In the vibrant tapestry of the Motown era, the life of Geneva Kennedy, one-half of the dynamic C&B Entertainment Productions Queens, is a captivating story of resilience, unexpected turns, and the undeniable call of destiny. Born as Geneva Eason in Jacksonville, Georgia, her early life took an unforeseen twist when, at the tender age of 14, her father passed away, and her mother suffered a stroke. In the midst of family challenges, Geneva and her mother decided to move to the Motor City, Detroit, where her siblings could care for her ailing mother. This marked a significant shift for Geneva, transitioning from the rural South to the bustling streets of Motown. High school at Cooley High on Hubble and Fenkell presented a cultural shock for the young Geneva. The South, still deeply entrenched in segregation, had limited opportunities, and the move to Detroit meant adapting to an entirely new world. Navigating the challenges of a different educational system, Geneva found herself feeling like a loner, out of sync with the unfamiliar activities her peers enjoyed. However, necessity led her to seek employment, and her first job at the Fabulous Fox theater would unexpectedly become her entry point into the world of Motown.
In 1967, while employed at the Fox, Geneva was unacquainted with Motown and had never experienced a movie. Yet, the annual Motown review during Christmas seized her attention. During breaks, the staff, who all knew one another, would sneak upstairs and the ushers’ would let them watch the show. She was blown away by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Marvin Gaye, and others, Geneva became captivated. Describing it as a talent show on steroids. When questioned about her standout favorite from her first Motown review, Geneva exclaimed, “Stevie! Stevie Wonder was my favorite. I loved him because I had never seen a young person like that before—like a star, singing, and captivating the audience like that.” Additionally, she loved Gladys Knight and the Pips, hailing from Georgia like herself. The first time she heard Gladys sing ‘Midnight Train To Georgia’ was unforgettable. Geneva also professed her love for Marvin Gaye, emphasizing that it wasn’t a slight to Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross and The Supremes, and others.
Life moved forward for Geneva—marriage, three children, a stint at IBM, and a surprising turn as a police officer. Her dedication to hard work, instilled by her challenging upbringing, led her to excel in various roles within the police force. Through her work, she discovered a sense of camaraderie she had missed in high school.The journey back into the music scene happened inadvertently through her nephew, Detroit rap pioneer Prince Vince. Although she had nothing to do with his career it was a sign of a connection to the music world that began to emerge. Eventually, she met Carolyn Bonner through her husband Milton’s Assisted Housing business, leading to the birth of C&B Entertainment Productions.
Currently, Geneva stands shoulder to shoulder with Carolyn Bonner, forging a path as a dynamic entrepreneur in the entertainment industry. The synergy between Carolyn’s visionary approach to elevated entertainment experiences and Geneva’s extensive work background forms an unstoppable duo propelling C&B’s triumphs. Their success resonates with narratives akin to emerging iconic African American female figures such as Pinky Cole (Slutty Vegan) and Lisa Price (Carol’s Daughter). Geneva, valuing authenticity over superficial norms, contributes to the robust community bond that defines C&B’s strength.
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