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Jill Jones writes about her big sis Teena Marie in her MySpace Blog This is so BEAUTIFUL...
On Monday, November 26th I went to see my big sis Teena Marie play at BB Kings here in NYC. What an amazing performance. Talk about someone who was meant to be onstage and loving it..always… It was very bittersweet for me. As me and my friend Toni Seawright sang along with all of the songs, I even remembered some of my old background moves. Teena was the first to give me a start in this business. I remember in my parents' home how we would write songs in her bedroom, long into the hours I should've been asleep to be up in time for school the next day. But it didn't matter to me- (though I think it pissed Teena off when I would be so late the next day that I'd go in a wake her up ,asking her to take me for a ride to school!! J Her generosity when it comes to the creation of songs and publishing is a far cry from today's artist who collect way too much publishing and writers credit for songs they never even write or barely pen. I.e.; The Madonna's, Seal's etc. Artists who see themselves as more brand than human being. Did people not take in the stories on countless musicians who were ripped off back in the day? Musicians who died penniless because of dodgy publishing and record deals? Teena has an uncanny ability to nurture those around her creative environment and to genuinely be happy for their musical success. She is a consummate musician and very secure with who she is. Very rare. And I can say that she has never exploited anyone for her own personal gain or downgraded anyone's contribution to her productions. If anything she lifts them up, and holds their abilities in high regard. God gave her a gift and she is grateful and it shows. And she recognizes those gifts in others, and it shows. Anyway, I just want to say that if were not for her, I would've never had the confidence to pursue this. Her shoes are impossible to fill. Musically, I just wanted her to be proud of me trying to do something with the tools that she had given me. I wanted to stand on equal ground and not have to constantly run to her for help. Even when things were horrendous with Paisley Park, I sucked it up and hid what was going on, after all Teena was not a business associate first, but my sister, my family. Feeling like a little sister, I attest to feeling often in the shadows, so I sought situations that in the end…..put me in the shadows…. Behind curtains, behind others. I saw a lot and I heard a lot. I watched. Then one day I woke up….. But I digress…. The show was awesome and nostalgia got the best of me at many times throughout her performance. Good. An epiphany followed. And I too am grateful. One funny thing I have to mention is that sitting next to me and my friends was Sherri Shepherd, I guess from The View. She came to Tee's show with her friend and at one point during the show Teena expressed to the audience that she was very happy that her sister was at the show and asked everyone to "give a round of applause for my sister and singer, Miss Jill Jones". The audience was kind. But…Sherri and her friend were like "who's that? Jill who? Who's that bitch?....It's not Jill Scott?" I had to laugh a little because, it was me and I was sitting right beside them. J It's kind of good being in the shadows, because you get to see and hear the real stuff going on. | |
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Suri said: This is so BEAUTIFUL...
On Monday, November 26th I went to see my big sis Teena Marie play at BB Kings here in NYC. What an amazing performance. Talk about someone who was meant to be onstage and loving it..always… It was very bittersweet for me. As me and my friend Toni Seawright sang along with all of the songs, I even remembered some of my old background moves. Teena was the first to give me a start in this business. I remember in my parents' home how we would write songs in her bedroom, long into the hours I should've been asleep to be up in time for school the next day. But it didn't matter to me- (though I think it pissed Teena off when I would be so late the next day that I'd go in a wake her up ,asking her to take me for a ride to school!! J Her generosity when it comes to the creation of songs and publishing is a far cry from today's artist who collect way too much publishing and writers credit for songs they never even write or barely pen. I.e.; The Madonna's, Seal's etc. Artists who see themselves as more brand than human being. Did people not take in the stories on countless musicians who were ripped off back in the day? Musicians who died penniless because of dodgy publishing and record deals? Teena has an uncanny ability to nurture those around her creative environment and to genuinely be happy for their musical success. She is a consummate musician and very secure with who she is. Very rare. And I can say that she has never exploited anyone for her own personal gain or downgraded anyone's contribution to her productions. If anything she lifts them up, and holds their abilities in high regard. God gave her a gift and she is grateful and it shows. And she recognizes those gifts in others, and it shows. Anyway, I just want to say that if were not for her, I would've never had the confidence to pursue this. Her shoes are impossible to fill. Musically, I just wanted her to be proud of me trying to do something with the tools that she had given me. I wanted to stand on equal ground and not have to constantly run to her for help. Even when things were horrendous with Paisley Park, I sucked it up and hid what was going on, after all Teena was not a business associate first, but my sister, my family. Feeling like a little sister, I attest to feeling often in the shadows, so I sought situations that in the end…..put me in the shadows…. Behind curtains, behind others. I saw a lot and I heard a lot. I watched. Then one day I woke up….. But I digress…. The show was awesome and nostalgia got the best of me at many times throughout her performance. Good. An epiphany followed. And I too am grateful. One funny thing I have to mention is that sitting next to me and my friends was Sherri Shepherd, I guess from The View. She came to Tee's show with her friend and at one point during the show Teena expressed to the audience that she was very happy that her sister was at the show and asked everyone to "give a round of applause for my sister and singer, Miss Jill Jones". The audience was kind. But…Sherri and her friend were like "who's that? Jill who? Who's that bitch?....It's not Jill Scott?" I had to laugh a little because, it was me and I was sitting right beside them. J It's kind of good being in the shadows, because you get to see and hear the real stuff going on. Very nice piece of writing from Jill, interesting point at the end with that girl from the View, goes to show you how many people know anything "We went where our music was appreciated, and that was everywhere but the USA, we knew we had fans, but there is only so much of the world you can play at once" Magne F | |
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I kinda skimmed it, but they're really related??    I never met you, but I LOVE you & I will forever!! Thank you for being YOU - my little Princey, the best to EVER do it | |
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interesting | |
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CalhounSq said: I kinda skimmed it, but they're really related??
I read it all and I still don't know for sure. It was interesting. I knew she sang back up for her but I didn't know they were tight like that. That was sweet. | |
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CalhounSq said: I kinda skimmed it, but they're really related??
Close like sisters... not blood related, As for Sherry.. it just goes to show you how you should watch what you say | |
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Suri said: This is so BEAUTIFUL...
On Monday, November 26th I went to see my big sis Teena Marie play at BB Kings here in NYC. What an amazing performance. Talk about someone who was meant to be onstage and loving it..always… It was very bittersweet for me. As me and my friend Toni Seawright sang along with all of the songs, I even remembered some of my old background moves. Teena was the first to give me a start in this business. I remember in my parents' home how we would write songs in her bedroom, long into the hours I should've been asleep to be up in time for school the next day. But it didn't matter to me- (though I think it pissed Teena off when I would be so late the next day that I'd go in a wake her up ,asking her to take me for a ride to school!! J Her generosity when it comes to the creation of songs and publishing is a far cry from today's artist who collect way too much publishing and writers credit for songs they never even write or barely pen. I.e.; The Madonna's, Seal's etc. Artists who see themselves as more brand than human being. Did people not take in the stories on countless musicians who were ripped off back in the day? Musicians who died penniless because of dodgy publishing and record deals? Teena has an uncanny ability to nurture those around her creative environment and to genuinely be happy for their musical success. She is a consummate musician and very secure with who she is. Very rare. And I can say that she has never exploited anyone for her own personal gain or downgraded anyone's contribution to her productions. If anything she lifts them up, and holds their abilities in high regard. God gave her a gift and she is grateful and it shows. And she recognizes those gifts in others, and it shows. Anyway, I just want to say that if were not for her, I would've never had the confidence to pursue this. Her shoes are impossible to fill. Musically, I just wanted her to be proud of me trying to do something with the tools that she had given me. I wanted to stand on equal ground and not have to constantly run to her for help. Even when things were horrendous with Paisley Park, I sucked it up and hid what was going on, after all Teena was not a business associate first, but my sister, my family. Feeling like a little sister, I attest to feeling often in the shadows, so I sought situations that in the end…..put me in the shadows…. Behind curtains, behind others. I saw a lot and I heard a lot. I watched. Then one day I woke up….. But I digress…. The show was awesome and nostalgia got the best of me at many times throughout her performance. Good. An epiphany followed. And I too am grateful. One funny thing I have to mention is that sitting next to me and my friends was Sherri Shepherd, I guess from The View. She came to Tee's show with her friend and at one point during the show Teena expressed to the audience that she was very happy that her sister was at the show and asked everyone to "give a round of applause for my sister and singer, Miss Jill Jones". The audience was kind. But…Sherri and her friend were like "who's that? Jill who? Who's that bitch?....It's not Jill Scott?" I had to laugh a little because, it was me and I was sitting right beside them. J It's kind of good being in the shadows, because you get to see and hear the real stuff going on.  | |
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Suri said: This is so BEAUTIFUL...
On Monday, November 26th I went to see my big sis Teena Marie play at BB Kings here in NYC. What an amazing performance. Talk about someone who was meant to be onstage and loving it..always… It was very bittersweet for me. As me and my friend Toni Seawright sang along with all of the songs, I even remembered some of my old background moves. Teena was the first to give me a start in this business. I remember in my parents' home how we would write songs in her bedroom, long into the hours I should've been asleep to be up in time for school the next day. But it didn't matter to me- (though I think it pissed Teena off when I would be so late the next day that I'd go in a wake her up ,asking her to take me for a ride to school!! J Her generosity when it comes to the creation of songs and publishing is a far cry from today's artist who collect way too much publishing and writers credit for songs they never even write or barely pen. I.e.; The Madonna's, Seal's etc. Artists who see themselves as more brand than human being. Did people not take in the stories on countless musicians who were ripped off back in the day? Musicians who died penniless because of dodgy publishing and record deals? Teena has an uncanny ability to nurture those around her creative environment and to genuinely be happy for their musical success. She is a consummate musician and very secure with who she is. Very rare. And I can say that she has never exploited anyone for her own personal gain or downgraded anyone's contribution to her productions. If anything she lifts them up, and holds their abilities in high regard. God gave her a gift and she is grateful and it shows. And she recognizes those gifts in others, and it shows. Anyway, I just want to say that if were not for her, I would've never had the confidence to pursue this. Her shoes are impossible to fill. Musically, I just wanted her to be proud of me trying to do something with the tools that she had given me. I wanted to stand on equal ground and not have to constantly run to her for help. Even when things were horrendous with Paisley Park, I sucked it up and hid what was going on, after all Teena was not a business associate first, but my sister, my family. Feeling like a little sister, I attest to feeling often in the shadows, so I sought situations that in the end…..put me in the shadows…. Behind curtains, behind others. I saw a lot and I heard a lot. I watched. Then one day I woke up….. But I digress…. The show was awesome and nostalgia got the best of me at many times throughout her performance. Good. An epiphany followed. And I too am grateful. One funny thing I have to mention is that sitting next to me and my friends was Sherri Shepherd, I guess from The View. She came to Tee's show with her friend and at one point during the show Teena expressed to the audience that she was very happy that her sister was at the show and asked everyone to "give a round of applause for my sister and singer, Miss Jill Jones". The audience was kind. But…Sherri and her friend were like "who's that? Jill who? Who's that bitch?....It's not Jill Scott?" I had to laugh a little because, it was me and I was sitting right beside them. J It's kind of good being in the shadows, because you get to see and hear the real stuff going on.  | |
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banks said: Suri said: This is so BEAUTIFUL...
On Monday, November 26th I went to see my big sis Teena Marie play at BB Kings here in NYC. What an amazing performance. Talk about someone who was meant to be onstage and loving it..always… It was very bittersweet for me. As me and my friend Toni Seawright sang along with all of the songs, I even remembered some of my old background moves. Teena was the first to give me a start in this business. I remember in my parents' home how we would write songs in her bedroom, long into the hours I should've been asleep to be up in time for school the next day. But it didn't matter to me- (though I think it pissed Teena off when I would be so late the next day that I'd go in a wake her up ,asking her to take me for a ride to school!! J Her generosity when it comes to the creation of songs and publishing is a far cry from today's artist who collect way too much publishing and writers credit for songs they never even write or barely pen. I.e.; The Madonna's, Seal's etc. Artists who see themselves as more brand than human being. Did people not take in the stories on countless musicians who were ripped off back in the day? Musicians who died penniless because of dodgy publishing and record deals? Teena has an uncanny ability to nurture those around her creative environment and to genuinely be happy for their musical success. She is a consummate musician and very secure with who she is. Very rare. And I can say that she has never exploited anyone for her own personal gain or downgraded anyone's contribution to her productions. If anything she lifts them up, and holds their abilities in high regard. God gave her a gift and she is grateful and it shows. And she recognizes those gifts in others, and it shows. Anyway, I just want to say that if were not for her, I would've never had the confidence to pursue this. Her shoes are impossible to fill. Musically, I just wanted her to be proud of me trying to do something with the tools that she had given me. I wanted to stand on equal ground and not have to constantly run to her for help. Even when things were horrendous with Paisley Park, I sucked it up and hid what was going on, after all Teena was not a business associate first, but my sister, my family. Feeling like a little sister, I attest to feeling often in the shadows, so I sought situations that in the end…..put me in the shadows…. Behind curtains, behind others. I saw a lot and I heard a lot. I watched. Then one day I woke up….. But I digress…. The show was awesome and nostalgia got the best of me at many times throughout her performance. Good. An epiphany followed. And I too am grateful. One funny thing I have to mention is that sitting next to me and my friends was Sherri Shepherd, I guess from The View. She came to Tee's show with her friend and at one point during the show Teena expressed to the audience that she was very happy that her sister was at the show and asked everyone to "give a round of applause for my sister and singer, Miss Jill Jones". The audience was kind. But…Sherri and her friend were like "who's that? Jill who? Who's that bitch?....It's not Jill Scott?" I had to laugh a little because, it was me and I was sitting right beside them. J It's kind of good being in the shadows, because you get to see and hear the real stuff going on. I'm sorry, but that's just goes to show you, right there. How much more proof could the average human being, fan or not, need? | |
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Jill had a rough time at Paisley Park Records.Her album was delayed repeatedly while Prince was busy producing all those other acts.Then when it was finally released in the spring of 1987,there was no promotion at all.Prince had promised Jill that she could be the opening act on his 'Sign O The Times' tour but the tour never even came to America.
In 1988,Jill started work on a second album,this time without Prince.She recorded a bunch of songs with another producer,which angered Prince.He later offered her several songs---"Boom Boom","My Baby Knows How To Love Me",etc---but Jill didn't like these generic,bubblegum songs.She and Prince had different ideas about what type of artist/singer she should be. By 1990,their relationship was badly damaged.Jill got pissed when Prince offered her a tiny role in 'Graffiti Bridge' (after promising her that she would have a large,meaty role).She wanted to leave the Prince camp and start over elsewhere,but Prince wouldn't let her out of her contract.For seven years,she wasn't allowed to record music on another label.By 1995,she was touring as a background singer for the disco band Chic.Yeah,it paid the bills for awhile but I'm sure Jill wanted to do bigger and better things with her career. | |
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SoulAlive said: Jill had a rough time at Paisley Park Records.Her album was delayed repeatedly while Prince was busy producing all those other acts.Then when it was finally released in the spring of 1987,there was no promotion at all.Prince had promised Jill that she could be the opening act on his 'Sign O The Times' tour but the tour never even came to America.
In 1988,Jill started work on a second album,this time without Prince.She recorded a bunch of songs with another producer,which angered Prince.He later offered her several songs---"Boom Boom","My Baby Knows How To Love Me",etc---but Jill didn't like these generic,bubblegum songs.She and Prince had different ideas about what type of artist/singer she should be. By 1990,their relationship was badly damaged.Jill got pissed when Prince offered her a tiny role in 'Graffiti Bridge' (after promising her that she would have a large,meaty role).She wanted to leave the Prince camp and start over elsewhere,but Prince wouldn't let her out of her contract.For seven years,she wasn't allowed to record music on another label.By 1995,she was touring as a background singer for the disco band Chic.Yeah,it paid the bills for awhile but I'm sure Jill wanted to do bigger and better things with her career. Damn! Prince sucks! As a human being, it seems. I wouldn't let him handle my career for shit! | |
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FarrahMoan said: SoulAlive said: Jill had a rough time at Paisley Park Records.Her album was delayed repeatedly while Prince was busy producing all those other acts.Then when it was finally released in the spring of 1987,there was no promotion at all.Prince had promised Jill that she could be the opening act on his 'Sign O The Times' tour but the tour never even came to America.
In 1988,Jill started work on a second album,this time without Prince.She recorded a bunch of songs with another producer,which angered Prince.He later offered her several songs---"Boom Boom","My Baby Knows How To Love Me",etc---but Jill didn't like these generic,bubblegum songs.She and Prince had different ideas about what type of artist/singer she should be. By 1990,their relationship was badly damaged.Jill got pissed when Prince offered her a tiny role in 'Graffiti Bridge' (after promising her that she would have a large,meaty role).She wanted to leave the Prince camp and start over elsewhere,but Prince wouldn't let her out of her contract.For seven years,she wasn't allowed to record music on another label.By 1995,she was touring as a background singer for the disco band Chic.Yeah,it paid the bills for awhile but I'm sure Jill wanted to do bigger and better things with her career. Damn! Prince sucks! As a human being, it seems. I wouldn't let him handle my career for shit! Yeah,it's a mistake having Prince guide your career.It's almost like a curse: work with Prince and your career is doomed With few exceptions,most of his proteges are quickly forgotten.Even the super talented folks (like Rosie Gaines) never really have much success. | |
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SoulAlive said: FarrahMoan said: Damn! Prince sucks! As a human being, it seems. I wouldn't let him handle my career for shit! Yeah,it's a mistake having Prince guide your career.It's almost like a curse: work with Prince and your career is doomed With few exceptions,most of his proteges are quickly forgotten.Even the super talented folks (like Rosie Gaines) never really have much success.Right. Rosie was a powerful vocalist and a great singer to boot. | |
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FarrahMoan said: SoulAlive said: Yeah,it's a mistake having Prince guide your career.It's almost like a curse: work with Prince and your career is doomed With few exceptions,most of his proteges are quickly forgotten.Even the super talented folks (like Rosie Gaines) never really have much success.Right. Rosie was a powerful vocalist and a great singer to boot. and like Jill,she is not getting the recognition/success she deserves | |
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SoulAlive said: FarrahMoan said: Right. Rosie was a powerful vocalist and a great singer to boot. and like Jill,she is not getting the recognition/success she deserves Where in the hell is Rosie, by the way? I haven't heard about her in so long. A shame, really. Prince is wrong for screwing up their careers. I mean, it may not "TOTALLY" be his fault as they could have tried to work with someone else or try it all out, independently. "BUT", most of the the fault should go to Prince because he begged for their trust and look where it has left them..... | |
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speaking of Teena Marie....
one of our local radio stations reported that she has a new CD on the way.It's described as an "inspirational CD" but I don't know if that means she'll be singing gospel | |
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FarrahMoan said: SoulAlive said: and like Jill,she is not getting the recognition/success she deserves Where in the hell is Rosie, by the way? I haven't heard about her in so long. A shame, really. Prince is wrong for screwing up their careers. I mean, it may not "TOTALLY" be his fault as they could have tried to work with someone else or try it all out, independently. "BUT", most of the the fault should go to Prince because he begged for their trust and look where it has left them..... In 1992/93,Rosie recorded an album for Paisley Park Records but it was delayed repeatedly.Titled 'Concrete Jungle',it was finally scheduled to be released in March 1994.Unfortunately,the label shut down early that year.Rosie was bitter about this.I recall a telling comment she made in the mid-90s... "My album wasn't released because I didn't sleep with Prince"  | |
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THis is absolutley amazing! To have seen Jill at the show and speak to her was amazing in itself then to see her write about the show is amazing as well. I hope that Teena and Jill were able to catch up after the gig and have a great time.
I was hoping Jill got up during portugese love since that's the song where i really here Jills beautiful vocals the most. I love Jill and i wish her the best. She should write a book or a published jounral of her experiences. | |
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banks said: Suri said: This is so BEAUTIFUL...
On Monday, November 26th I went to see my big sis Teena Marie play at BB Kings here in NYC. What an amazing performance. Talk about someone who was meant to be onstage and loving it..always… It was very bittersweet for me. As me and my friend Toni Seawright sang along with all of the songs, I even remembered some of my old background moves. Teena was the first to give me a start in this business. I remember in my parents' home how we would write songs in her bedroom, long into the hours I should've been asleep to be up in time for school the next day. But it didn't matter to me- (though I think it pissed Teena off when I would be so late the next day that I'd go in a wake her up ,asking her to take me for a ride to school!! J Her generosity when it comes to the creation of songs and publishing is a far cry from today's artist who collect way too much publishing and writers credit for songs they never even write or barely pen. I.e.; The Madonna's, Seal's etc. Artists who see themselves as more brand than human being. Did people not take in the stories on countless musicians who were ripped off back in the day? Musicians who died penniless because of dodgy publishing and record deals? Teena has an uncanny ability to nurture those around her creative environment and to genuinely be happy for their musical success. She is a consummate musician and very secure with who she is. Very rare. And I can say that she has never exploited anyone for her own personal gain or downgraded anyone's contribution to her productions. If anything she lifts them up, and holds their abilities in high regard. God gave her a gift and she is grateful and it shows. And she recognizes those gifts in others, and it shows. Anyway, I just want to say that if were not for her, I would've never had the confidence to pursue this. Her shoes are impossible to fill. Musically, I just wanted her to be proud of me trying to do something with the tools that she had given me. I wanted to stand on equal ground and not have to constantly run to her for help. Even when things were horrendous with Paisley Park, I sucked it up and hid what was going on, after all Teena was not a business associate first, but my sister, my family. Feeling like a little sister, I attest to feeling often in the shadows, so I sought situations that in the end…..put me in the shadows…. Behind curtains, behind others. I saw a lot and I heard a lot. I watched. Then one day I woke up….. But I digress…. The show was awesome and nostalgia got the best of me at many times throughout her performance. Good. An epiphany followed. And I too am grateful. I noticed that bit too, but what's the deal with Seal? Is there something I missed? “The man who never looks into a newspaper is better informed than he who reads them, inasmuch as he who knows nothing is nearer to truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors.”
- Thomas Jefferson | |
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When Teena was 19 she wanted to marry this 20 year old black man, but her parents weren't with the black and white thing at that particular time in her life, so they kicked her out of their house. So, Jill's mother Winnie and Berry Gordy's brother Fuller took her in. Winnie virtually adopted Teena and managed her career while she was at Motown. She would tell everyone that Teena was her "off-white daughter". Teena loved her like her own mother...She always said, "I had two mothers, a white woman who gave birth to me and a black woman who help raise me." Winnie passed away I believe in 1990. Teena and Jill are very close. They always referred to each other as sister. If you read some of Teena's liner notes on her album you will notice Jill is always mentioned somewhere near the top. Teena would tell her, "I love you little sister or I miss you little sister. Teena doesn't show her real sisters Suzanne and Pamela that much love in her liner notes, but she does mention them. Teena and Jill...Blood, no...Sisters, YES | |
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