Pioneers
MIKEL HOOKS - WHO MADE THE WEST COAST POPLOCK
Born:
Real Name: Mikel Hooks
Songwriter, Screenplay Writer, Actor, Music Publisher, Producer, Personal Artist Manager for Actors and Musicians, Member of The Screen Actors’ Guild, and BMI Writer and Publisher
In 1965, Mikel Hooks’ father, Jerry Hooks, registered him with ASCAP as a writer.
Mikel has worked every aspect of the music business, including retail, marketing, radio, trade, promotions, etc. In May 1969, Mikel negotiated his first record deal with Atlantic Records for his artist, Ironing Board Sam, title song Non Support That What the Judge Say.
In May 1974, Mikel put together a dance group, The Ghetto Dancers. The Ghetto Dancers appeared on The Tonight Show, hosted by Steve Allen with announcer Ed McMahon. Guests on the show that night included George Kennedy, Cindy Williams, Dr. Joyce Brothers, and Jayne Meadows.
In June 1982, Mikel started a record company, Street People Records, which produced the hit song titled, West Coast Poplock. This song quickly became the west coast’s “anthem.” Just about anywhere you’d go you would hear the sing-along chorus of “California knows how to party.” This song was co-written by Mikel Hooks and Ronnie Hudson.
In August 1996, Mikel co-wrote the mega-hit, California Love, with the late 2Pac. The album went multi-platinum.
In May 2003, Mikel Hooks and Bill Reed started Double R Records. They currently have three artists on their roster.
• Levo – Hip-Hop / Rap
• Candy – Female / R & B
• Melvin Way / R & B
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Interview for West Coast Pioneers Mikel Hooks (West Coast Poplock / Street People) |
Moderator: Stefan Schuetze Sandro De Geatani |
Date: 05/2008 |
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Ronnie Hudson And The Street People |
West Coast Poplock |
Birdie |
BD 1002 |
1982 |
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Ronnie Hudson And The Street People |
West Coast Poplock |
Street People |
ST |
1982 |
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Rappers Rapp Group |
Rappers Rapp Theme |
Rappers Rapp |
RR-12''-1990 |
1982 |
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Ronnie Hudson And Street People |
Going Down |
Street People |
SP 300 |
1985 |
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