I don't usually use this space to talk about my family, but I wanted to briefly pay tribute to my maternal grandfather, Bishop Raymond E. Lloyd, Sr. He passed away on Saturday night at the age of 88. He lived a long, full life where his leadership and dedication made a great impact on me and hundreds of others in my community. He was the pastor of the church in which I was brought up, El Bethel Temple, in Springfield, OH. He was a steadfast, principled man who raised 6 children with a strong sense of morality, discipline and humility--values they passed on to his dozens of grandchildren and great grand children. His wife, Elmira Lloyd, passed away when I was 10. She was the organist at my church and was one of my greatest musical influences as a child. I remember looking forward to hanging out at their house after church on Sundays when I was a kid. My grandfather was always so loving and proud of us. And I am proud of him and proud to be a part of his legacy.

peace & love,
John

Man, it feels good to be home. I'm in my apartment right now, trying to stay warm. It's like 15 degrees outside. But I'm excited to be back in New York anyway. I've lived here for the last 9 years, and I played a lot of clubs and other venues in the city as I was trying to get a record deal. I've pretty much played everywhere in town, but I've never headlined Radio City Music Hall before. Tonight's the night. I can't wait to hit the stage. I remember opening for Alicia Keys there in 2005. We've come a long way since then, and it feels good.

Hope to see you soon!
John