THE »POPS« WILSON MEMORIAL©
An international music and art project in memory of Benjamin Parker »POPS« Wilson – vibraphonist, drummer, singer and mentor. The project brings together visual art, musical remembrance and personal appreciation in a curated tribute.
Project Description
THE »POPS« WILSON MEMORIAL© is an international music and art project in memory of Benjamin Parker »POPS« Wilson. At its centre is a CD art book that brings together musical contributions, visual design and personal remembrance.
Benjamin Parker »POPS« Wilson was a vibraphonist, drummer, singer and mentor. He grew up in Chicago, studied at The Ohio State University School of Music and performed with musical greats such as Lionel Hampton, George Benson, Herbie Hancock and Stevie Wonder.
His kindness, life experience and fatherly care shaped many people around him. Out of this appreciation, a posthumous tribute was created to preserve his musical and human legacy in a visible and lasting form.
Project Data
- Period
- 01/2019 – 12/2022
- Contributors
- 60+ artists and cultural contributors across the overall project
- Artistic Contributions
- 27 artists featured in the art book
- Countries
- Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Romania, Slovakia
as well as further international connections - Medium
- CD art book
- Scope
- approx. 120 pages
approx. 15 original compositions
Goal, Content & Vision
In the anniversary year 2022, the aim was to create a CD art book that brings music, image, text and remembrance together in one shared form. The musical part includes around 15 original compositions; the art book contains images, song lyrics and accompanying information over approximately 120 pages.
In addition, concerts and exhibitions were planned. In this way, the tenth anniversary of POPS Wilson’s passing was intended to honour his musical and human legacy.
15 original compositions
120 pages with images, song lyrics and information
A tribute to Benjamin Parker »POPS« Wilson
Project Phases
Development of the overall concept and project schedule.
Formation of the first team of music contributors with 35 participants.
Formation of the second team of artistic contributors with 27 participants.
Composition and lyric work for eight songs.
Studio recordings of the instrumental versions and selection of the vocalists.
Writing the biographies of 62 participants in German and English.
Development of the overall graphic concept and CD book design.
Finalisation of the artwork selection for the art chapter and test print.
Development of alternative marketing concepts with pre-order options.
Planning of the publication as well as concerts and exhibitions for 2022.
Visual Documentation
Contribution
Oliver Zito
Stuttgart
Ralph D. Woop
Rudersberg
Marcel Mayer
Waldenbuch
»Ralph D. Woop was responsible for the graphic design, typography and print production of the project. This gave the CD art book its visual and material form – from the design concept to the printed realisation.«
Projektpartner & Beteiligte
A work with history begins with a conversation.
Whether it is a commission, collaboration or special project – I look forward to your inquiry.