Show Notes: Episode 51: HARMONY with Dr. Garfield Bright
About The Guest
Garfield Bright is a founding member of the R&B group Shai. He has achieved multi-platinum success in the music industry and has also earned a PhD in African American Studies.
Summary
Garfield Bright, a founding member of the R&B group Shai, shares his journey from being a college student at Howard University to becoming a successful musician. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of his music career, emphasizes the importance of being business-savvy in the industry, and reveals his passion for continuous learning, which led him to pursue a PhD in African American Studies.
Key Takeaways
- Garfield’s love for music and his fascination with harmony led him to join the R&B group Shai.
- The group’s success was unexpected, but they quickly rose to fame with their hit song “If I Ever Fall In Love.”
- Garfield’s passion for learning and his inquisitive nature led him to pursue a PhD in African American Studies while still pursuing his music career.
Quotes
- “We really thought just because we had a song that was incredible to us, that should get a record deal and we should be successful in the music industry.” – Garfield Bright
- “I always got something out of putting my effort into school outside of just putting effort in.” – Garfield Bright
- “I always wanted to know more. I’m not satisfied with what we know now, and I still am not even with the PhD.” – Garfield Bright
Contact
- The Garfield Bright Experience on Instagram
- The Garfield Bright Experience on Facebook
- Garfield Bright on Cameo
- Shai on Instagram
| Timestamp | Summary |
|---|---|
| [0:00:00] | Shai’s encounter on stage leads to a record deal offer. |
| [0:03:10] | Introduction of Garfield Bright, former member of Shai. |
| [0:04:02] | Garfield’s childhood aspirations and musical influences. |
| [0:07:40] | Garfield’s college years and meeting Darnell Van Rensalier. |
| [0:11:07] | Garfield and Darnell’s separation and joining of Alpha Phi Alpha. |
| 0:11:30 | Garfield talks about his involvement in Howard University and meeting Darnell |
| 0:12:10 | Garfield explains how he joined Darnell’s group for a talent show |
| 0:13:20 | Garfield describes the crowd’s reaction to their performance |
| 0:14:19 | Garfield reflects on the luck and destiny that led to their success |
| 0:15:39 | Garfield discusses their journey to getting a record deal |
| 0:16:57 | Garfield talks about the success of their song and getting signed |
| 0:18:15 | Toby asks about doubt and setbacks along the way |
| 0:19:18 | Garfield emphasizes their confidence and naivety in their success |
| 0:20:48 | Garfield shares the immediate success and fame they experienced |
| 0:22:02 | Garfield reflects on his mindset during the ride to stardom |
| 0:22:43 | Reflecting on the rise and fall of his music career |
| 0:23:21 | The challenges of creating their first album |
| 0:24:06 | The impact of timing and the golden era of R&B |
| 0:25:49 | Transitioning from R&B stardom to the post-success period |
| 0:27:09 | Internal dynamics and the impact on the group’s trajectory |
| 0:28:27 | Evolving as a two-man group and finding success in Germany |
| 0:29:36 | Reuniting with former group members and continuing their success |
| 0:30:26 | Recognizing the temporary nature of the downturn in popularity |
| 0:31:41 | The resurgence of 90s music and its impact on their career |
| 0:32:58 | Dr. Bright’s academic pursuits alongside his music career |
| 0:33:24 | Recording music in the past required talent and skill |
| 0:35:00 | Pursuing higher education alongside a music career |
| 0:36:36 | Getting a PhD to challenge intelligence and seek knowledge |
| 0:40:05 | Describing his book “Lotus 3013” |
| 0:42:19 | Reflecting on the mountaintop moments of his journey |
| 0:43:57 | The nature of the universe and staying positive |
| 0:44:29 | The curse of the high achiever |
| 0:45:17 | The thief that robs joy from high achievers |
| 0:45:53 | Not valuing achievements in the moment |
| 0:47:13 | Enjoying high moments but knowing they won’t last |
| 0:48:59 | The complexities of the music industry |
| 0:49:58 | The commitment and challenges of being an artist |
| 0:50:26 | Advice on being business savvy in the music industry |
| 0:53:22 | The soundtrack of the montage of his life |
| 0:54:51 | Jazz songs that represent his love for the genre |
| 0:54:51 | Introduction to the playlist and inclusion of guest’s songs |
| 0:55:08 | Garfield reflects on what remains undone in life |
| 0:56:22 | Garfield emphasizes the importance of human experience and programming |
| 0:57:27 | Garfield discusses the power to reprogram ourselves |
| 0:57:43 | Garfield shares ways to connect and support his work |
| 0:58:55 | Conclusion and final thoughts from the host |
| 0:59:26 | Toby shares a wedding memory |
| 1:00:04 | Toby reflects on the interview and expresses gratitude |
| 1:00:30 | Announcement of upcoming episodes and how to share stories |
| 1:01:01 | Closing remarks and production credits |