Draft:CL Reddon

Cornell Lamont Reddon (professionally known as CL Reddon; b. 1970s) is an American author, human strategist, communications strategist, and integrity coach, recognized for his work in personal growth, human development, and helping individuals reach their peak potential. His focus includes expanding consciousness, mindfulness, and guiding people to connect with their better selves and achieve their dreams. Formerly the co-host of Survival Radio Networks, The Weekend Throwdown Featuring Tomi Jenkins & CL, Reddon’s career draws from extensive life experiences and emphasizes values of integrity, resilience, and intentional relationships.

He has authored several books, beginning with Dig Deep Before You Leap: Things to Consider Before Saying I Do (2012), which was later revised and expanded as Dig Deep Before You Leap: Critical Factors To Explore Before Engaging In Marriage. His works, including Love Honor & Prenups: Protecting Your Assets & Love In A Changing World, focus on intentional relationships, intentional relationship preparedness, self-discovery, and practical planning for long-term partnerships.

Early Life

Cornell Lamont Reddon was born in Cheverly, Maryland, and raised in Glenarden, Maryland, by his parents, Mary Byrd Reddon and Eddie H. Reddon. His older brother, Ronald Reddon, known professionally as “R2,” was a member of the influential R&B funk group Public Notice, known in the Washington, D.C., area for hits like "Tack Head" and "Our Love is Fading" on the Evergreen Record label. Inspired by his parents' faith, dedication to family and community, their love of music, and his brother’s keyboarding mastery and soulful musical compositions, Reddon pursued his own musical ambitions early on.

Before Reddon was born, an evangelist prophesized to his parents that he would go on to do great things, serving as a minister, preacher, or teacher. Growing up with this sense of purpose, he was influenced by artists like Marvin Gaye, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Parliament-Funkadelic. He attended Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, Maryland, which is also known for notable alumni such as comedian Martin Lawrence and singer Mya. While at Eleanor Roosevelt, Reddon was a founding member of the band “The Boys” with his classmate and future R&B artist Kenny Lattimore.

In the mid-1980s, as hip-hop gained popularity, Reddon transitioned to rap, performing under the name “Doc D.” He appeared onstage with comedian Sinbad at Garvin’s Comedy Club in Washington, D.C., in 1987 and with George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic in 1994. Inspired by a meeting with Public Enemy’s Chuck D, Reddon adopted the moniker Pharoah Black and pursued conscious, Afro-centric rap. In 1992, he released The Arrival of a Prophet, which included the P-Funk-inspired anthem "The Rump." His music career was ultimately cut short when he was diagnosed with oral cancer, and subsequent surgery and radiation treatment affected his voice.

On September 13, 1996, in the middle of a recording session, Reddon received word from his producer, Paul K. Minor—who had worked with Earth, Wind & Fire and The Whispers—that Tupac Shakur had died. Upon hearing this, Reddon hung up his headsets and decided to retire from performing for good. When Minor asked him what he was doing, Reddon responded, “I’m done. My parents are not going to have to bury me because of what’s said on a rap record. I quit.”

Career and Works

This turning point marked Reddon’s transition from conveying life through songs to expressing it through sermons. Embracing a new calling, he accepted a role in ministry, and in 2001, Reddon became a licensed minister at Sylvan Vista Baptist Church, partially fulfilling the prophecy his parents had heard before his birth. Following a decade-long marriage that began in 1993, as well as a brief second marriage in the early 2000s, Reddon experienced what he describes as an awakening. He recognized that he and his ex-spouses were unprepared for the responsibilities of marriage, which ultimately led to divorce. This experience inspired Reddon to use his challenges to help others navigate relationships.

At the end of his second marriage, he chose to exit ministry in 2008, shifting his focus to self-exploration and personal growth, with a renewed commitment to self-discovery and expansion. This transformation led him to focus on writing and coaching as a means to support others on their journeys.

Drawing from his writing background, which he developed through music and later sermons, Reddon authored Dig Deep Before You Leap: Things to Consider Before Saying I Do in 2012. This book was revised in 2023 as Dig Deep Before You Leap: Critical Factors to Explore Before Engaging in Marriage. His additional works, including The Ultimate Relationship Workbook for Singles (2023) and Love Honor & Prenups (2023), focus on themes of intentional relationships, self-awareness, and resilience.

As a curator of R&B music with a background in broadcasting, Reddon was tapped to create and co-host Survival Radio Networks, The Weekend Throwdown Featuring Tomi Jenkins & CL, a weekly two-hour show that launched in January 2014 with Tomi Jenkins of Cameo. The program celebrated R&B music from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, along with the "Superfly" 70s. In addition to classic hits, the show featured interviews with R&B figures like Miki Howard, Earth, Wind & Fire’s Larry Dunn, and Cameo’s Larry Blackmon and Charlie Singleton. Though it concluded in 2015, The Weekend Throwdown exemplified Reddon’s dedication to blending entertainment, culture, unity, and soul through affirming messages.

In 2016, Reddon transitioned from on-air talent to music management when he was tapped to manage R&B artist O’Bryan, discovered by Soul Train impresario, the late Don Cornelius. A former Capitol Records recording artist, O’Bryan was known for hits like "The Gigolo" and "I'm Freaky" and wrote the Soul Train theme song, Soul Train’s A Comin'. Reddon oversaw O’Bryan’s career comeback, serving as both executive producer and producer on various projects, including For the Love of You (2017), One More Try (2017), Good Man (2019), and Sometimes (Lockdown) (2020). Notably, Sometimes (Lockdown) garnered nearly half a million streams.

After leading O’Bryan’s career resurgence, Reddon closed the chapter of his involvement in the music business and transitioned to the personal development space. This new direction allowed him to focus on themes of intentional relationships and resilience, which have since become central to his work as an author, human strategist, communications strategist, and integrity coach.

Personal Life and Philosophy

Reddon’s life challenges have informed his philosophy, which he terms Intentional Humanity: a conscious approach to life characterized by deliberate empathy, ethical responsibility, effective communication, and purposeful connection with others. Intentional Humanity involves recognizing and embracing the impact of one’s actions on the collective human experience, and choosing behaviors that foster kindness, integrity, and mutual respect. It is a commitment to being fully present and engaged as a member of society, striving to uplift, support, and improve the lives of others while cultivating a meaningful, morally grounded existence.

Following two marriages, Reddon focused on understanding his challenges and role in relationships, leading to the development of his Intentional Humanity philosophy. This philosophy—a conscious approach to life centered on empathy, ethical responsibility, and purposeful connection—guides his work and life. Through Intentional Humanity, Reddon encourages others to navigate life with purpose, values, and a commitment to mutual respect and integrity. Applying the lessons he learned about life, relationships, and self-discovery, Reddon married again in 2010 and has since enjoyed a life of happiness and togetherness. His coaching and writing are rooted in this philosophy, which has garnered media attention across numerous radio and television platforms. Reddon is recognized by readers and attendees of his events for his authenticity and supportive approach, inspiring audiences to live in alignment with their principles and to realize their highest potential.

Legacy and Impact

CL Reddon is known for helping individuals achieve complete and total success in the human experience. His books, speaking engagements, and coaching offer tools for personal and relationship success, focusing on resilience, intentional relationships, and a holistic approach to life. Reddon’s teachings are designed to address all aspects of human concerns and conditions, rooted in effective communication, self-awareness, and empathy. Through his Intentional Humanity philosophy, he emphasizes the importance of understanding both oneself and others, viewing each interaction through a lens of empathy and a genuine desire to connect. This approach promotes integrity, ethical living, and a deeper, more purposeful engagement with life.

References

1. "Prayers of Healing for Burn Victim: Choir Member Still in Critical Condition." Washington Post, July 31, 2006. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2006/07/31/prayers-of-healing-for-burn-victim-span-classbankheadchoir-member-still-in-critical-conditionspan/6b543bfd-051f-436e-b84e-b0135ba624e9/
2. "Why O'Bryan Says His New Song 'Good Man' is a Rebuttal for Underappreciated Men." EURweb, 2019. https://eurweb.com/2019/why-obryan-says-his-new-song-good-man-is-a-rebuttal-for-underappreciated-men/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CGood%20Man%2C%E2%80%9D%20the%20singer,'ll%20just%20say%20's.
3. Survival Radio Network. (2014, January 18). The Weekend Throwdown w/ Tomi Jenkins. BlogTalkRadio. Retrieved from https://www.blogtalkradio.com/survive365/2014/01/18/the-weekend-throwdown-w-tomi-jenkins
4. Amazon Customer. (n.d.). Review of Dig Deep Before You Leap: Critical Factors To Explore Before Engaging In Marriage. Amazon. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/RGBJN7VXY2DIB/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B0C2GZ8NQM
5. Funeral Finder. (2012, August 16). Paul K. Minor Obituary. Funeral Finder. Retrieved from https://www.funeralfinder.com/obituaries/minor-paul/08-16-2012/
6. Discogs (n.d.). Public Notice – Tack Head / Our Love Is Fadeing. Discogs.Retrieved from https://www.discogs.com/release/1444064-Public-Notice-Tack-Head-Our-Love-Is-Fadeing