Today we’d like to introduce you to Dwayne McMillan
Hi Dwayne, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am proud to have blessed thousands of people every week with my gift of playing the guitar as a musician throughout the community and other States near and far. I showed an interest in music from a very young age, and it has become a part of who I am. I am honored to touch people’s hearts and uplift their spirits in countless ways through music. I am grateful that I have been instrumental in helping other musicians along the way to their successes by providing advice and being a part of their world in the entertainment sector.
Playing music provides artists with several rewards simultaneously. There is instant gratification of feeling, hearing, and experiencing the meaning of lyrics, the music itself, in conjunction with seeing the profound impact it has on the audience. It is mesmerizing to see the joy it brings to the crowd. They may dance, pat their feet, sing along with the music, encourage others in the crowd to engage, etc. Many people in this setting while I am playing have been brought to tears; they always tend to applaud and give words of inspiration. The greatest eye-opener is that it brings everyone together despite whether it is toddlers, teens, adults, black, white (people of color); it doesn’t matter – we become one. I am delighted to say that my music touches all people of different walks of life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been occasions, where I have encountered adversity in exercising my gift in the community. I have been challenged about sharing my gift, and at one point, my license was revoked. And on a real tip, for what? The answer that was given to me, just did not add up. I was told that I could not share my gift in the capacity of busking when I was totally in the right in doing so. My professional opinion, I feel like I was targeted because of the color of my skin (and not the content of my character), therefore, I sought legal assistance and learned that there were no rules violated and a ground for the leadership to stand on to have revoked my license, that I can share my gift in Greenville, SC, without having to tolerate the harassment of local leaders. And if it continued, I had grounds to take legal action.
It proves to stand that racism has not change in Greenville, SC. Why do I say this? I have taken time to research the city of Greenville. What I found out was shocking to say the least. I’m reading a book called Wicked Greenville by Jennifer Story. It tells about how white men fought against themselves for money and power. It was alarming how they killed and murdered one another. I’ve also read a book about the story of Josh White called Society Blues. It’s about a very popular guitarist and storyteller/singer who was popular in the 1930’s and 40’s. It speaks of how his father was beaten by white men simply because he asked one of them to take off his hat in his house. The story of how this man was treated was breathtaking. Fortunately, I had the esteemed pleasure to play the guitar in a play with the New South Carolina Play Theater last year that was centered around the life of Josh White from Greenville, SC. It was such a glory and honor because although I had not experienced nearly what Josh White’s entire family went through, but the racial injustice still is rearing his big head showing its ugly face!
Please listen and hear what David Brooks, who is a well-known scholar all over the world, has to say about Greenville, SC. I love his open-minded approach and the way he doesn’t take sides, but instead speaks the truth with room for reconciliation, forgiveness, and improvement. It’s powerful!
https://youtu.be/-JRSLhClyvw?si=QJNPjeONT-cvn295&t=11540
Because of what I have encountered, in order to break the negative barriers, my takeaway from this experience is that I would like to be the catalyst in building a relationship with other performers, and the City Hall officials. It is my opinion that the City should engage with the performers to assure that everyone is on the same page especially when it involves rules and regulations that we are to follow. Not once has anyone taken the time to give me the dos and don’ts, the wrongs and rights, or the should haves and the would haves. Cohesiveness is a must and is required so that we can spread a positive message to our fellow brothers and sisters despite the capacity of work that lies in front of us. We should all be on the same team, the same page and not in different chapters! And yes, it should start with the top leadership of the City. So, if I may, will you answer these two questions? Why can’t we build together? And where is the compassion, understanding, integrity, and professionalism in helping to build the community with a positive message? I believe that the top officials at the City of Greenville are responsible for providing such answers.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Yes, I can do that. As a resident of Greenville, SC, I perform throughout the city bringing a positive message through song and music. I served as the lead guitarist at the Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral in Atlanta, GA for nine years. I currently work with other churches to provide ministry and support for those in our community struggling with the 3 H’s, hurts, habits or hang-ups, who are ready to work their way through a process of recovery with God and other individuals.
As the owner of a local production company called RaDaQuin Music Group LLC, D&B Productions, I have established a very successful variety band called D’Mac & Friends. In addition, while living in Atlanta, I had a very successful weekly show at the Hartsfield Jackson International Airport called “Just Me and My Guitar.”
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My greatest fan, friend and father, Marshall McMillian, has been my biggest influencer. He sang in church and with gospel quartet groups throughout his life. This was truly the start of my musical career. As a younger musician, I would buy Mel Bay music books and study them. While living in Brooklyn, NY and Teaneck, NJ, I would learn and ask questions from other seasoned musicians like Brian Morgan, Kevin Parlor, Benny King, Jr., Aaron Miller, Regis Ferguson, Lenard Wiggins, Quilly McMillan and the list goes on and on. I was also inspired by a jazz guitarist, Wally Richardson, while attending Teaneck High School. I played guitar in church and for local bands. One of the biggest highlights from that time was playing for Sidney Poitier’s daughter’s birthday party in Albany, NY. Here, I met Mr. Poitier and shook his hand. What an incredible experience! I also had the privilege to play for Al Gore’s presidential campaign. When I moved to Atlanta in 2003, I had a cameo appearance in a movie called The Gospel where actors such as Idris Elba, Boris Kodjoe, Nona Gaye, Yolanda Adams, Will Packer, and Clifton Powell starred in.
I would also study gospel guitarist such as Jonathan Dubose, Jr., Kevin Wilson, Erik Walls, and Spanky Alfred. I’ve attended gospel quartet boot camps ran by Kevin Wilson which truly helped me to connect the dots. I currently study with a guitarist out of Montreal Canada named Andy Dacoulis. I’m learning a lot, and I love the way he charts/tabs out certain major parts of our lesson, which helps me retain the information a lot better. In addition, every lesson is recorded.
Now let me conclude by saying: A true musician will do this until the day he/she transitions into that glorious after life called eternity. The journey of playing, learning and growing is a never-ending process. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of music, let us remember that at its core, music is a universal language—a bridge connecting hearts and minds across cultures and generations. Whether it’s the raw energy of a live performance or the quiet intimacy of a solo composition, each note played is a testament to our shared experiences and emotions. So, as we continue to create and share, let us be bold in our expression, open in our collaboration, and unwavering in our passion. The future of music is bright, and it awaits the unique voices of each one of us. Keep creating, keep inspiring, and let the world feel the power of your music.
Pricing:
- 150 / hour performance
- Travel expenses when it’s out of state. Gas, hotel, food, etc
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dwaynemcmillan.com
- Instagram: Dwmcmill
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BcpScBVZv/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-dmac-mcmillan-a478b744?trk=contact-info
- Youtube: Dwmcmill
- Yelp: https://youtu.be/_bIdfHxdiuo?si=1RUMecUsP6Ed64_l
- Other: https://youtu.be/kIclFmQLEAw?si=W9kMgFF-oTE3U0fY
