Reggie Hines, a diverse and explosive instrumentalist, was born and raised in the South Bronx of New York City. Being raised by a very musical family, Reggie was spoon-fed various styles of music including the unorthodox sounds of Parliament Funkadelic, the never ending grooves of the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, the innovative transitions of Miles Davis and the conventional sounds of southern gospel. The constant influences of music soon had an impact on young Reggie.
Starting on the music scene as a drummer, Reggie played for several gospel groups in NYC and traveled throughout the East Coast. These experiences gave him an appetite for more. Even as a junior high school student he was very detailed and had a melodic mindset. He wanted to venture out musically. Although he enjoyed playing the drums, he wanted to play an instrument that would best describe his musical expression. He took an interest in the saxophone and realized that this instrument was it.
Reggie embraced the saxophone with a passion. He enjoyed it and it allowed him to truly express himself. His commitment to studying, practicing and playing was exceptional. He rapidly progressed and earned a scholarship to the prestigious Usdan Camp of Performing Arts in Huntington, Long Island. After successfully completing this prestigious school, he auditioned for a number of performing arts high schools. He chose to attend Julia Richman High School’s Talent Unlimited program in Manhattan, New York where the foundation was laid for Reggie’s new and adventurous career.
He began to feel a new energy different from the vibes the South Bronx gave. In the Bronx he surrounded himself with the highly syncopated Salsa, Merengue, and of course authentic Hip Hop. At Talent Unlimited, he was surrounded by Classical, Be Bop, Pop and other world music sounds. With so many musical styles to grasp, Reggie felt the saxophone wasn’t enough to obtain a musical grip on the trends. He then began to learn the piano. He felt he shouldn’t have to wait for a piano player to manifest ideas into reality when he could do it himself. He excelled on the keyboard and began playing keys for different local groups. Reggie went on to learn the bass guitar.
Reggie’s musical talents became well known and he was sought by various musical artists. His music career includes playing for Regina Belle, Brian McKnight, Cheryl Pepsi Riley, Carl Thomas, Iyana Vanzant, Zhane, Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Wu-Tang Clan, Sybil, Angie Stone, Jill Scott, Freddie Jackson, Christopher Williams, Chico & El DeBarge, Hezekiah Walker & the Love Fellowship Choir, The O’Jay’s, Ray Chew & the Crew, Johnny Kemp, Desiree Coleman-Jackson and others.
Reggie has performed for the David Letterman Show, Regis and Kelly Show, Ellen DeGeneres Show, Tom Joyner’s Sky Show, Montreaux Jazz Festival, Bermuda Jazz Festival, Bou Bou’s Jazz Festival in St. Barths, Merengue Soul Festival, Sinbad’s Bermuda Cruise Festival, Tom Joyner Cruise, St. Lucia; Stockholm; Jamaica Jazz Festival, Essence Music Festival, Pori Jazz Festival in Finland, Atlanta’s Midtown Music Festival, NV Magazine Awards, Black Enterprise Golf Classic, Vy Higgensen’s Blue Note Gospel Tour in Japan, Lou Rawl’s United Negro College Fund Telethon, Miami Soul Beach Festival, Jack and Jill Foundation and others.
Reggie wrote hit tunes for the late, Phyllis Hyman including the song, When You Get Right Down to It, nominated for the best R&B song of the year. He also has written songs for Gerald Alston, Chaka Khan and Bell Biv Devoe. He worked in conjunction with Tru Master and the RZA to compose the movie score for Blade Trinity. He has written and composed a full movie score for the independent film, Like Butta Baby as well as soundtracks for the movie, Colors of Rage.
Reggie has come full circle in his musical career and has released his debut CD, Do You See What I See.
Send inquiries & booking requests to lipsmanagement@aol.com
Visit us at: www.reggiehinesny.com
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