Jun Mhoon (Finding Aid)

Jun Mhoon

1954 -

Favorite Color: Dark Blue

Favorite Food: Fried corn

Favorite Time of Year: Summer

Favorite Vacation Spot: Sea Island, GA

Interview Length: 160 minutes

Interview Date(s): July 19, 2004

Interview Location(s): Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Music producer Jun Mhoon richly details his hardscrabble childhood in Gary, Indiana and Chicago. He shares stories of his parents on and off relationship, their difficult childhoods and efforts to raise a family. Mhoon also recalls several stories from his youth involving his extended family. Music producer and musician Jun Mhoon shares richly detailed stories of childhood misadventures. He recalls a renegade uncle who would get angry and shoot his poodle Chico, and quickly buy a replacement, always named Chico. Mhoon also descibes his school life and various shenanigans and his efforts to evade a sound whipping for his misdeeds. Musician and producer Jun Mhoon recalls in vivid detail his early years as a drummer for various groups at the age of 12. he also discusses life on the road and the various progressive responsibilites he acquired while on the road with the Staples Singers. Musician and producer Jun Mhoon discusses his transition from working as a musician to working for a music label. He also recalls running Pop Staples music label during the early 70s. Mhoon details the inside story on the rise and fall of his music label, I AM, originally started as a joint project with Rev. Jesse Jackson. Musician and producer Jun Mhoon details his entree into the digital music industry and the effect of the technology on black musicians. He also discusses the impact the internet, digital media have had upon the consumtion of music and the paradigm shift in the music industry. Musician and producer Jun Mhoon takes stock of his life and reflects on his accomplishments so far. He realizes how many people he's influenced through teaching. He also wishes his parents could have lived to see his success.

40 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)