The Official website of dj Riley

To all my fathers, brothers, uncles, and their much loved ladies

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 21:52:32 -0400

Mother's Day is such a special day to all of us. We all have such a special relationship with the nurturing we get from our mothers. Those of us blessed to have fathers and good relationships with them know how especially important that is. I've loved my father so much for years and years. The kind of father he is gives me perspective in my life and has enabled me to become the kind of man that I am. My life has been particularly unique due to my circumstances. I've not married or had any children of my own. But I have been taught, nurtured, and been given mentorship by the kind of man that has helped me to become a good friend, brother, and uncle, and to enjoy vicarious fatherhood with so many wonderful young people. I've been blessed to have a great brother and wonderful friends who have shown me fatherhood and friendship on so many levels. Those of you who have witnessed these kinds of relationships know what I mean. So much goes into the role of being a father. It overlaps with many aspects of our other relationships. It enables us to represent ourselves and express ourselves in ways that mean a lot to many other people that we touch.

Once again, I'm so proud of so many of my friends and brothers who have children graduating from high school and college and becoming strong young men in these trying times. I love all of you. Some of my buddies have recently experienced fatherhood and have young boys and girls playing baseball, basketball and football and running track. I support them in many ways. I've had opportunity to share some of these experiences and I'm so happy to do that. I've had mentors like Max, Harry Edwards, and uncles that mean a lot to me and motivate me to be a better person. I know how important that is to me and to the other young people I know who share these types of relationships.

Once again, my boy Baron made it possible for me to attend a Diana Ross concert. She's such an outstanding icon and true entertainer. I've got a birthday coming up July 2. I plan to get together with some friends for dinner on July 1. I'll keep you posted. In times like this, it's so important to me. Having my friends stay in touch with me keeps me motivated and makes me try hard to contribute and participate.

Our President has taken quite a beating in the press these days. The oil spill in the Gulf is not his fault. I think he's doing his best to keep his composure and put people to work on salvaging that mess. Let us pray that he'll get credit for the good things that he's doing and keep optimistic and positive as he continues to do his best for us all.

I love all of you, especially my fathers at this time of year. I pray that you have a good summer and that you spend time with your children and give them your support, making them sure that you love them and allowing yourself the positive, spiritual and soulful generation that comes from their love.

Much love always,
DJ

Move To Serve

Sat, 8 May 2010 18:23:04 -0400

We are all living in such challenging times. All of us have hardships that we face, and we must look to God and each other for strength and support. Most of us find ways of enduring our challenges and the means to give to others (family, friends, and our community). We are living in the example of quite a President. Even in the face of conflict and criticism, he still leads by example. In deeds and policy, he's determined to continue to give to others and to encourage all of us to do the same. No one is perfect. I'm sure we can all find disagreement and disappointment with those we love, admire, and cherish the most. If we're honest, we have to admit to times when we're not so happy with ourselves due to decisions we make and thoughts we may have about a variety of issues and circumstances we face.

Obama just keeps plugging along. I'm so happy, as stated before, about the health care policy potential he created, the economic changes he's promoting, and the general health and well being that his and Michelle's actions and words promote to and for all of us. I struggle with his decisions on nuclear policy, offshore drilling, and the amount of soldiers that we have engaged in conflicts throughout the world. Presidents don't make popular decisions all the time for all the people. I'm sure that he is discovering this on a daily basis. And I can tell that it's not easy for him. I still am confident that he's doing his best and ultimately will do good for all of us. His example is to encourage us to do our part to make things better. My life is a testimony to the good nature and contributions of our social policy, my family and friends. I have lived a cherished and charmed life due to the contributions and support of others, so I know it exists and I see it every day.

I've spoken on many occasions of the contributions and support my mom has always given to me and especially what she's done for me in recent years. I owe my survival to her and God, and the example that she sets for so many that continue to give to me makes my life worthwhile. Most recently, I'm so proud of my father and his latest action demonstrating his belief in our responsibility to set an example and to give to each other in our community. He has once again decided to run for city council in the place where our family has lived for more than 50 years. He sees some deficiencies and limitations with regard to opportunities and support for a substantial portion of the population in our community. He still believes enough in our system of government to put his reputation, time, and effort on the line to make a difference where he lives. I'm so proud of him and I wish that everyone that can see his efforts will support him and emulate him in some way to try and make things better.

I recently was visited by some people I care about that go out of their way to help others make things better. My best friend Baron celebrated another birthday recently. Since I've known him, he has given to his friends, family, and community to make it a more diverse, inclusive, and positive place for everyone. He continues to support efforts that promote diversity and opportunity for others in the community and continues to make it possible for me to participate and show my support, by sponsoring various community and cultural activities for me to engage in. I love him unconditionally and wish nothing but the best for him.

My good friend from USC, Tony Brown, recently visited me. We've known each other for 30 years. Ever since I met him, his spiritual and practical core has been about supporting and promoting better living and more opportunity for others. He recently had a child, but he remains committed to helping everyone he touches find economic and other fundamental opportunities for life betterment.

I also got a recent visit from a friend named Marianne. She was my home care nurse while I attended UCLA some years ago. We haven't seen each other in 5 years but we stay in touch. Her friendship is most valued and her example is most profound. She was a registered psychiatric nurse for more than 30 years when she accompanied her husband Willem, an educator, on a teaching fellowship to UCLA a few years back. When they returned to their country, Holland, she decided to change her life of service in the area of nursing and tried something different. She attended law school and now enjoys a contributory career in child health care advocacy in the Netherlands. I'm so proud of her and so happy to know her. So many can benefit from her service and her example of contribution.

I saw my friend Patrice last weekend. She was as beautiful as ever. I went to USC with her and her sister. We became friends later on when we got reacquainted. She comes from a family that loves jazz. Most of her career, she has served as a mentor and most recently, as a mentor program administrator. She has worked in New Jersey and Los Angeles, most recently with the L.A. Urban League. I admire her. She’s so beautiful and kind. She was diagnosed with diabetes, but she perseveres with it. She remains dedicated to advocating for diabetic research and mentorship programs. Some people face challenges head on and remain committed to serving others instead of confining themselves to their own problems. I love Patrice and I know she’s a role model and civic example to those of us that try to contribute to others in our community.

Another friend, Diana Guth, my past respiratory therapist, is a dynamo. She has her own company to provide and promote respiratory healthcare to others. She's had in her synagogues activities and she's the mother of an emotionally disabled son. She recently contracted respiratory cancer herself. By her determination, the prayers of many, and the grace of God, she's a cancer survivor, like my mom. She continues to advocate for and promote health and wellness to many, including myself.

Besides the many close friends that I have as examples of community servers, there's the example of my friend and former teacher, Mr. Joe Ferraina. He continues to build quality schools and provide the ultimate in education possibilities for everyone in my town, thereby setting an example for school systems in the surrounding area. He's due to retire this year, but I know and pray that he will go on to continue to serve and influence his growing community for years to come. And speaking of great educators, I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the accomplishments of Jaime Escalante, the great math teacher and educator from L.A., whom we lost recently. Mr. Escalante recognized and developed the capability and potential of many unrepresented minority students. He will be missed, but his example will live on.

I recently attended a concert by Alicia Keys at the Staples Center in L.A. Her music and concerts convey a message of love, encouragement, and empowerment to women and minorities throughout the world. She has a foundation that is dedicated to promoting health and wellness through AIDS research and medical assistance domestically and in Africa. I also attended a concert by jazz trumpetist Terence Blanchard last week. He's a protege of my friend and great musician Wynton Marsalis. He's a product of the school of music of the great Billy Higgins, Art Blakey, and Wynton and Ellis Marsalis. They constantly encourage, teach, and promote talented musicians throughout the world who provide musical and cultural nutrition ultimately to millions of people that enjoy and have access to their efforts. Terence's current quintet features a pianist from Cuba, a bass player from Nigeria, a saxaphone player from Tucson, AZ, and a trumpeter from Houston, TX, and of course he's from that great pool of jazz musicians from New Orleans. Their most recent CD release is called Choices, on the Concord label. He's a musical performer and educator who services the need for the arts in all our lives.

Last weekend, at the Masters golf tournament, Tiger Woods showed that through apology and commitment to rehabilitation, one can set an example for better service to one's family and the community at large. He succeeded in finishing fourth in the Masters tournament after 5 months of dormancy on the professional circuit and countless hours and pages of criticism and ridicule about choices he's made in his personal life. Another example of triumph that came from the Masters tournament is Phil Mickelson, who won the title after a year of enduring the tragedy and hardship of breast cancer suffered by his wife and mother. Thankfully, they are both winning the fight against this disease, and he expressed his gratitude that he and his family could experience this triumph over medical adversity together and share it as an example to others struggling and battling with similar health crises. Phil has been noted for much philanthropy and service to his community in San Diego and throughout the country, through his golf foundations.

I wrote this letter to express my gratitude for the contributions of so many and my determination to continue to do what I can to give back and to promote service throughout my life in the philosophy of a great President from the past, John Kennedy -- "everybody can do something," whether it's for your family, your friends, or the community at large. The efforts that you make to serve others will have a tremendous effect on their lives and the lives of those that they touch. Make an effort to serve. It will be worth it!

Much love always,
DJ

How Sweet it is!

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 19:02:18 -0400

How blessed we are to be living in the days of Barack Obama as President. He's already made incredible history in a short period of time. I have every confidence that he will continue to do good things and the more cooperation he gets from Congress and those of us that believe in him and what he's trying to do, the better things will get. We have so many problems but it's great to have a level headed leader with the courage to stand by his word and try to make things better in so many ways. Of course, we see that he has to make compromises. That's the nature of the political beast, but it's also what's great about our country. We have so many enthusiastic, intelligent, and passionate entities that need to be combined and coordinated to make the most of this life we're living as Americans. It's wonderful to have someone that can communicate with the majority of people that are listening and trying to collaborate and work together. Barack is that kind of person.

I feel so blessed to be alive at this time. I was worried that this bill was going to be killed along with the best thoughts and recollections of Senator Kennedy, who passed away after seeing Barack become President but couldn't last long enough to help him with more of his mission. The health care bill is something that ironically was very important to him before he contracted cancer. I know he was looking forward to working with Barack and other bipartisan participants to make health care better for more people in this country. Thank God for those conscientious souls in the Congress and thereabouts that were willing to make this historic commitment to better health care access for millions of people. I know that the government throws a lot of money around, but it seems like in recent years, the majority of it has gone to war munitions and automobile bailouts for people that already have more money than they can use. By making a commitment to health care, Barack and his administration (along with his wife and her fight against obesity, especially in children) is showing that government can still do something for more common Americans like you and me. Nothing and no one is perfect. This idea, like Medicare and other legislation that can be manipulated and inflated, is going to need a good follow through by a conscientious collective of collaborators to make this work for the majority. Barack is the right man at the right time to set this in motion. It's a work in progress, like many other major social policies. It will take years and generations to stabilize and manifest, but it is so very important at this time that we give people a chance to have access to health care and to prevent or minimize the devastation and decimation that can take place in families that are facing significant and sustained health challenges.

I 'm happy to be in touch with you and I look forward to Obama dealing not only with this issue but also with his commitment to equal access to quality education for all. It's just the beginning, but oh what a beginning. I'm so blessed and thankful to be living in a time when this type of vision has an opportunity to manifest. Please keep doing all that you can to support these types of efforts. Feel happy with me, feel encouraged, and feel hopeful that things can get better if we work together to do better for each other and for those in need.

Much love to all of you. I'll be in touch.

Always,
DJ

P.S. I've attached an image of myself that I'd like all of you to have of me. Remember how much I love you and how thankful I am for your support.

Potpourri

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:18:13 -0500

So many things are happening with the holidays coming up. Last week, I went to see Anita Baker perform at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. Once again, music is a miracle. She is a singer/performer that brings so much love and emotion to her songs. I love so many of them. It was such a blessing to sit there with Natalie to hear her. She reminds me of Sade, Nancy Wilson, Gladys Knight, and Barbra Streisand. There are so many outstanding female vocalists out right now. Most of them appeal to an individual on a certain level because of the songs they choose, the songs they write, and the way they perform. The four singers I mentioned have a way of singing songs that tell universal stories that warm the heart and uplift the spirit. The other singers are great in their own way, but something about a good song that tells a universal story and that sounds appealing and moving makes all the difference. I wasn't feeling too good last week. In fact, I missed an R Kelly concert earlier in the week. God blessed me to heal me enough to make it to see Anita. It was my first time at the theater and it made all the difference. I was so thankful, so happy, and uplifted by the music. I hope whenever you get a chance to see her, you do so and give her some support. She deserves it!

My boy George Duke opened the show for her. I haven't seen him in a while. But I've seen him many times over the years. He's one of the original, classic "jazz fusionists." So much is being made of the smooth jazz being played on the wave radio station. George is a good artist and a nice person. I was blessed to make his acquaintance some time ago. I'm happy to see him whenever I get a chance. I hope I get a chance to thank him for the show at some point.

What do you think about what my man Barack Obama is dealing with these days? So much pressure on one person. He's got so much class and dignity. The way that he's handling things, his charisma, and his confidence are some things to behold. All the problems with the economy and the war and he still has the time to steadfastly pursue health care for the rest of us citizens that have difficulty affording it. With all the complaints and criticisms that he's been facing for not having solved all the problems in one year, it's amazing to watch him and his family and the gracious way that they go about serving us all and trying to represent a positive image and an optimistic point of view for our collective futures. It's painful to see the criticisms that have been bestowed upon him in just months of having taken the job. The way that he handles it, it appears that he and his team have expected the criticisms in the wake of the collective stress that so many of us are facing with current conditions. He deals with international and domestic challenges in a calm and steadfast manner that should evoke pride and comfort in the majority of us given the instability that he's had to face. It's hard for me to palate the disapproval ratings that he's been enduring. He hasn't made any promises that he hasn't worked consciously and assertively to fulfill. During the campaign, he constantly reminded us that there were no miracle cures for the difficulties that we face, but he promised change in the way that solutions were developed and implemented. I believe he has fulfilled that promise. He's expressed that it will take time to rectify the problems but that he's committed, able, and willing to come up with collective solutions and compromises. I believe that he's fulfilling those promises and that we should give him a chance to fulfill his mission and give him the support and the time to utilize all his resources to come up with answers that will improve all our lives. I know that's still his intention. I have every reason to believe that he can still do it.

What do you think about the mass killings? We've discovered recently so much pressure and so much sickness in so many places -- Florida, Texas, California, and Ohio. Life can be so much worse for so many of us. We are still blessed to live in America and there are so many of us that are enduring and achieving great things. I just hope that we'll be willing to take advantage of the blessings and the resources that exist to make this a better year coming up.

I haven't seen the Michael Jackson movie but I hear good things about it. I saw the Jackson family docudrama that was done some time ago. It really made me miss Michael, but it gave me an appreciation for what he endured and what they accomplished as a family. I'm sure we're all going to miss him, his family in particular. He's left so much great music and I hear his concert film was an indication of who he was and what kind of performer that he remained right up to the end. It's something that we, his true fans, and his family and friends can keep with us to remember him by. God willing, he's in a better place now. We'll all remember him for the magic and the passion that he brought to all of us through his talent and his heart. I'll be checking out that movie and the movie "Precious," presented by Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey. I'll get back and report to you in my holiday message.

Much love to all of you. Thanks for your continued tolerance and support.

Each One Teach One

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:34:41 -0400

I'm blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life, as we all are. People come in your life for periods of time and share things with you and help you to discover things about yourself and the world. We all face challenges continuously, and it is these life lessons that we acquire from others along the way that help us to process and deal with the challenges we face.

Jazz is an important part of my life. Jazz musicians that are dedicated to sharing their music have to learn how to embrace and utilize influences from different people throughout their careers. It's difficult to maintain a jazz collective over a period of time. It's hard to achieve financial and critical success without being able to adjust to circumstances and adapt to a variety of influences. This past week, I had an opportunity to see two of my favorite jazz trumpetists, Nicolas Peyton and Wynton Marsalis. They both happen to be from New Orleans, my favorite jazz city. At this time, they're both expressing their jazz voices in different capacities. I saw Nicolas actually twice this past month, once at the Hollywood Bowl in a salute to Miles Davis with Roy Hargrove conducting an orchestra, and more recently, in a quartet at Catalina Bar and Grill, also in Los Angeles. It was wonderful to see him adapt to these two forms of musical expression. As a lead soloist in an orchestra, you have a different responsibility and format to express yourself as a member of a larger collective. With a quartet, you're more a front person, responsible for setting the tone for the rest of the group. Nicolas is a quiet person and expresses himself publicly primarily through his instrument, although he's more comfortable allowing others to express themselves verbally in the process of a performance.

Wynton Marsalis, on the other hand, my all time favorite musician, operates differently. As the leader of the prestigious Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, he travels the world as a virtual ambassador for music. I saw him at UCLA two weeks ago. It was wonderful, as usual. It's amazing to hear him and to watch him lead the orchestra of many. They look and sound like a quartet or quintet, although they have a number of musicians. He's happy and obviously proud to introduce the various members of the orchestra throughout the performance, giving each of them the praise and opportunity to make their solo imprints on the quilt of music that embraces a warmth and swing that captures the audience. Listening to and watching the contributions of Walter Blanding, Sherman Irby, Marcus Printup, Chris Crenshaw, Carlos Enriques, and Ted Nash is a treat and gives you an affinity for the stylings of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and all the great orchestras of the past. Wynton has a way of expressing himself verbally and musically that takes a formal and structured process and turning it into a casual and freestyle form that's hard to imagine. I'm speaking about his music and his process because it's something that has embraced me for 30 years. It has helped me to see things and meet and share with people on a variety of levels, and I love it. When I get a chance to hear it in its highest levels of expression, it comforts me and energizes me in ways that a good book, an interesting film, and an exciting painting can do.

Cultural expressions are instruments that help us deal with our lives and face the challenges that we are confronted with. I have an important pending challenge that my music has helped and will continue helping me to endure. I'm looking for another roommate to support the nursing staff that has been keeping me thriving this past year and a half. It seems like I wrote about this same challenge not too long ago, but it's been at least 6 months. I appreciate the prayers and the positive words that you all sent me to help me make my choice for someone to stay with me. I'm hoping that you'll do the same this time. Alan was a good roommate and the right choice of applicants. But he's decided not to extend his services past the 6 month minimum requirement that we asked. During his time with me, he has supported my nursing staff and my friends and enabled me to live an active and social life. I need this person to help the nurses to get me up and out and to keep my apartment healthy and my diet balanced. Alan did all of that, and I'll always be grateful for his support. I'll begin interviewing for a new person this month. Pray that I'll be able to find someone similarly capable. I'm blessed to have a core group of nurses and friends that make the roommate position one that is supplemental and supportive. So I'm praying that I can find someone to be that and hopefully for longer than 6 months.

You learn about people when you get to live with them. You have to support each other and have to adapt to each other's traits and qualities. The position requires someone who is able and willing to operate responsibly in a small group. In order for my life to be as fruitful as it has been, I need a group of people (nurses, friends, and a roommate) to cooperate with one another. So far, I've been more than blessed to have this take place with my mother, brother, and friend Baron's assistance. We've been able to keep a group of people around me to help me live a happy life. All of us need friends, family, and associates to help us live functioning and contributory lives. We have to be thankful when that's taking place. We need to look to the people that make that possible and express our gratitude and affection to and for them. I have every reason to believe that it's important for me to stay in my apartment and continue to participate in my life with my friends and family. So I'm hoping that I'll be able to find a person to fit my present needs that will make that possible. All of us need to be mindful that it takes others to help us enjoy our lives and fulfill our destiny. Once again, we need to express our thanks and appreciation to them and give thanks to the God that provides.

I thank you all so much for reading my notes, sharing your love, and being so supportive of my efforts. I look forward to continuing to do as much as I can to be worthy of that. Like I said, jazz has also been a great teacher and supporter for me. It's shown me the value of individual expression and the benefit of collective participation. That is what I think life is all about, and I hope all of you get the opportunity to experience those needed elements as you continue your lives.

Once again, I expect that you'll pray for me and wish me the best as I embark upon this next challenge and hope to secure a new roommate going into the holiday season. I'll keep you posted.

Much love always,
DJ