What we may not know about Dennis Graham is that he is the reason Drake is a music artist, because it was him who aspired to be one first.

Dennis is an OG who came up in Memphis, Tennessee, playing drums and singing the blues. In an interview with a local Memphis paper, Drake’s Pops revealed the one thing James Brown once did for him- when he was just a broke, hungry kid, with a musical dream- that he will never forget. He gave him his first set of drums. Dennis explains below:

Via Memphis Flyer: [Dennis] Graham has emerged from the shadows before — as a young boy playing music on the streets of Memphis. His cousin played the cardboard box. He played an overturned metal tub. Girls would dress up in their majorette uniforms and parade down the street with them, ribbons and everything.

One day they were playing on Union Avenue, downtown.[…] Graham and his cousin sat on the street, beating on a cardboard box and a metal tub like they always did. But Graham stopped banging his drumstick — a broken mop handle — when he heard someone yell at him from above. “Hey!” the voice beckoned. “Come here.” It came from a man on a hotel balcony across the street. Graham walked over. It was James Brown. The famous soul singer called his drummer out to the balcony and made him give young Dennis his four-piece drum set. It was Graham’s first set of drums. Graham went on to play drums professionally for Jerry Lee Lewis’ band. He also became a regular at Royal Studios, where Al Green recorded in the 1970s.

Dennis never had the type of success he’d dreamed of, like his son has now, but he’s extremely proud of Drake’s accomplishments. Although they had a rocky past when Drake was a kid and Dennis was chasing his music dreams, spending time away from his family, Dennis finally got to pay Drake the $5 that he owed him:

Via Memphis Flyer: When Drake was a little boy, he bet $5 he’d do more television and more music than his daddy ever did. He was right, and when he came to Memphis for a show, a proud father gave his millionaire son $5.

Nowadays Dennis is still a jazz/blues artist. He may be an ‘Old school playa from the Himalayas’ like Jeromey-Rome used to say, but his young fans can’t get enough of him as an Instagram celebrity, who hangs out with cats of all ages, including his son. Even young groupies flock to Dennis for a piece of Drake’s daddy. Sidenote: Dennis is in a committed relationship now though, so he’s toned down with the groupies on social media lately. But overall, life is good for the Memphis, TN brotha, with the Canadian bred superstar son.

The post Wow! Drake’s DAD Reveals What James Brown DID FOR HIM That He’ll NEVER Forget! appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

*SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO*

ILOSM family we wanted to share this interesting piece of entertainment with y’all. Drake’s Pops, Dennis Graham (a.k.a. “One In A Million” singer, Larry Graham’s, brother) is about to drop a new single from his upcoming R&B album, “Kinda Crazy” and at 60+ years young, he’s just released a portion of his music video.

Some question if it’s too late for him to push a new singing career, but Dennis has been in the music game for many decades, well before Drake or shall I say, Aubrey Graham, was even thought of. He’s a professional drummer who breathes, eats, and dreams music, but just never acquired the type of success as his son.

But ever since his son’s mega-success, Dennis Graham has become a superstar in his own right- new schoolers and old schoolers attract to this cool cat from Memphis, TN., who rocks quarter length suits, his signature thick mustache (like his brother, Larry) and has a great sense of humor, with a knack for charming the ladies, in particular, young ones.

Dennis’ love for music has never ceased, so it was only right that he released his very own R&B album because I guess it’s better late than never. Check out the snippet from his music video and tell us what you think Dennis’ timing is:
1. Too late?
2. Or right on time?

The post Wow, Drake’s 60+ Yr. Old DAD Releases NEW R&B Video, MUST SEE! appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Now this is a TOUGH guess right here! Prepare to be shocked.

Do you remember the guy, who gave us the 1980 crossover and soul music smash “One In A Million” and before that, was lead singer with the Graham Central Station; and even before that, was a member of Sly & The Family Stone? Of course you do- Larry Graham, but guess who his very popular multi million selling rapper nephew is? Here’s one hint: Nowadays you can’t turn on the radio without hearing his rap songs about every 30 minutes.

Larry sang the words “A one in a million, chance of a lifetime…” but chances are one in a million that any one of us could have saw this one coming. Turn the page to see who his nephew is…

The post “One In A Million” Singer Larry Graham’s Multi-Platinum RAPPER Nephew Is WHO? appeared first on I Love Old School Music.