Spider Jones 'souled' out the Jukebox Live

By Debbra Macdonald

Friday, May 11, 2007

On Friday April 13, 2007, Spider Jones and the Fabulous Web mesmerized a crowd of 400-plus with a great selection of soul music at the Jukebox Live in Pickering.� Spider rocked the house with his dynamic performance and the crowd danced up a storm. With the dance floor packed, he proved that once again the Golden Oldies era is alive and well in today's world. When interviewed, Spider complimented the Jukebox Live, as the best club in Durham Region for music lovers of all ages, but especially those who love the R & B, soul music and its era.

During our Interview at a local coffee shop, Spider, a man with celebrity status was at home among the locals, constantly engaged in conversation with those he knows. He has a big smile, and always makes a joke that is followed by laughter.�� In his hometown of Pickering, his charisma, magnetism and sincerity were visible by the way customers reacted to him with the utmost respect and appreciation for his efforts in the community. �Spider is truly a people person, which is reflected in his approachability and availability to chat.�

After dropping out of school at 15 years old, he became involved in gang activity and it wasn't until age 30--with encouragement from his wife, Jackie—that Spider returned to school to pursue his life long dream to become a broadcast journalist. Upon earning his title, he became a sports broadcaster, who worked side by side with George Chuvalo, broadcasting boxing matches throughout North America. Then he continued to pursue his passion in music and radio as a broadcaster, interviewing the likes of Tina Turner, James Brown, Tom Jones, Mary Wilson, Roy Orbison, Benny King, and countless other high profile singers.� His most memorable interview was with Smokey Robinson, who he idolized for many years as a youth.

As a child, Spider recalled being surrounded by gospel music from a really young age and the radio playing all night long.� His family always encouraged him to sing, make noise and move around to a variety of music.� As a musician, he sings a variety of Soul, R & B, and love ballads and yes, he is also a talented pianist. On stage, Spider comes to life enhancing the music with his electric vibes and dance moves. When asked about his performances, he described the music and stage like "opium" which gives him the ultimate high.

Spider continuously volunteers and speaks at over 100 high schools throughout North America yearly, sharing his life lessons from his younger days. He grabs the teenagers' attention by exposing his own personal mistakes, downfalls and the adventure that he is now living. His past experiences shed light on a life with no education and encourages teens to complete their schooling. His down to earth, no holds barred approach draws teenagers into the scope with possibilities of hope through continued education. Spider continues to give back to the community by addressing controversial issues and inspiring the younger generation to proceed with hope into the future, so as not fall into a life of gangs and crime.� His words of wisdom ring clear, "You have to believe to achieve" and "Life hands you fate, destiny is what you do with it!" Spider's hard work with schools was recognized when he was awarded the prestigious Premier's Award and the Positive Impact Award.

Spider's life story and first book, "Out of the Darkness" is already on the stands and his second book, "How to K.O. Low Self-Esteem" will be released in the near future.� He continues to provide Training and Personal Consultations as a motivational speaker, along with his weekly broadcast on CFRB 1010 Radio on Sunday afternoons from 4 to 6 p.m. Spider is in the process of releasing a love song titled "Complete Me as a Man" with Rhonda Silver, a prominent singer. He has a number of gigs booked in September and looks forward to his up and coming "Dinner and a Love Song" performances, where he will be singing love ballads from the Golden Oldies with his band, The Fabulous Web. These performances are sure to provide couples with a night filled with romantic songs of yore. ��

After my interview with Spider, I was inspired by all that he does to help in the community and in our schools. He is truly a gentleman that makes you smile and gives you hope that helping others can make a difference. Spider provided me with a clearer vision that it is not what you did yesterday that counts, but rather what you will do today and in the future that matters most. He certainly gave me hope for a better tomorrow.

So stay tuned, as Spider's Web has not been totally spun. If you want to learn more about Spider Jones, his books, or his up and coming events, visit his web page at spiderjones.com.

Canada Free Press, CFP Editor Judi McLeod