103.9 FM WDKX
Rochester, NY
Your #1 Radio for R&B
On air:
Listen Online
103.9 WDKX Live Stream
REQUEST A SONG!
Request A Song
It took the Dean's List a few days to calm down long enough to write about my day with Eric Benet. I think a have recuperated enough to share with you now:
This past Friday, the same day as WDKX's Summer Night of R&B concert, Andre Marcel called me and said, "Are you available tomorrow morning to host Eric Benet for the day?" I think Andre has gotten most of his hearing back after I screamed "YES!" in his ear.
I picked Eric and his A&R rep, PJ up at their hotel bright and early Saturday morning. We chatted about several different things during the short ride to Jim's Too Restaurant. We talked about his performance the night before, he tried to remember his last trip to Rochester and he quizzed me on whether or not I was a "True EB Fan." Needless to say, I aced that test with flying colors.
We arrived at the restaurant and Eric opened and held the door open for PJ and I. Immediately, he began to introduce himself to all of the "Breakfast with Benet" winners who were already seated and all looking lovely. We all ordered our breakfast, which came quickly. Eric was the first one to finish - he had oatmeal and hot tea. He got up and worked the table of about 20 people. He asked everyone if they were alright, if they needed anything, etc. He posed for pictures, signed autographs and gave & received lots of hugs and kisses.
Once breakfast was over, I took Eric to WDKX Radio so he could do an interview with Andre Marcel and Tony Boler on Memory Lane. They talked about many topics - being a single parent of his beautiful daughter India, the importance of education, and the love of good music - some of his favorites include Stevie Wonder and The Sylvers. The Dean's List even got a chance to talk to Eric a bit on the air.
I know my day with Eric had to end eventually, but it pained me to even think about it. I drove Eric and PJ back to the hotel. Of course I got out of the car to get one last hug. And then he was off - on to his next appearance in Buffalo.
Eric may be physically gone, but a part of him remains - his spirit. Some of you might ask, "What's the big deal - he is just a singer?" It was the excitement felt awaiting his arrival, the looks on the women's faces young and old when he showed up at the restaurant, and his sweet, sweet spirit he shared with those of us who were fortunate enough to spend some time with him. "My daughter was under the impression that all celebrities are alike....and Eric totally changed her view on that," said Laurie Hopkins - one of the "Breakfast with Benet" winners who brought her daughter with her.
Eric has the ability to make you feel like its just you and him alone in a room full of people - he makes you feel special. Eric shared one of his songs from his new album with Rochester during his appearance on Memory Lane Saturday - "Chocolate Legs" - Oh, My - get me a fan! Some may only hear the sexual aspect of the song with lyrics like, "I need you to wrap your Chocolate Legs around me" - but it goes a little deeper than that. In a recent interview (see video on www.WDKX.com), Eric explained that the song is really about commitment, giving of yourself totally, supporting each other and most of all, loving each other.
In a time of confusion and despair, our economical situation is horrible, violence is taking over our streets and we are at war in more ways than one, we often focus on everything that is wrong in our lives. Eric took me on a vacation from the madness - away from anything negative. I smiled so much on Saturday that my jaws literally hurt by days end.
Thank you Eric! Thank you for putting a smile on my face. And yes - I am a "True EB Fan!"
"Love and Life" hits stores on September 9th. Check out all of the pictures from "Breakfast with Benet" on www.wdkx.com.
Write the Dean's List at: thedeanslist1@gmail.com
