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

Interview By: Gina Sedman

Lamont Van Hook was exposed to music since he was a child. His family, which had many talented musicians, influenced his unique musical style. Lamont started his training in his family church and by observing his family members perform. He began his professional career at 14 as a drummer in a local R&B top 40 band in Oakland, California. His first recording was in the gospel music genre. Lamont continued his musical journey at Howard University in Washington, D.C., where his skills were further developed. He recorded two albums with the Howard University Jazz Ensemble, featuring two of his original compositions, one of which was nominated for a national Young Composer's award. During his time at Howard University, he had the opportunity to perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts with Patti LaBelle, Ray Charles, and Stevie Wonder, among others. After graduating, Lamont moved to Los Angeles, where he continued to develop his musical skills. He created a unique musical style that draws the listener into the song being created. He has performed, toured, and recorded with many famous artists, including Rod Stewart, Sting, Phil Collins, and Diana Ross. Lamont has decided to pursue his solo career as a country music artist. His first country single, "Something New," was released in the spring of 2020.

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 said to me “Man you can 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’ve been listening almost exclusively to country music. I’m enjoying the new projects by Chris Stapleton, and Luke Combs and I’ll always love Kacey Musgraves’ last project. On the pop side, I’m 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 missed a musical cue to move to another part of the stage….in front of 10,000 people.  I was 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 a few tracks for saxophonist Jordan Chaldean.

What are your 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!

What advice would you like to give to upcoming artists? Be true to yourself, sing, and play like it your last time!

Website lamontvanhook.com

END OF INTERVIEW