By Bob Makin
originally published: 05/23/2025
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is “Green Light,” the latest single from Alexander Simone & Whodat? Live Crew. Pictured from left to right is Jules Drucker, Bryan Reeves, Kindra Graham, Alexander Simone, Andrew Davis, and Kevin Stryker. PHOTO BY HOODY FRANKLIANO
American Songwriter magazine says, “Asbury Park, New Jersey-born artist Alexander Simone is part of an essential musical family legacy. Namely, Alexander is the grandson of legendary songwriter and performer Nina Simone.”
Not about to rest on that legacy or his laurels, Alexander has released five singles in as many months on AP-based Telegraph Hill Records. The latest, “Green Light,” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Green Light” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on May 23 on “Radio Jersey at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin and Mixcloud.
“No matter what life throws at you , your time is coming,” Alexander said. “Keep waiting. The wait may seem long, like sitting a long red light, but eventually the light will turn green. So many ways to view this song.”
A multi-talented singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Alexander said he has been deeply influenced by the city's rich musical heritage.
While his maternal grandmother, the legendary Nina Simone, played a significant role in shaping his artistic identity, so did his paternal grandmother, a pastor who encouraged him to pursue music.
As a teenager, Alexander's passion for music led him to create compositions and earn money as an artist while working in his church. He developed his stage presence and learned the power of his voice to uplift people through his work as a choir director and worship leader.
Recently, Alexander was asked to be involved in a teen gospel competition presented by the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music at Monmouth University’s Pollak Theater.
“The Gospel Competition was a complete success,” Alexander said. “I’m proud to serve on the board of operations, as well as having the chance and being chosen to host such a great cause.”
Other recent Simone singles include:
* “We Working,” a song about “being under paid, undervalued, but still overcoming to get the job done!
* “Fight for Love,” which represents those who choose not to give up on love.
“Not everyone is willing to stay and stick it out by any means necessary if it’s real it’s worth fighting for,” Alexander said.
Having played Asbury’s Sea.Hear.Now Festival in both 2021 and 2023, Alexander has some high-profile gigs coming up with his band, Whodat? Live Crew.
On May 31, they’ll play Tuckerton Porchfest with Telegraph Hill label mates The Foes of Fern, Red Head Redemption, and Jarod Clemons at 131 E. Main St. Other Tuckerton Porchfest talent throughout the Southern Ocean County town incudes The Chris Rockwell Collective, Pinky and the Brain, Emerson Woolf and much more featured on the event’s Spotify. More info about Tuckerton Porchfest is on the event’s Instagram.
On June 11, Alexander will participate in the Sunset Jam to benefit Kristen Ann Carr Fund, which aids cancer patients and their families. Taking place at Transparent Clinch Gallery in Asbury, the event also will feature Gnatural, Shotgun Curly, Cranston Dean, Redbird, Joe Edelmann, Danny Clinch and guest host Jim Rotolo of “E Street Radio.”
Alexander then will play June 13 at Asbury Distillery.
On June 20 at 917 3rd Ave. in Asbury Park, Alexander & Whodat? will play North to Shore Festival at Soul in the Park 3 with Jermaine Holmes and Sed Marsh. On July 7, they’ll play Asbury’s Springwood Park.
Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at [email protected].
About the author:
New Jersey Stage is proud to be the home of Bob Makin's Makin Waves column since 2017. His Song of the Week column comes out every Friday. He also writes an Album of the Month and Interview of the Month as well.
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(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
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