by Richard Prior
Staff Writer
Grammy and American Music Award winner Stephanie Mills will perform Feb. 27 in Jacksonville to help raise money for programs and scholarships at Edward Waters College.
“Helping historically black colleges is very important,” Mills said in a phone call from New Jersey. “As an artist, when I’m asked to do a concert or speak to a historically black college, it’s so important that I do that.”
The concert will begin at 8 p.m. at the T-U Center.
Mills first came to the public’s attention as a 15-year-old in 1972 when she played Dorothy in the Broadway production of “The Wiz.” She has released 15 albums and CDs, starting with “Moving in the Right Direction” in 1974.
“Sweet Sensation,” her fourth album, was released in 1980 and includes her biggest solo hit, “Never Knew Love Like This Before.”
Mills, who makes her home in Charlotte, has two new rhythm-and-blues works being released: a single, “Can’t Let Him Go,” and a CD, “Born for This,” due in March.
The benefit concerts at EWC “are very important for us to raise money,” said Henry Smith, special events and special projects director at the school. “The concert helps us raise funds for the fine arts department as well as give students scholarships so they can further their education at Edward Waters in Concert Choir, band and our drama performance programs.”
The 50-voice Concert Choir “is going to sing ‘Home’ (from “The Wiz”) and ‘Never Knew Love Like This Before’ with me,” said Mills. “I’m looking forward to that.”
Musical accompaniment will be by the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.
Ticket prices are $25, $48, $58 and $68.
Members of the Edward Waters Jazz Band will showcase their skills at a VIP reception after the concert. The reception is open to those who buy separate tickets.
“We are soliciting sponsors who will contribute to the success of the concert,” said Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins Sr., president of the college. “Past concerts have received tremendous support from our friends, and we are thankful for their outstanding contributions.
“We are hopeful that they will continue to be a part of this great event, and we welcome all who want to join in and be a part of this fantastic opportunity.”
Previous EWC concerts have featured Ray Charles, Nancy Wilson, Dionne Warwick, Melba Moore and Isaac Hayes.
“With Ms. Mills as our special guest this year, we continue to bring high-caliber entertainment to our supporters,” said Jenkins.
As in earlier years, a committee was formed at the college to select an entertainer, “But Dr. Jenkins went out this time and aimed for this artist,” said Smith. “He tried to come up with an artist everyone could relate to. That was his biggest thing.
“The challenge was to match the availability of the artist with the concert date.”
The challenge was made easier by involving Tom Joyner, the nationally syndicated radio host whose morning show is heard on more than 110 stations. He is also a member of the Edward Waters board.
Predominantly black colleges “don’t get the funding like other colleges,” said Mills said. “It’s important to give back and increase awareness.
“When I was asked to do it, I was glad my schedule was free so that I could.”
Mills said she knows the vast majority of students at EWC “receive some sort of financial assistance.”
“I also know the president is Dr. Jimmy Jenkins,” she added. “I hear he had a real task in front of him to build the school, and he’s done a fabulous job.
“I played Jacksonville quite a bit back in the day. Teddy (Pendergrass) and I came through quite a bit in the middle and late 1980s. I’m sure it really has changed. I’m anxious to see.”