Part 4 – Larry Dunn & Luisa Dunn Weigh in on the 2020 COVID19 Shut-in.

(Introduction by Kaylene Peoples & Questions by Sheryl Aronson)

Larry Dunn is known as the original keyboardist/composer/arranger and co-hitmaker of the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire. For years, since leaving EWF, he has been leading his band of all-stars in his group LDO, which stands for Larry Dunn Orchestra. This is a 13-piece group with an impressive lineup of respected musicians, equipped with a horn section, multiple singers, a complete rhythm section, and of course Larry Dunn on multiple keyboards, ranging from electric keyboards to Moog and more.

LDO has performed locally and internationally, entertaining audiences with their show titled “Larry Dunn’s Anthology of Earth, Wind & Fire.” But there’s always more than meets the eye with the highly decorated, multi-award-winner.  To mention all of Dunn’s awards would be an article in itself. Aside from the many Grammy nominations, Hall of Fame inductions, and most recently the Smithsonian and Kennedy Center honors, one wonders how he has time to do all that he continues to do in the music industry.

“I started playing at two years old, got in clubs at 11, and at 15, I played seven nights a week. So when I got with Maurice, and came out to LA, I knew nothing about the music business. One thing I say to everybody that’s involved or is going to be involved, learn how to write music. Luisa and I talked about when TLC had won five Grammys in one night, and they had to actually borrow money from Baby Face to get a place to stay out here to attend.” Larry Dunn, Agenda Magazine 

Larry and Luisa Dunn recently appeared on the cover of Agenda just prior to the pandemic shut-in.  A brief summary of their activities lately  include producing multiple musical projects, including Luisa Dunn’s inaugural solo album.  And in the early phase of the COVID shut-in, Dunn was an honored performer for Moogmentum, a series that streamed online.

Larry and Luisa Dunn each recently received their Masters degrees in Hebraic Studies; and this is just another passion that keeps them busy.  Both minister with their talents, bringing joy and comfort to so many.  Please enjoy Larry and Luisa’s responses for our COVID 19 ongoing series “Don’t Stop the Music.”

Questions by Sheryl Aronson
Responses by Larry Dunn & Luisa Dunn

How has the Corona Virus crisis affected you as a musician?

• Pro: This pandemic is giving us more time to be more creative and work on music.
• Con:  Many of our music business assets do not seem to be functioning at optimal level, especially regarding royalty payments. Ever since this shut-in, there is less accuracy, and literally nonexistent customer service in our “once very reliable” corporate system.

Luisa: One of the ways it has affected me is I am used to leading praise and worship at church, and now because we cannot attend, I do it at home so that I can keep singing and keep my voice up to par;  and I’m still praising and worshiping the Lord. It has also given me time to be musically and lyrically creative.

As an artist what has been your creative approach to reach out to the public during this time of social distancing?

Larry: I rarely get involved in social media unless I’m promoting a concert or product. But now I feel it is my responsibility to reach out and speak to some of the things that people are doing that makes no sense and are very detrimental.  Also, I did an extensive interview with CASIO live podcast on Facebook and answered a lot of questions people had as well.  There’s a lot of great music already online, so at this particular point, I’m leaning more towards speaking and ministering whatever wisdom I can to help with love and compassion during this trying time.

Luisa: I have been using this time mostly being vocal about a lot of the issues that are going on today, and I have been sharing words of encouragement, love, hope . . . and sharing the gospel.

How have you challenged yourself as an artist during this time?

Larry: One way I am challenging myself is by revamping our studio and making sure everything is up to par as much as possible, and user friendly!

Luisa: I have challenged myself by taking the time to learn music program’s so that I can lay down my own tracks while writing music.

What has it meant to you sharing your music so personally to the audience on Facebook/Insta Live?

Larry: As far as my music being shared personally, many people are posting songs and music that I have done over the years with various artist’s outside of EWF and also songs with EWF, which is awesome and very humbling, but as I said before I am focusing more on speaking than playing live – not saying that I won’t eventually get to that as well, I’m sure I will.

Luisa: My husband and I have both been taking this time to be vocal and speak to people as opposed to performing live. But the good news is people are playing my music on their own accord, and sending wonderful, kind words of appreciation. So awesome to have people sharing your own music back to you!

Luisa Dunn has recorded on many projects with LDO, as well as with a long list of our music royalty.  She is a singer, songwriter, and co-producer.  Luisa has won countless awards during her lifetime, including a Best Song Award for the remake of  “Twilight World.”  This quote is from her Indie Hotspot feature in the print edition of Agenda magazine.

“For a lot of artists, it’s hard to do remakes. Sometimes I think it’s kind of sacrilege, but if you know what you’re doing, you’re going to give it your best and just bring it to the next level. I give credit to Larry Dunn, who of course produced the track, and all the great musicians, and of course to Swing Out Sister for writing an incredible song.” – Luisa Dunn on Winning Song of the Year, Arts for Peace Awards 2018

List any upcoming online concerts, CD Releases, etc. that you want to share.

Larry: Not doing upcoming concerts online right now because we are focusing on the music and working on Luisa‘s first solo project . . . a very long time coming! Our people can still purchase music from the (larrydunnmusic.com) official website.

Luisa: No online concerts scheduled at this time, as I am in the thick of working to complete my very first solo project. At the same time still continuing to run the corporation, pay bills, do taxes etc., so my plate is quite full. If anyone is interested in purchasing any of our music, they can go to (larrydunnmusic.com)

Thank you so much. GOD BLESS.

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