Guest Opinion | Keisha Wilkins: The Case For Troop

Editor: On April 15  the Pasadena City Council agenda voted to continue an item on the agenda that would have renamed a portion of Dayton Street in honor of a Pasadena R&B group. Under the proposal, Dayton Street would have been changed to Troop Way. Councilmember Justin Jones asked that the item be held so that more outreach can be conducted. It will come back on May 20.

All members of Troop – Rodney Benford, Reggie Warren, Steven Russell Harts, Jon Jon Harreld, and Allen McNeil – have deep roots in Pasadena. 

A few members moved to the city in the 1970s, while others arrived in the early 1980s. 

Their profound connection with the city is a significant part of their story and legacy. They are all graduates of PUSD. 

Troop, initially named ‘Five Of A Kind’, was formed in 1984 right here in Pasadena. 

 In 1988, they adopted the name Troop, an acronym for Total Respect Of Other People, reflecting their commitment to positive values and community spirit.

In 1989, a pivotal moment for Troop occurred. After signing their record deal and while Steven Russell was working with Keith Sweat, there was a talent show at Pasadena High School. During this event, Troop performed “Mamacita”, their number one song on the radio at the time, further solidifying their growing fame.

Throughout their formative years, Troop actively performed in various venues across Pasadena, deeply embedding themselves in the city’s cultural fabric. 

Some notable performances include, the Rose at The Canyon in October 2019, the Rose Bowl, Jackie Robinson Park and Pasadena Jazz Festival (Jon-Jon Harreld). 

In addition to these venues, Troop also had a strong presence in local schools. They performed in numerous talent shows at Pasadena High, John Muir High, Blair High, and Marshall Fundamental from 1985 until 1989, igniting the stages with their energy and talent during their teenage years. 

Furthermore, Harreld and Russell were active members of the Boys & Girls Club from the 1980s until they became young adults. This involvement showcases their longstanding commitment to the local youth and community programs.

A significant moment in Troop’s history was in 1991 when they filmed their music video for “Whatever It Takes” at Kings Manor in Pasadena, a location that holds personal value as Benford lived there as a child. This event was a major highlight for the local community, especially among teens and young adults.

It’s noteworthy that both Harreld still reside in Pasadena, maintaining their personal and professional ties with the city. Harreld, in particular, continues to perform at several churches within Pasadena, further strengthening his connection with the local community.

Additionally, Troop showcased their Pasadena pride on the national stage by performing on the Arsenio Hall show on CBS numerous times from 1989 to 1994. Arsenio consistently highlighted their song “I’m Not Soupped,” proudly repping Pasadena in front of millions of viewers across the world during those years.

Troop’s musical prowess, highlighted by three number-one singles and ten top-ten singles on the Billboard R&B Singles chart, is not just a testament to their remarkable talent but also a significant contribution to the world of music. Their enduring presence in the industry, solidified by appearances in the classic urban film New Jack City and their latest release “Lady In My Life” in 2023, showcases their ability to captivate audiences across generations.

Each member of Troop has left an indelible mark on the music industry:

• Reggie Warren (1968-2020) – Reggie was the life of the group, exuding positivity and joy. His infectious energy, love for dancing, and caring nature, offering food generously, made him irreplaceable. His untimely passing ignited a profound spark within Troop and the city of Pasadena.
• Rodney Benford – Rodney, as the glue holding the group together, pushed the boundaries of choreography, creating visual spectacles and fostering a tight-knit brotherhood.
• Jon Jon Harreld – Jon Jon’s incredible vocal abilities and soulful sound shaped Troop’s signature, enriching their repertoire and captivating audiences. As a child, Jon Jon was part of the Boys & Girls Club in Pasadena, showcasing Troop’s connection with the local community.
• Steve Russell – Steve, the heart of Troop, not only contributed as a vocalist and songwriter but, as one of the best-noted Michael Jackson impersonators as a young child representing Pasadena, left a lasting impression on the city’s cultural legacy. His Grammy-winning success as a writer and producer underscores his impact on the music industry. Troop’s journey was also highlighted by appearances on shows like Arsenio Hall, further representing Pasadena on the national stage.
• Allen McNeil** – Allen’s sweet and melodious voice added a unique touch to Troop’s harmonies, making him an essential part of the Troop experience.

Together, Reggie, Rodney, Jon Jon, Steve, and Allen formed an exceptional ensemble that produced a sound unlike any other, earning comparisons to legendary groups like New Edition. The dance named after them, “The Troop,” became a testament to their captivating choreography.

 Troop’s legacy, underpinned by global acclaim and a commitment to Total Respect Of Other People (TROOP), is emblematic of diversity and unity. Their enduring influence is particularly resonant in Old Pasadena, notably near Central Park. 

This area is not just a nexus of their personal history but a reflection of their community spirit, showcased through Rodney and his family’s local community service outreach, feeding the homeless and low-income residents when he was younger there at Central Park. 

Troop’s music brought healing, calming and connection to the community during the 90’s when violence was at its highest in Pasadena Central Park, at the intersection of Dayton and Fair Oaks, is more than just a geographical landmark; it’s a cultural beacon where the artistic souls of Old Pasadena converge. It has been the stage for numerous unforgettable performances, notably including Jon Jon Harreld’s heart-stirring appearances with Victory Bible Church at the iconic Pasadena Jazz Festival held in Central Park. These events are etched in the memory of the community, serving as milestones that highlight the area’s crucial role in nurturing talent and celebrating Pasadena’s unique cultural heritage. Furthermore, Jon Jon Harreld showcased his immense talent at Friendship Church, located just a block away on Dayton, adding to the deep-rooted connections Troop has with this location.

The Pasadena Jazz Festival, in particular, stands as a significant chapter in Troop’s story and the broader music scene in Pasadena. It united the community and showcased the depth of Pasadena’s contribution to the music world. This festival symbolized the city’s commitment to the arts, bringing together local legends and music enthusiasts in a celebration of creativity and camaraderie.

Central Park’s historical significance to Troop extends deeply into their formative years. It was here, in this very park, that the future members of Troop, as kids, engaged in dance battles that would lay the foundation for their eventual stardom. 

These battles were not just pastimes; they were serious competitions where skills were honed, friendships were formed, and dreams were nurtured. Central Park was the crucible for their artistry, where they battled other dancers and began to make a name for themselves, long before the world came to know them as Troop.

The influence of dance movies such as “Breakin’,” featuring icons like Boogaloo Shrimp & Shabba Doo, and one of the members cousin Spanky (who is also from Pasadena) was significant to the culture of dance, resonating deeply with Troop and their community. 

These films not only highlighted the dance battle culture but also inspired a generation, including the members of Troop, who saw themselves reflected in these cinematic expressions of street dance. This cultural phenomenon ties us back to Central Park, their stomping grounds, where the fusion of artistry, competition, and camaraderie shaped their path.

The street on Dayton is thus emblematic of Troop’s journey from local talent to global icons and is integral to the narrative of Pasadena’s artistic community. 

It’s a testament to the dreams that were nurtured on these streets, dreams that Troop turned into reality, proudly representing Pasadena on the world stage.

Moreover, the members of Troop have driven past Central Park countless times, each visit reinforcing their dreams of one day being honored in the very park where they danced as small kids with high dreams. 

This park isn’t just a place where they grew up; it represents the very essence of their journey from youthful ambition to iconic status.

As we look to the future, my hope is to revive the Pasadena Jazz Festival, creating a platform where Troop, long-time good friend Jon B, as well as High Inergy, all Pasadena natives, can perform. Along side other jazz,  rhythm & blues and soul artists. 

This would not only celebrate the city’s rich musical and artistic legacy but also highlight Pasadena’s contribution to the arts on a grand scale. Granting Troop this particular street segment would be a profound gesture of recognition, not just of their contributions to the arts, but also of Pasadena’s enduring legacy as a cradle of musical and dance innovation.

This effort would also serve as a fitting tribute to our fallen soldier, our angel Reggie Warren, a member of Troop who has transitioned. Reggie was notably known for his electric dancing skills, embodying the spirit and energy of Central Park and beyond. 

Honoring Troop in this way would not only celebrate their legacy but also pay homage to Reggie’s memory, RIP.

Troop’s message of love, respect, and support transcends all nationalities, creeds, and races. 

Dayton’s history would be a perfect fit to embrace Troop’s universal appeal and ensure that their legacy is celebrated in a manner that reflects their impact on a global scale.

This initiative represents more than a tribute to Troop’s musical achievements; it’s a testament to their impact across all facets of community life in Pasadena. 

Their song “Pasadena” speaks volumes of their pride and love for their city, a sentiment they’ve spread globally through every performance, interview, and even their appearance on Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts boxes, marking a significant cultural milestone.

Allen’s creation of the acronym TROOP, symbolizing Total Respect Of Other People, has been a guiding principle for the group, fostering a sense of unity and respect that transcends musical genres and cultural boundaries. 

This ethos, alongside Steve Russell’s Grammy wins, underscores the group’s profound influence on the music industry and their role in elevating Pasadena’s cultural landscape.

Visionary Entertainment is committed to this renaming initiative, not just as a homage to Troop’s legacy but as a catalyst of bringing love back to the city through music by  revitalizing the Pasadena Jazz Festival as promised to the city manager, asst city manager and the city staff in our meeting. 

Troop being the headliner would be fitting for all that they have done for music and beyond. Especially the way they’ve represented the city of Pasadena. 

This will also be a way of promoting Green’s Hotel as a historic tourist attraction. By renaming Dayton to Troop Way, we celebrate a legacy that bridges generations, honors diversity, and fosters community unity, reflecting Pasadena’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and artistic expression.

Moreover, this initiative holds promise for the economic prosperity of Pasadena, attracting tourism and bolstering local businesses. The global recognition of Troop’s legacy ensures that this renaming transcends geographical boundaries, resonating with fans across the world and reinforcing Pasadena’s reputation as a city that embraces diversity and celebrates its cultural icons without confining them to a single area. 

Additionally, this renaming would enhance the partnership with the Tournament of Roses, a major resource for Pasadena.

Thank you for considering this significant tribute to Troop’s legacy. Together, we can honor their contributions and ensure Pasadena remains a vibrant, inclusive community that celebrates its cultural icons and inspires future generations.

Keisha Wilkins is a local resident.