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| Chico "The Triumphant Spirit of Gospel" Living Legend Chico's upcoming release "Touched by the Love of Jesus" is his first gospel album and recording in five years. Chico has previously released an album titled "Keep on Loving" in 1987 and a compilation CD "Sweet Sound of Love, " released in 2006 that grossed a massive following. "Touched by the Love of Jesus" will be released on Apple's I-Tunes, Amazon and CD-Bay. The release will also be in 2500 stores were CD are sold. Chico: An African American Legend Picture caption: Chico - click to enlarge.Chico started his career as a drummer working with Charlie Simmons, the house drummer at the Apollo Theatre. Chico continued his musical career while enlisted in the United States Air Force. Stationed in Vietnam, he performed Jazz, R&B and Rock in Saigon nightclubs. As an Air Force Intelligence Personnel Specialist, he also taught Martial Arts, Shotokan and Tang Soo Do to the servicemen. Chico started his professional career with Equitable Life Assurance Company and played on their Semi-Pro Basketball team, winning the 1967 championship at Madison Square Garden beating Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Chico worked thirty-six years as an electrician for Amtrak and was one of four safety instructors in Long Island City. He continued teaching martial arts at Franklin Plaza in Spanish Harlem where he trained teenagers, young men and security guards. Chico has performed as drummer for well-known artists like Lionel Hampton, Joe Batan and Harry Belafonte. Chico also opened shows as a lead vocalist for Two Tons O' Fun and Roy C. From 1980-1981, Chico sang first tenor with The Chords, the first African American Doo Wop Group to ever make a cross over hit with the 1954 song "Sh Boom".Gladys DeJesus, one of Nate King Cole's voice coaches, also trained Chico. Additional Awards and Accolades o In 1995, Chico was inducted into the Christian Martial Arts Hall of Fame o In 1996, Chico gave the first International Dance Stravaganza in the countries of St. Martin and St. Maarten. Twelve or more students from the Ladanse School received an award from the 42nd President, William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton. o 1998, Chico gave the Hilda Mendez Achievement Award for scholastic achievement. o In 2007, Chico was inducted into the "Black Tie Connecticut" Hall of Fame as Entertainer of the Year by the City of Bridgeport, Connecticut o In 2008, Chico, established UP-Start Cultural Development, a 501 (c) (3), Not for Profit Organization. The Organization's first objective was to present the Hilda Mendez Achievement Award to four Special Education students at IS-P50 in Spanish Harlem. The recipients each received a cash award of $250.00 in recognition of their academic success. It is expected that the organization will follow up with the Isaac Mendez Leadership Award that will recognize men and women that are strong leaders in their communities. Chico's "Touched by the Love of Jesus" Premiering six new Gospel songs for release on December 18th 2010 "Touched by the Love of Jesus, " Includes the album's lead singles "Keep on Loving Jesus" and "Yes I love Jesus." The album features a Motown Gospel sound. write your comments about the article :: © 2010 Jazz News :: home page |