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Notable Kentucky State University alumnus Reggie Calloway of the musical group Midnight Star shared memories and advice for aspiring students during a virtual Music Seminar Series recently. 

Calloway told of his hunger to make music early on, skipping his senior prom to go on tour in what he called the Las Vegas ghetto. After performing in a battle of the bands every night, he knew he needed to go to college. 

Thanks to an offer from Raymond P. Jordan, former band director at Kentucky State, Calloway headed to the College on the Hill. 

“If it wasn’t for that, there wouldn’t be a Midnight Star,” Calloway said. “Mr. Jordan was impeccable. He’d say, ‘If you’re on time, you’re late.’”

Calloway also discussed songwriting with the students.

“It’s something you have to work at,” Calloway said. “You have to have the gift but you really have to do the work.”

Calloway also discussed an encounter with Quincy Jones that would alter the course of his career. 

“The good Lord brought Quincy Jones into my life,” Calloway said.

A half hour session with Jones after his concert led to Midnight Star’s breakthrough hit, “No Parking on the Dance Floor.” 

Calloway also discussed working with Babyface, who wrote for Midnight Star for a time. 

“He wasn’t Babyface then,” Calloway said. “He was Kenny Edmonds.”

Calloway emphasized the importance of mentors and being around positive people. 

“Being around negativity,  you will pick that up so quickly like a disease or fungus,” Calloway said. 

Calloway also discussed coming back to Kentucky State to finish his degree and the importance of staying with your studies.

Calloway said he is currently busy with several projects, including a solo single, voting outreach, writing two books and working on a movie. 

“I don’t understand the word bored,” Calloway said.