Levitt Amp concert series continues Thursday, Oct. 3, with a free performance by B. Slade at 7 p.m. at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 200 E. M.L. King Blvd.
The three-time Grammy- nominated artist is known for his vocal range and exploration of genres from gospel to funk to punk. Born Anthony Charles Williams II in San Diego, the singer grew up surrounded by music.
His father played saxophone for James Brown and Jackie Wilson; his mother sang in various girl groups.
After deciding to pursue a career in music, he took the moniker Tonéx at age 13 and hired his first manager at 16. For over a decade, he cultivated a strong presence as a gospel vocalist, before rebranding himself as B. Slade, an indie R&B artist. His distinct sound led him to give his music its own genre, calling it Nureau.
As Tonéx, he earned a 2005 Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album for “Out the Box” and a 2010 nomination for Best Urban/Soul Alternative Performance for his single, “Blend.”
B. Slade has released dozens of albums over his career, while producing several others for gospel and secular artists.