A Reply to Coleman Cecil's Article

By Kenny O!GEE!!
O!GEE!! Karaoke

I never thought I'd see the day where I would have to defend Karaoke from another KJ.  Working this industry for over 10 years, and in music much longer, I found Coleman's article disgraceful and offensive.  When The topic of conversation turns to the reputability of our profession, when I have to defend what I do and how I do it, because a supposed KJ finds some singer's offensive, I get extremely upset.

Coleman may want to bite the hand that feeds him but for the rest of us that make our living working in this business, we do everything we can to promote Karaoke not down grade it. Mostly all KJ's work together to make this industry the best it can be. For those KJ's that find it offensive or are burned out, GET OUT!!

I enjoy what I do, so do most all of the other KJ's I know. We're not in it for the money, since we don't get paid enough for the work we do, we are here because we love what we do.  I would love to see Coleman hang that article in his club and explain to all his patrons and bar owner exactly how he feels. If all his customers were to read it, I'm sure they would be horrified as my patrons were.

Coleman needs to look in the mirror, because the last time I checked, I did not see his name on a recording contract or CD. Karaoke is for the people! It is not my show, but it is each of my patrons time in the spotlight, whether good, bad or in different. I am the soundman providing the music. I am not a critic nor am I here to judge. I work the music to make my singer's sound the best they can be.

If they enjoyed themselves and had fun, then I've done my job. I'm proud of what I do and I'm proud of my singer's, especially the ones new to Karaoke. Yes, they may not be the best, but it takes a lot of nerve and self-confidence to get in front of strangers and sing a song for the first time.

Coleman needs to reevaluate why he is a KJ and at the very least apologize to all those he has offended.