Kool & The Gang's Sir Earl Toon Launches Kickstarter for Musical Tribute to Otis Blackwell

Grammy Award winner and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, Sir Earl Toon, has launched a 60-day crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter to produce an EP and video featuring never-before-heard songs co-written with his late mentor, the legendary Otis Blackwell. Toon's goal is to raise $75,000 by January 28, 2017. He wants to share Blackwell's unreleased material with the world, along with a few new songs by Toon himself, and a remake of Kool & The Gang's classic hit "Celebration."

Toon, a 2016 Grammy Hall of Fame inductee and former Kool & The Gang band member, has led a long and noteworthy music career of his own. He considers himself lucky to have been discovered, recognized, and mentored by Blackwell. Next March, Toon plans to ship pre-release copies of the EP to thank all supporters who pledge $25 or more.

"Music is so powerful and even healing. Songs can bring you back to the past or introduce you to the future," said Toon. "The songwriting, the musicianship, and the performance is how we make it happen. So let's make this happenif we are successful in attaining our goal, these new, never-been-heard Otis Blackwell songs, along with the remake of the most popular celebratory song and video in the world, will be made. You can count on it!"

As Blackwell's only protg, Toon is the sole owner of more than 70 unreleased songs that the pair wrote together. The songs range in genre from Rock 'n' Roll to Jazz to Country. Toon intends the EP to be a mix of old and new both a tribute to Blackwell's musical genius and an opportunity to share an updated version of the 1980 hit single "Celebration" with a new generation of music lovers.

Blackwell was a prolific songwriter who penned many hits over the years, including Elvis Presley's "The King of Rock 'n' Roll," "Don't Be Cruel" and "All Shook Up." Under the pseudonym John Davenport, Blackwell also wrote classics such as "Fever" sung by Peggy Lee and Madonna and Jerry Lee Lewis's "Great Balls of Fire."

More information about the campaign, including available rewards and funding progress, can be found on the Kickstarter page at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1325373455/sir-earl-toons-tribute-to-otis-blackwell-old-and-n. To interview Sir Earl Toon and further discuss his community endeavors, his music, or to book him for appearances and performances, contact Bernadette Coleman at 214-310-1356 orbcoleman@adviceinteractive.com.

About Sir Earl Toon Earl Toon, Jr. has been making music and an impact for decades. He came to fame as part of the 2016 Grammy Hall of Fame inducted-band, Kool & The Gang. Toon himself received consideration for the 57th Annual Grammy Awards with his first solo release "The Old Rugged Cross." He had the privilege of being mentored by the one and only Otis Blackwell, songwriter for Elvis Presley.

Toon still brings crowds to their feet and is working on new music. He mentors young musicians in the craft as well as the business through Y.M.O. Enterprises, LLC, his production, management and record company. He is launching his "Celebration Live" radio show soon, and is available for interviews, appearances and shows. When he's not moving crowds with soulful sounds, he can be found helping out in the community, representing Y.M.O. and his organization Give a Kid a Coat. For more information or to book Sir Earl Toon, contact Bernadette Coleman at 214-310-1356 or bcoleman@adviceinteractive.com.

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