Celebrating Valley Gold Show One-Year Anniversary
January 2006, Youngstown, OH - “It’s time to sit down with some you know.” You’re probably going to hear that phrase a lot more over the coming months.It’s the opening line for "The Valley Gold Show with Debor’ah Benton." Our faithful fans, new show viewers, and even those who’ve only seen the TV commercials have begun quoting our familiar invitation.
The Valley Gold Show with Debor’ah Benton began airing on Jan 23, 2005 and in one year we’ve managed to sit down with some really interesting and well-celebrated guests. Starting with local giants who could rank as tops in their areas of expertise on any of the world’s most competitive stages. There was the show with Dr. Everett McCollum, arguably the greatest music teacher the Mahoning Valley has ever known. That show was packed with demonstrative testimonials from a vast number of musicians who arrived at their various levels of success as a direct result of Dr. McCollum’s tutelage. We wove a video tapestry of Dr. McCollum warming our very souls with his virtuosity. That show ended with him playing his own arrangement of “He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands” beneath the footage of a vast number of his piano students giving their best performances for the Maestro. There was also Professor Al Bright; that brilliant abstract expressionist, painting verbal images which were magnified in the visual ‘cut-aways’ of his spirited painting performances of brush-to-canva, with ‘live’ musicians and the roar of ‘live’ audiences to serve as his inspiration for what would become eye-dazzling masterpieces. And who could forget the riveting interview with veteran D.J., Frankie Halfacrre (aka Mr. Lucky) as he shared his experiences of racism in the workplace when he played, what was then, James Brown’s newly released single, “Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud.” That account served as a reminder to Africans of the sacrifices by others for the rights that we enjoy today. There were even a couple of shows that weren’t quite so popular or exciting, and like a good audience, you were honest in your assessments, and we sincerely appreciate your comments. We even did stories on your neighbors: Sadie Jackson, who in her very unassuming way as a young girl, made a significant impact for future children of African descent who would grace the halls of public schools in Mississippi. We brought you the stories of two local moms; Lily Johnson and Gwen Morgan, whose children were destined for greatness. These mothers earned the title of dedicated ‘Show-Biz Moms,’ for lovingly and wisely aiding their children, Brian Johnson and Dana Joy Morgan (respectively), to become shining stars for all to behold. A truly proud moment for the entire Valley Gold Staff and Crew was the honor of interviewing the man whom we knew would be the first African-American mayor of the City of Youngstown, Ohio, now the honorable Mayor (Jay) Roy Kojo Jawara Williams. For that show, we included Jay’s wife, Sonja; and his mother, Mary as we explored ‘The Softer Side of Jay.’
A significant milestone of 2005 was the first show we produced before a ‘live’ studio audience. Many remember that show which featured Glenn Leonard and the Temptations Experience. Our public made us so proud by filling our studio to capacity (approx. 110). That day marked a lot of Firsts: First time we ever recorded with an actual crew. (Most people had no idea that until the taping of the Temptations Experience, your host, Debor’ah served as Producer, Editor, Camera operator, Lighting tech, Audio tech, and every other position involved with producing a television show.) First time for interviewing more than one or two people in a single setting. First time having a ‘live’ music performance during the show, and even the first time some of our crew members ever set foot on a TV studio set. They were all excellent. That was a day to remember. The Temptations Experience came to Youngstown as grand celebrities, but they left as true friends. We’ve maintained a very close relationship ever since.
The Valley Gold Show with Debor’ah Benton has continued to grow in presence, show quality, and in popularity. You’ve witnessed the host going through a makeover or two, and you’ve expressed your approval, and for that, I thank you. The show actually began in the living of our residence and within three short months, we secured ample space in the Oak Hill Renaissance Place where LaMarr, my husband, designed and constructed a TV studio from an area that only a true visionary could have foreseen as such. His efforts did not go unnoticed – as you’ll soon read. Marla Gibbs, that great Network Television celebrity, starred for us on The Valley Gold Show - one of the most delightful shows for the audience as well as the host. Marla took us down memory lane with “The Jeffersons” and “227” and then surprised everyone with one of her lesser-known talents, that is, Singer. She was amazing. Next came Kathleen Bradley, the Barker Beauty from “The Price Is Right.” Being an Ohio native, Ms. Bradley was right at home. But her glamour and stardom was not lost on our audience as they began with a rousing “Kathleen Bradley, Come On Down!” reminiscent of her days with Bob Barker on the Network TV game show; and later engaging the Valley Gold Show audience to re-enact a part from the movie, “Friday,” when she wowed the neighborhood boys in her role as “Mrs. Parker.” During that same [Valley Gold] show, local artist’s “The Nevels Sisters” gave a stellar performance that had our phones ringing for weeks; people wanting to know how to purchase the Nevels’ new music CD. Recently, we even had our first experience with rap music on the show when promoter, Walter Johnson (Big Walt) brought his newest artist, Sirnoc to guest on The Valley Gold Show. Big Walt talked about his work with legends like Aretha Franklin, H. B. Barnum, and Little Richard. But what seemed to be his proudest moment was when his young hip-hop artist Sirnoc rocked the mic with his engaging, thumping, positive and clean Rap music. During the shows with Marla, Kathleen, and Big Walt, each of these celebrities and artists stated how impressed they were with the quality and professionalism of our TV Studio and Set design. We are so grateful for those affirmations, and we are committed to becoming even better.
One of my personal favorites is the show on which I interviewed the Motown Giant, Cornelius Grant. That was like a stroll through the R & B Hall of Fame. To sit and talk with the man whose music has been memorized and adored by millions the world over could only be classified as a ‘dream come true.’ As if that wasn’t enough, Mr. Grant emerged from a twenty year retirement (from performing) for three short minutes to perform with his guitar on The Valley Gold Show. That certainly was one of our grandest events.
Within these past twelve months, we’ve moved from being a weary-eyed TV talk show (Monday nights at 1:37 on WKBN-TV 27 CBS) to Primetime TV Talk-Variety show (Sunday mornings at 10:30 on WYFX – FOX TV 17/62). Our audiences have endorsed the changes with more phone calls and emails, and visits to our studio; and we’re lovin’ it!
The VGS staff is currently planning to include an up-coming interview with a major talent as part of our Anniversary celebration; more info to follow.
“The Valley Gold Show with Debor’ah Benton” is now One Year Old. So where to from here? Beginning in February our line-up consists of the Chi-Lites, Heat Wave, Carl Carlton, and a number of other artists and guests from New York to LA, and definitely Ohio. So keep us in your prayers, come be a part of our studio audience, and make sure you tell others to tune in, ‘as we continue to go for the Gold; that is, Valley Gold.’
