Thriving and Surviving: Spotlight on A.G. Hammond
- 50Plus
- 12 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Asheville Native, singer, songwriter, graphic artist, Army Veteran, and Local Music Maker
When did you, why did you, and where did you move to after growing up here?
Back in the 1970’s and 1980’s, Asheville was like Mayberry. There were few opportunities for high school graduates. I was interested in being a fine artist before even thinking about becoming a singer.
I wanted to be Salvador Dali or Georgia O’Keefe and pursue graphic and commercial art. I fled to Atlanta to attend The Art Institute there. After graduating I began singing professionally.
When did you, why did you move back to Asheville?
I was in an abusive marriage. I finally decided enough was enough in 2015.
When I decided to leave I had nothing and my ex absconded with my children and had them for almost a year. I stayed with my sister who helped me look for my children. Helpmate and Our Voice offered counseling.
In 2019, I moved from my sister’s house into a rental and the church next door had my long time music friend, vocalist and songwriter, Datrian Johnson’s name on the marquee.
We reconnected and he helped me meet musicians. I met keyboard master, Lenny Pettinelli who put me on stage at the One Stop and brought out the best in me. I’m so grateful to both Datrian & Lenny.
Tell our readers about your brush with a Grammy nomination.
I lived in Memphis 1997-1999. I recorded the album “Candy Box” during that time. It blends Pop, R&B, Funk and Rap and at that time, I was known as “TMJ” (Teena Marie Junior).
I sold many copies out of the trunk of my car. One cut was a re-make of The Police’s “Wrapped Around Your Finger.” It was subsequently re-mixed and renamed by a rapper known as Ninja. He called it “Wrapped.”
The cut made its way to Isle 95 Radio Virgin Islands and to my surprise, Al Green gave me a nod for a second interpolation on the album “Simply Beautiful.”
I became a member of The Recording Academy and eventually the CD was voted on locally. I came in second for the nomination. It was a learning experience!
Talk about the songwriters who influence you and why.
For vocal prowess and writing, it’s Prince first. He was not afraid to write about anything. He dipped into all genres. He never conformed and like me, he could not be put in a box.
Babyface influences me for his vocal style and his ability to write two or three catchy hooks within one song. I like Billy Joel for his story telling songs. Mainly, I was and I still am influenced by my late mother.
She was a poet, a songwriter of children’s music. She taught me how to play piano and her influence continues to help me grow.
Who are your favorite male singers?
Besides many local male vocalists whom I admire, there’s of course, Prince, and Sam Cooke, Steve Perry, Charlie Wilson, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, Marvin Gaye and too many more.
Female?
Joyce Kennedy of Mother’s Finest, Tina Turner, Teena Marie, Toni Braxton, Ann Wilson of Heart, Chaka Khan, Mavis Staples and so many more. Again, Asheville’s got a strong contingent of female and identifying female musician-singers I admire.
Talk about your favorite original songs.
From Candy Box is a track I wrote called “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down.” It’s from the perspective of my younger self while in the middle of the abuse wishing I could go back; it’s about the pain caused when people deceive and harm.
A song I haven’t released called “Don’t Need The Sun” is about the impermanent world, and the sadness that comes with this feeling; but gaining strength through community, family and meditation.
“My Entrance: The Trumpets” is the first song I wrote and produced on my own. It’s a dance song about stepping away from the old life, finding the “door” to the new me. Two of my favorite local musicians played on this track: Trumpeter, Billy Litz and Trombonist, Jonathan Lloyd.
Obviously, the inspiration behind why you started “Verbal Purple” with its mission to create fundraising events for domestic violence and sexual abuse, stemmed from your personal experiences. Please talk about this organization.
Verbal Purple started when I was having a conversation with friends after a survivor meeting a few years ago. We shared a desire to do outreach. With the help of my friend Debbie, the organization has had two events thus far to raise money and grow in status. We are grateful to the folks who own and manage One World Brewing West for hosting these events.
VP has partnered with Our Voice and Franklin School of Innovation to present “DV Awareness Workshop SAFE Program” sharing information about sex trafficking and youth.
VP is part of the National DV Organization “Voices” and we are always looking for volunteers.
Talk about your mentors.
My sisters, Sarah and Madalyn are my ride or die, through thick and thin mentors. Musician, Tony Gentry from Memphis, teaches me life lessons and gives me music advice still.
Atlanta producer keyboardist, Reginald “Wizard” Jones is also one of the key figures in my journey. Since 1995, Joyce Kennedy & Glenn Murdock of Mother’s Finest, and Reggie & Dionne Smith of the Reginald & Dionne Smith Foundation are four of my mentors from Atlanta.
My friend, Joseiah Justice Rogers helps me professionally, spiritually and personally. My children give me the best advice, and it is amazing to watch them grow into these responsible and beautiful people.
What’s on the immediate horizon for you?
The annual One World Brewing West Verbal Purple event this year is slated for August 15th. I’m involved in podcasts, fine art presentations, a book and more gigs and shows are on the horizon as well as some top-secret stuff.
I received a scholarship recently to UNCA for music technology so that’s exciting. And definitely, I’m focused on getting a teenager into high school.
Peggy’s Gig Schedule June 2025
5th – The River Arts District Brewing, 7pm
12th – Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack South, 6:30pm
19th – The River Arts District Brewing, 7pm
22nd – Highland Brewing Meadow, 2pm
29th – Southern Appalachian Brewing, 4pm
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