Imhotep Gary Byrd
Acting
Biography
Imhotep Gary Byrd (born March 14, 1949) is an American, New York City–based radio talk-show host and executive producer, radio DJ, poet, songwriter, music recording artist and producer, rapper, writer and community activist. Byrd began his career in Buffalo, New York, in 1965, as a 15-year-old radio DJ. In 2015, he celebrated 50 years as a radio personality. For more than 30 years, he has been a talk show host at WBLS and WLIB radio in New York City. Gary Byrd and the GB Experience was an American male/female vocal/instrumental group, who had a single titled "The Crown", in the UK Singles Chart. It was released on the Motown label, entered the chart on July 23, 1983, at number 21, and rose to a high of number 6; it remained in the chart for nine weeks. It had previously been released in the US on Stevie Wonder's short-lived Wondirection label but did not receive the proper promotion because its release coincided with the purchase of Motown by MCA Records, where the small label was overlooked.
Known For
A documentary series about pop and rock albums that are considered the best or most distinctive of a well-known band or musician or that exemplify a stage in the history of music.
Classic Albums
Frustrated when network brass reject his sitcom idea, producer Pierre Delacroix pitches the worst idea he can think of in an attempt to get fired: a 21st century minstrel show. The network not only airs it, but it becomes a smash hit.
Bamboozled
Solidarity follows pioneering New Zealand rappers Upper Hutt Posse after they're invited to the United States by the Nation of Islam. They perform signature song 'E Tū' — about Māori resistance against oppression — and take their message of justice to Detroit community station WDTR. In New York, UHP are interviewed by veteran DJ Imhotep Gary Bryd. Later they meet Abiodun Oyewole, from rap pioneers The Last Poets. This is a street level view of urban artists spreading a message of Indigenous and Black unity, and social justice. Solidarity was directed by Rongotai Lomas and UHP lead vocalist Dean Hapeta.