it was a different time

From 2004 to 2016, Sunday In The Neighborhood broadcast on a traditional radio platform WLEZ for local Jackson Metro listeners. The show featured music, songwriters, and conversation with a college radio flare and flavor. During lockdown, Greg would sit on the compound with Lydia and Lily the Cat, sip bourbon, talk music, culture, better times and future possibilities. In this online space, you can listen to show's from the archive, random chat with friends reminiscing about albums, movies, bands, musical venues and musicians, eateries, people and personalities of a different time. Whatever comes up. 

Before Covid hit, Greg was an instructor at the University of Southern Mississippi’s College of Mass Communications and Journalism in Hattiesburg. There he taught classes focusing on record company operations, talent management, and the structure of the music business. He had moved from his hometown of Nashville, TN to Jackson to work with Malaco Music Group in 1994.  For nearly a decade as marketing director of “the Last Soul Company,” Greg worked with such legendary musicians as Bobby Blue Bland, Little Milton, Johnnie Taylor, Tyrone Davis, Latimore, Shirley Brown, and Bobby Rush. Now semi-retired, he enjoys time with his kids and grandkids...booking gigs when the fit is right.

The album “Welcome to Little Milton” turns 25 this year. Recorded at the storied Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, which was owned by Malaco Records at the time, showcasing the infamous “Swampers” as the backup band on many of the tracks. Recording began in May 1998 and wrapped a year later. Album released, September 1999. After fifty plus years in the industry, Grammy members finally recognized this man’s indelible talent. Little Milton always presented his own style when recording music. This record truly shows his ability to present an alternative direction while staying true to his story. Stay tuned for interviews with guest artists who, because of their love and respect for Little Milton, wanted to be part of the project. Little Milton died in 2005.

Swampers: Clayton Ivey (keyboards/band leader) Jimmy Johnson (guitar) David Hood (bass) Will McFarlane (guitar) and George Lawrence (drums). 

Guest Artists: Gov’t Mule, Keb’ Mo’, Lucinda Williams, Susan Tedeschi, Delbert McClinton, Dave Alvin, G. Love & Special Sauce, Peter Wolf with a recitation by the late John Sinclair. 

Producers: Greg Preston and Kent Bruce. 

Engineer: Kent Bruce. 

Administrative support and occasional miracle at MSS Suzanne Bolton. 

Photography: James Patterson