By Krystle J Bailey
Four-time Grammy-nominated producer Luke Witherspoon began his musical journey at the age of two. An innate gift that started with pots and pans on the floor of his mother’s kitchen has evolved beyond his wildest imagination. Luke won his first pageant as a toddler playing the drums at his grandfather’s church, Westminister Christian Worship Center in Atlantic City. His family lineage is rooted in the Christian church, which is where Luke was given the platform, encouragement, and love he needed to showcase and develop his musical talents.
His father, Pastor Luke Witherspoon, encouraged his love of music early on, nudging him to take a shot at playing the piano. After a trip to North Carolina, where Luke and his father watched a musician on the keys, Luke was hooked. He began playing alongside his father, who was a traveling minister, every chance he had. By 12 years old, the youngest of the Luke Witherspoon trio was playing the organ in front of 700-member church bodies, and by 15, he was the musical director for Living Word of Faith International Church in Egg Harbor Township.
Just as his church career catapulted off the kitchen floor as a child, his music production journey began with a single moment of inspiration. He had been surrounded by musicians playing church and jazz music his entire life, but when he discovered the captivating beats of hip-hop, Luke was mesmerized. The 2003 song “Pass That Dutch” by Missy Elliott and Timbaland lit something in Luke that he didn’t know existed.
It was at that moment that Luke claimed his fate. He knew he wanted to be a music producer, and once he told his father about his intentions, Luke was full speed ahead in the music production world. High school only further encouraged him as he studied under Mr. George Genna, who introduced him to jazz standards and taught him countless lessons.
From there, Luke’s career in music continued to expand as he went on to produce music for ESPN and artists H.E.R., Big K.R.I.T., Wale, Brandy, and PJ Morton. These productions earned him Grammy nominations for songs, including Lucky by H.E.R. and Reminisce by Wale. Working with Rodney Jerkins, who offered him his first record deal, Luke found himself living out his musical dream.
Through his work with the local community, Luke was awarded the Key to Atlantic City in 2019 after collaborating with the Atlantic City Arts Foundation and artist Billy Joe Michel.
Currently, Luke Witherspoon is working on several new projects, including a high-level movie project to be publicized in the near future, a music curriculum for Stockton University, and a series of underground creative opportunities for musicians and DJs.
Samples and Needles is a bridge between DJs and musicians. It is a monthly series that offers a carefully curated musical experience where artists can come to create, network, and connect with people who can help advance their careers.
The events feature various rooms with DJs covering a variety of musical genres, from afrobeat, house, and techno to Spanish music, R&B, and hip-hop. The intention is to offer different varieties and combinations of music that bring people together in a space filled with love and collaborative energy.
This month’s Samples and Needles on December 20th will host DJ Nomad, Chelsea Lee, Rhetlaw, and Aaron Smith, as well as special guests Rob DeBous, George “Spanky” McCurdy, and Luke himself, also known as Saint Luke in the world of music production.
George “Spanky” McCurdy is a 4x Grammy-nominated producer and drummer who has worked with Lady Gaga, Diddy, and Tye Tribbett and is currently drumming for Ms. Lauryn Hill.
Rob DeBous actively attends Berklee College of Music and produces music for Ty Dolla $ign and new artist Arin Ray.
Bringing these talented musicians, artists, and producers together in one space creates an opportunity for fires to be lit, collaborations to be made, and careers to take off.
Information for the event can be found at @SamplesnNeedles on Instagram or by scanning the QR code in the included image.
Luke Witherspoon has known from an early age that music would be the trajectory of his life. Now, as someone who has discovered a pathway to success in the music industry, he works to provide other aspiring musicians with the same opportunities.
“All it takes is for someone to strike that match,” explains Witherspoon about his career.
Connect with Luke at @SaintLuk3, @SamplesnNeedles, and @edencompound on Instagram to learn more about collaborative opportunities and upcoming events.
Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet.
Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5
