Gina Sedman
- Jan 19, 2022
- 4 min read

After Tours & Recording with Rod Stewart, Sting,Phil Collins & Diana Ross, Lamont Van Hook Does Him!

Updated: Jan 23, 2022

This bio is quoted from Lamont Van Hook Website https://lamontvanhook.com/biography

"As a young child, Lamont Van Hook was constantly surrounded by music and musicians who would play a great role in shaping his unique musical style.

Born into two families which boasted musical talents both studied and natural, Lamont reflects, "I don’t think I had much choice in the matter, my family says that they always knew what my career choice would be and deep down I guess I did too”. Lamont received much of his early training in his family church and by watching many of his family members “Do Their Thing”.

An Oakland, CA native, Lamont began appearing professionally at age 14 as a drummer in a local R&B top 40 band. His recording debut came at about the same time, but in the gospel music genre. He is a Singer, Songwriter, Actor and artist.

Lamont continued his musical efforts in the Bay Area until being accepted into Howard University in Washington, D.C., where his talents were further developed. “I think Howard (university) is where I learned to be myself and to trust myself musically”, he adds. Lamont recorded two albums with the Howard University Jazz Ensemble which featured two of his original compositions, one of which was nominated for a national young composer's award. Other achievements during his tenure at Howard University include performances at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts with Patti LaBelle, Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder among others and being selected as Student of the Year (Jazz Studies) during his junior year of matriculation.

After graduating from Howard University, Lamont eventually settled in Los Angeles where he continues to develop his musical skills. Between performances in night clubs, local churches, recording sessions and the world’s stages, he has managed to create a musical style that is unique, yet not totally unfamiliar, which allows the listener to be immediately drawn into the song-picture being created. “It’s all about communication” Lamont adds, “If I can’t make you feel and understand the message, then I’m not doing my job”.

After recording and touring with Rod Stewart, in addition to performing, touring and recording with Sting, Phil Collins, and Diana Ross among others, Lamont has decided to follow his passion and commit to his solo career as a country music artist. The spring of 2020 saw the release of Lamont’s first country single “Something New”. He is now ready to be received as singer, songwriter, musician, actor…Artist. " ( Bio Concluded form https://lamontvanhook.com/biography)

I had to opportunity to interview this multi talent man with a star-studded heart. He is passionate, focused and inspiring! What a pleasure it was to speak with him about his life as a vocalist! Here's what he told me.

Tell me a little bit about your background. Where are you from and how did you get started in music?

I grew up in the Bay Area singing in church and later in clubs. I have a bachelor’s degree from Howard University where I majored in Jazz Studies. I got the call for my first major gig in the middle of my 30th birthday party!

What was your most memorable moment in your music career?

After a gig with Quincy Jones, I went over to say good night and he says to me “man you can really sing”! I’m still encouraged by that.

What was your most challenging moment?

I’ve missed only one show in 35 years. I had such a bad case of laryngitis that I literally could not make a sound. It was really difficult to leave the venue without performing.

Who are your musical influences?

A big part of my training comes from watching and listening to people in my family sing and play their instruments. I was also a record junkie growing up. I listened to everyone from Edwin & Walter Hawkins to Aretha and from James Taylor to the Judds.

If you could do a duet and or have someone write a song for you from your favorite artist, dead or alive, who would it be?

I would ask Bill Withers to write a song for me. One of my life goals is to sing a duet with Gladys Knight!

What is the last song you’ve listened to by another artist and who are your present favorites?

Lately, I’m listening almost exclusively to country music. I’m really enjoying the new projects by Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs and I’ll always love Kacey Musgraves’ last project. On the pop side, I’m really feeling Lennon Stella. I listened to her track “Golf On TV” today.

What was your most embarrassing moment while at a live performance or interview?

I got distracted and let my mind wander while onstage with Rod Stewart. I totally missed a musical cue to move to another part of the stage….in front of 10,000 people. I was actually daydreaming about being home and doing laundry! Not my best day at work.

How many singles/albums do you have out presently and are there any projects in the works?

My first country single “Something New” is out in the world. The rest of the record is being mixed. I’ll release another single in the coming months. Look for the entire project once covid is in check and I can perform some shows. I’m also performing vocals on new projects for Will Downing & Maysa and on a few tracks for saxophonist Jordan Chalden.

What are your either weird habits or traditions before performing live or recording?

I’m usually the last person in the band to get dressed. Once I’m in my stage gear, I don’t sit down. I hate going onstage in wrinkled clothes!