Atlanta Sound

Formed in April, 2000, with the goal of providing the Atlanta area (as well as the entire eastern half of the U.S.) with a great band that specializes in Rhythm & Blues, Funk, Jazz, and Top 40 tunes, Atlanta Sound promotes itself as the "Human Jukebox".

Atlanta Sound has performed for small intimate private parties, and for groups as large as 4,000 people. Atlanta Sound always performs with Drums, Bass Guitar, Lead Guitar, Keyboards, Sax, and Male & Female Lead Singers and more; occasionally featuring and showcasing some of the hottest artists in the business. Atlanta Sound provides a tremendous sight and sound experience generated by its all pro-line equipment, staging, and lighting systems.

Songs on "Leavin' Won't Be Easy":

1. Leavin' Won't Be Easy
2. Ain't Your Fool No More
3. Goin' Down Slow
4. Missin' You
5. Groovin'
6. Friendly Reunion
7. One Way Love Affair
8. Lonely Room
9. Try Me Tonight
10. Can't Leave Your Love Alon

Willie Hill

Willie Hill, the consummate southern entertainer. His deep, soulful voice and style electrifies audiences everywhere. He has performed with artists such as B.B. King, Bobby Blue Bland, Aretha Franklin, Al Green, and many other legendary artists. Willie's career was influenced at an early age in Albany, GA by his father Homer Hill, well known gospel pianist/vocalist. He was also greatly influenced by the 1950's WLAC Memphis, TN AM radio shows who played artists such as those he later performed with. Willie admits, too, "As a child I listened mostly to country radio; that's all we had - a lot of Hank Williams, Hank Snow."

Willie Hill's career began to blossom in the mid 60's when he landed a 3-year tour through Europe with the Sounds of Soul. They backed up and performed with Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and many more. His first real recording began in Macon, GA at King Studios (James Brown's first studio). He was then discovered and began a recording career at MGM - Sounds of Memphis where he worked with William Bell of STAKS Records.

This brought Willie into working contact with artists such as Isaac Hayes, Steve Cropper, Booker-T & MG's, and many others. From about 1973-1977, Willie also co-founded and produced K.C. and the Sunshine Band. He then joined with soul singer Anthony Fontaine and formed a Sam & Dave-like soul duet, "Willie & Anthony". Together they released three albums: "Grooving on Sunday Afternoon," "Selfish Lover," and "In a Mellow Mood." Blues and Soul Magazine gave their highest 5-star rating. Willie Hill has spent the past several years heavily touring the south with acts including Millie Jackson, B.B. King, Candy Staton, and more. Willie has established himself as one of the very best blues performers in the area performing at major blues venues, concert halls, and festivals. His ability to perform traditional blues, rhythm & blues, soul, and even country with such authenticity and power is a sight to behold.

Bobbye Johnson

'THE MUSIC OF SSL - "Dirty' But Not Disrespectful"
There are a kazillion rap groups in the "Dirty South" all trying to get put on.
Forcefully emerging from the rap pack comes SSL. "Deep and Dirty" is the name of their upcoming album and it's also how they describe their music. What sets this group apart from the rest of the "rap herd?' First of all, they were ON TIME for their mini-interview! Rappers on time? Egad!! Secondly, each member has his own personality, own special quality that he brings to the SSL table.
"Budliesi' is the "party, party' member, very upbeat. "Jewell" is the glue that holds the group together because he tends to the BUSINESS of SSL. If you could merge Marvin Gaye and Tupac into one person, you would get 'Smooth E. Sir Droopy -makes females' hearts melt because he cites his favorite woman as being "my mom. She is very supportive." Although the group writes and performs the usual heavy bass, "ballas from the dirty," party anthems, they also write relationship songs that will have everyone "taking a listen."
Smooth E's delivery makes you feel very emotional because he sounds as if he's longing for someone and searching for something. "My longing is for my dad. He wasn't there for me. Jewell was my male mentor," says Smooth E. Budliesi has this advice for women: 'Be true." When asked why he runs to trifling women, smiles and answers, 'I ask myself that question sometimes!" Alrighty then. "I know why Budliesi runs to trifling women,' chimes in Sir Droopy, "they're the freakiest!" Uh, thanks Sir Droopy. In the middle of all the laughter and music is the quiet figure of Jewell. Taking care of business. Making sure that SSL is not here TODAY and gone TODAY, as is the case with a lot of rap groups.