Dr. DaBeth Manns (Retired, TL Consulting International) provided the initial seed funding to establish the Winston-Salem State University Foundation's Belinda S. Womack Endowed Memorial Music Scholarship with beneficiary funds. This is an investment at one of the Historically Black Colleges/Universities (HBCU) in the United States of America. Special thanks to additional donors nationwide. Special thanks to local performing artists that participated in community benefit concerts and open-mic events. In perpetuity, dividends from the investment will support WSSU scholarship recipients during their academic journey.
As a supplemental fundraiser, Dr. Manns wrote, produced and published The H("i")pnotic and Chris Beatz Leath Experience. This independent music project consists of original spoken lyrics accompanied by an eclectic blend of lofi-neosoul sounds with contemporary smooth jazz sentiments and mellow funk vibes. Special thanks to Beats Arranger-Instrumentalist, Mr. Christopher Leath, a WSSU graduate.
This is the nation's first independent music project committing a portion of yearly proceeds, from a Limited Edition vinyl record, to an endowed memorial music scholarship fund at an HBCU. As well, the primary artists are HBCU graduates.
The lovesuiteis gender neutral with an undeniable and unyielding 'quiet storm' groove. Sip, toke, stroke, or ponder one's pleasure:
"The Call" "The Kiss" (Where Will You Put It?)
The togethernesssuiteis an impassioned call for unity and awareness of social justice concerns. It is an empowering reminder that history matters:
"The Rally" "The Lesson" (Black History)
The devotionsuiteis an informative and soul inspiring affirmation of the human desire for self-knowledge and preservation:
"Exalted" "Meditation"
The final track is "Experience H'i'pnotic and Chris Beatz Leath" which is a compilation of tracks 1 through 6 named above, including expressive poetic narration by Terry Rorie. Special thanks to contractors Quentin Scales (logo assistance) and Emmanuel Archie (sound engineering, graphics, and scoring assistance).
American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) is certified for writing and publishing. United States of America Library of Congress Copyright was certified and assigned as a sound recording for original lyrics and original music on January 17, 2023 with retroactive efficacy as of November 24, 2022. Registrations for ISRC, UPC/GTIN/EAN are certified per recording industry and retail standards.
The BSW Music Fund's Treasured Archives
*Three live solo performances from 1997 and 1999 can be streamed below by the late Belinda Staten Womack (Mezzo Soprano and Certified Music Educator). To highlight her majestic singing, the audio was transferred from analog broadband VHS to digital format in 2015. Ambient noise can be heard unlike controlled studio recording. State of the art equipment as well as SSL duality technique and professional software were used to restore the sound while maintaining the original timbre of her voice. Special thanks to the Living Arts College studio seminar.
*Several open-mic nights were sponsored, produced and hosted by Dr. Manns with collaborator Mr. Leath, from October of 2021 to December of 2022. Thanks to the contracted local venue, Other Suns, community business center. PDF Commemorative Flyer
*Several community concerts were sponsored, produced and hosted by Dr. Manns biannually with collaborators Mr. Theo Akinyele and Mr. Leath, from September of 2015 until September of 2022. Thanks to the contracted local venues: Rupert Bell Community Center, Enterprise Center, WSSU Donald J. Reaves Center, and Piedmont Music Center. PDF Commemorative Flyer