'Selfish' singer Eric Mayo sets unselfish goals

From the first time she heard the song “Selfish,” Krystle Blackwell was a fan.

The 2008 Cape High graduate first came across the song on MySpace, where she searched tirelessly - and unsuccessfully - to find the original artist. She had nearly given up when she logged onto a different social network: Facebook. There she found a picture of a man she thought could be the singer of the song she loved.

It was a long shot, but she decided to send the mystery man a message, and sure enough, she had found the person she was looking for. The man turned out to be Eric Mayo, a singer/songwriter, producer and the singer of her favorite song.

Blackwell asked him for his phone number, and before she knew it, she was asking him over the phone if she could be his manager. He agreed.

A student at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Blackwell is always up for a challenge. Armed with little more than determination and her tenacious spirit, she set out to learn everything she could about managing an emerging R & B artist. She opened her own management company, and the artist/manager team soon began to expand its reach, using music as a medium. “Together,” she said, “we formed the ‘I Dream of Music’ Organization. Our slogan is ‘Changing lives one dream at a time.’”

Their program is aimed at preventing recidivism in the judicial system, and the lives they are changing are lives that are already in peril. Mayo goes into prisons and gives a motivational speech, after which he sings inspirational songs, such as “Heal The World” by Michael Jackson, and his own “Do You,” which speaks about living your dreams, your way.

But it doesn’t stop there. Blackwell and Mayo also spearheaded GG Charities, which helps fund young athletes in sports, academic and other extracurricular actives that enrich their lives. The charity helps young people pay for sports and other equipment, allowing them to continue to participate in their athletic programs. Blackwell and Mayo are planning a fundraiser at the end of June in Lewes, and they already have an impressive lineup: Olympic runner David Oliver and Tennessee Titan Anthony Smith will both lend their celebrity for the event.

Blackwell is also seeking support for Mayo by expanding his fan base. One thing is clear: Mayo has a huge talent; his voice is smooth and attractive. He has already appeared on Lil Wayne’s “Making the Next Hit,” where he was a finalist, beat out only by Nikki Minaj. Now he’s taking on BET’s “106 & Park.” The show airs live every Wednesday at 6 p.m. on BET, the day that includes the competitive portion of the show.

For more information go to ericmayo.com and tune into BET on Wednesday to hear the musical stylings of Eric Mayo.

And when you do, know that southern Delaware’s own Krystle Blackwell is behind the music, lending her talents not only to a budding artist, but to improving the community and improving lives through music.