If you had thought that Fonzworth J. Bentley was any less outgoing than he is on TV, you’re wrong. But what you should know is that he’s more grounded and rooted than most would believe. Energetic, social and deeply humble, Bentley spoke with me about his new single and subsequent album release and how he became the man he is today. Check out the Fonzworth Bentley interview here…
Parlé Magazine: Many people know you from many different outlets, but few know how or why you got into show biz, can you share that?
Fonzworth Bentley: Sure, well you know being an At-lantian, I’m from ATL, I was around the entertainment and music industry growing up and seeing a lot of things happening like Dr. Dre who I went to elementary school with and I remember this guy was eighth grade king and then making it was honestly inspiring. And I’ve always been a performer so when I was done with school I went off to college and after that moved to New York and from there most people know I worked for Diddy as his chauffer.
Parlé: Diddy is definitely a well known name in the business and it seems you have some connections in the music industry, so how deep are your music roots, I also understand you’re a musician as well, would you say that music is your passion?
Bentley: Definitely, I actually went to North Atlanta School of Performing Arts and I’m a violinist by trade.
Parlé: I got a chance to listen to your new single and I must say that I really enjoyed it. It was different from a lot of current music, yet better and it made me wonder what was your style or genre?
Bentley: Hmmm I would have to say its world music honestly or another way to describe it would be cool outrageous, that’s what I try to deliver and I definitely encourage you to go to the website, www.cooloutrageous.com and listen to the full stream of how I organized it all to get a better understanding of the style. But I’d also say that it’s definitely a Hip-Hop inspired album.
Parlé: The words cool outrageous seem to be a theme with the music, is that also reflected in the way you spelled the title track, “C.O.L.O.U.R.S”?
Bentley: Well it definitely has a meaning, most people will just look at it and think, “ahh that’s avant gard,” (laughs) but that’s not just it. C.O.L.O.U.R.S stands for Cool Outrageous Lovers Of Uniquely Raw Style. Back in middle school it was something that my friends and I started to name our group and our swag in a sense and our point of view.
Parlé: Aside from your music you’re also conveying your cool outrageous personality and swag through your book as well as hosting several TV shows, what made you pursue all these different ventures?
Bentley: Man it’s really been the opportunities that have come to me. Everything from being on late night shows to being offered the show From G’s to Gents it’s all been a blessing that I’ve been acknowledged for just being me. And I want to convey that to others that’s ok to just be fly and be you and go after your dreams.
Parlé: You seem much grounded for someone who’s in the public eye, is there anything or anyone that motivates you to stay true to you?
Bentley: Ahh man it’s going to sound corny but Christ is the head of my life. So it’s really believing in him and letting things happen, that and my wife (Laughs). She’s always inspired me and told me I was going to be something. Besides that, I believe we’re all CEO’s with a purpose and the only way for you to know what you should be doing is to stay in contact with your ultimate head in charge.
Parlé: Very cool, I must say you’re definitely a lot more than just a funny guy in nice clothes it’s been great chatting with you.
Bentley: Why thanks my brother, I really appreciate the compliment.
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