of the brunch was the City of Atlanta proclamation that was presented to Hamm by City Council Member at Large, Michael Julian Bond. He officially declared June 18 as “Comeback Power Brunch Day” in the metro area. He also applauded Hamm for contributing to Atlanta’s rich tradition as a “city of dreams” and a mecca for urban film, music and entertainment.
The “Comeback Power Brunch” closed out with a live musical performance from acclaimed Philly singer and dancer Dante’ TAE’ Kennedy.
Check out more exciting photos below:
Y’Anna Crawley and Destaine Jennings performing SWV songs
“The Comeback Power Brunch” featured a variety of tasty treats
Isaac M. Hamm III with honoree LeLee Lyons
“Comeback Power Brunch” moderator Kenya Sheats with panelists
DJ Fadelf, Deanna Dixon and Vaughn Alvarez
Isaac M. Hamm III with honoree Bishop William H. Murphy III
Jarvis Mays performing his single “Beautiful Love”
Y’Anna Crawley taking a selfie with LeLee Lyons
Singer-songwriter Darius Paulk performing a medley of gospel hits
Philly singer and dancer Dante’ TAE’ Kennedy
Isaac M. Hamm III with client and friend Y’Anna Crawley
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com
