Published on June 19th, 2024 | by Dr. Jerry Doby

Veteran GHJ Music on His Cross Genre Inspirational Music

Gene Hendricks, better known in the music world as GHJ Music, is a dynamic music industry veteran whose roots in the rich tradition of black gospel music have deeply influenced his journey as a creative, producer and musical artist. Born and raised in the vibrant atmosphere of a faith-based world, Hendricks discovered his passion for music at a young age, initially expressing it through his powerful vocals as a gospel singer. Driven by a desire to make a positive difference in the world, Hendricks channels his passion for music into a mission of promoting inclusivity and togetherness. Under the name GHJ Music, he seamlessly blends elements of gospel, pop, and world music to create emotive sounds that resonate with audiences of diverse backgrounds and give voice to the voiceless.

His unwavering commitment to spreading positivity and unity through his artistry serves as a testament to the transformative power of music. As he continues to make his mark on the music industry, Hendricks remains dedicated to his mission of using music as a force for social change and collective upliftment.

In a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at spreading a message of love and togetherness, GHJ Music joins forces with artist/songwriter Scott Free to reimagine his stunningly uplifting “Welcome Here” for a broader audience. With GHJ’s deftly honed production skills, Michael Foley’s superb executive production, and Free’s emotive, incisive lyrics, the track transforms, evolving into an anthem that resonates with people from all walks of life. In an atmosphere often marked by division and exclusion, “Welcome Here” stands as a beacon of hope, inviting everyone to join in the celebration of our shared humanness.

Complementing the timely vibes of the music is a visually stunning music video, expertly crafted by New York City director and choreographer LaQuet Sharnell Pringle (they, them, theirs), in conjunction with The Seed Collective, a film and media production company focused on creating compelling and inclusive narratives by artists, for artists. At the heart of the “Welcome Here” music video are talented female dancers, representing a kaleidoscope of backgrounds and cultures. Their graceful movements and vibrant energy serve as a powerful visual metaphor for the harmonious coexistence of people from different races, ethnicities, and traditions. With the human family so desperately divided at the moment, rarely has a music video captured the zeitgeist quite like ‘Welcome Here”. It’s the prescription humanity needs to heal during such troubled, challenging times.

Hendricks weighed in on the journey to this point and the new single and video

Can you tell us about the time you have been a musical artist from the beginning?

I started getting recognized as a “Gospel artist” when I began doing solo concerts in Germany. That was mostly in the Christian evangelical church realm where I was deeply entrenched for about seven years. As luck would have it, I happened to be attending a concert in Cologne for a contemporary gospel artist, Cae Gauntt – an American ex-pat living in Germany. My manager at that time and I had access to the backstage and found out that she couldn’t perform that night due to severe laryngitis. Unbeknownst to me, my manager approached her manager and proposed that I do the opening for her. I had planned to return to the U.S. the following morning, so I figured I had nothing to lose singing in front of an audience of about 3,000 Germans. Even if they threw tomatoes at me afterward. I did not expect a positive reception after I sang. A few weeks later, I got an invitation to return to Germany, which was the start of a seven-year career as a musical artist singing cover songs.

Did any figure or musical artist in particular inspire you to write a song like “Welcome Here”?

We would say overall it would be Bob Marley. His ability to bring a message through in such an inviting way was certainly what we were aiming at for Welcome Here. I think that’s the genius of Marley – the way he constructed his songs made his message so inviting, so “welcoming” to people!

How has your faith been translated into “Welcome Here”?

While I espouse much of the tenets of first-century Christianity, my faith has evolved through my own coming-out experience and contact with so many others in our rainbow spectrum of humanity. Lyrics and messages are number one for me. I believe that everyone deserves a safe space. Scott Free’s lyrics convey that so well. The desire for inclusion expressed in this song reminds me of a Bible verse that says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Sadly, this is something that seems to have become antithetical in most American evangelical churches.

What has it been like working with Agosa?

Scott and I were attracted to Agosa’s raspy soulful sound that made her lead a compelling experience. During the recording, she went the second mile and not only gave us several comps to work with but also a beautiful harmonious choral background arrangement. Zorina’s belting voice, of course, elevated the refrain in an almost “Good Times” gospel direction.

How have you seen your art evolve and change over the years for GHJ Music?

When I was performing as a gospel singer in Germany, I didn’t have my own style. I didn’t get to know my voice. So, I had a short career emulating the styles of other vocal artists that I admired. Now, thanks to the artistry of Scott’s lyric writing, I can connect to a message that reflects my own experience and expression. I’m more creative as a producer with these songs and won’t release something until I feel it is the best that I can produce without any regrets.

What is your favorite visual element of the “Welcome Here” music video?

I admit I didn’t have a clue about contemporary lyrical dance before witnessing LaQuet Sharnell Pringle’s movement interpretation of our song. I was blown away by the dancers’ esthetic expression and ability to illustrate the song’s lyrics. Yet, it felt like the right thing to add a certain degree of surrealism in the post-production phase. You’ll see some of the lava lamp special effects in the video. I felt really honored and pleased with the finished product by the Seed Collective videography crew from beginning to end.

What message in “Welcome Here” do you hope impacts your audience the most?

Given the current social and political division here in the U.S., I hope that this song serves the purpose of being one of the many songs that call us back to unity and to a safe space. We need to be reminded about the strength of diversity and our obligation to treat others – especially those marginalized – the way we would want to be treated.

What project are you most excited about following the release of “Welcome Here”?

“Welcome Here” is experiencing great traction in the promotion. So, we’re occupied with that for the next two months. But after that, I’m already thinking about the next song project that involves one of Scott’s songs, a female vocalist of color, a new arrangement, simple but poignant instrumentation, and dance choreography for the music video. I’ll reveal more later.

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About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.