We recently connected with Tyrone DuBose and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tyrone, thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?
There are times where I vacillate back and forth about whether I should have started my career sooner or later. As time goes on, we eventually mold ourselves into what we believe is a career choice for us. Although starting out in public access, I have always had a love for music. I had to somehow figure out how to put television and music together, and I believe that is the part where I believed I was in my element. I am however a firm believer that it is never too late for new beginning.
Tyrone, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
As an R&B historian, I consider myself a person who preserves the legacy, charts, and history of R&B music. The music of R&B is one of the most important legacies to preserve because at one time R&B music was categorized as “Race Music”, even though without it, there would be very little diversity. What I believe sets me apart from the rest is my knowledge of the charts. It began by being an astute listener to American top 40 in the 70’s with Casey Kasem as a teenager in Cincinnati Ohio. The history of the artist and the importance of their place in the countdown was something that kept me fascinated with music. Getting here however was not easy. Like many, I struggled to find my way in place not only with my dream, but in life. Being told that it could never happen, or few people believing in you. I believe once I stop concerning myself with what others thought of me or my dreams, I began to find myself. I think getting out of my own way is a better way to put it. There were events that changed my life to some degree. You find yourself surrounded by people you believe want the best for you, but realize that you’re being held hostage for what you once were, and You find yourself trying to be perfect for imperfect people. It required me to make uncomfortable but major changes for me to grow. It became hard to sleep when I couldn’t find peace. But once I began to focus, I realized that people who didn’t understand my change started to criticize my change. And the size of the people that were around me became smaller. To be honest, people who don’t know your story, somehow will find a way to judge your life. I realized that in order to move to the top of the mountain, I had to be uncomfortable with the climb. The more I wanted to change, the smaller the circle of people around me. People may have left, but I’m still here. So I began to let go of the guilt, pain, unforgiveness, and fears. I stop letting people and things disqualify me from trying to become a better person. I stop spending 10 minutes of my life on people that’s not going to think about me 10 minutes after I’m gone. And ironically, my life truly became better, and so did my dreams with a television series called “The Four Seasons of R&B”, based on my number one book from Amazon. I’ve continued to progress with continuing being a part of the TV One show UNSUNG, which tells the autobiography of artist from the past and present. I am also a contributor of the show “Death by Fame” on the ID Channel.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
The biggest lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that everyone wants for you to succeed. I have begun to realize that is a myth. It is sad to say that friends and yes, even family can be a deterrent in you trying to pursue your dreams. I’ve realized that I have to work a little bit harder, and not concern myself with what those who are around me say about me. I feel this healthy sense of urgency in getting everything in which I can in this part of my life. For years I made excuses, now I just make it happen.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being creative, is that it allows you to be something different and not concern yourself about what others believe. It’s important to have a style that belongs only to you. Many times, we try to fit into what others want us to be. I have learned that no one ever wants you because you’re better, because better comes with expectations, always tell people what makes you different. That will always get you where you want to go.
Contact Info:
- Website: randbhistoian.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyrone_dubose
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004110223440
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyrone-dubose-2b20037/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/randbhistory
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tyronedubose4817
Image Credits
Kathy Chappell Photography