“Music called my name and I answered, the beauty of drums conversation has always amazed me. Started in church at 3yrs old, learned early on Stevie Wonder would be my favorite drummer of all time.”

Meet Raphael G. Iglehart, affectionately known as Gino “LockJohnson” Iglehart, whose professional odyssey began in the music entertainment realm and has since traversed various sectors of industry. From a tender age of 3, Gino’s musical genesis unfolded in his grandfather’s church, where he first tapped the drums. Inspired by luminaries like Stevie Wonder, James Moore, and Douglas Miller, his passion for music blossomed amidst a backdrop of gospel melodies.

But Gino’s story isn’t confined to the rhythms of music alone. A spirited upbringing steeped in sports, particularly soccer, instilled in him a keen acumen for business dynamics. Fueling this entrepreneurial spirit, he honed his talents at the Business and Management Magnet Center and later at Hillcrest High School.

While pursuing his education at Southern University of New Orleans, Gino’s soccer dreams took flight with the New Orleans Riverboat Gamblers Fútbol Organization until an injury redirected his path back to his true calling—music and live entertainment. As “LockJohnson,” he embarked on a transformative journey, joining forces with Grammy Award winner Erykah Badu for over a decade, eventually serving as her Musical Director and co-producing hits like “Times’ A’ Waistin,” “Kiss Me On My Neck,” and “Bag Lady.”
Gino’s musical prowess extended beyond Badu’s stage, collaborating with an array of artists such as Queen Latifah, Common, Dave Chappelle, and many more. Alongside his musical endeavors, Gino founded pivotal platforms like The Room Jam Session and The Lock Academy Music School, nurturing emerging talent and fostering creative expression within the DFW arts community.

But Gino’s visionary leadership didn’t stop there. Venturing into event curation and venue management, he spearheaded successful programming initiatives at esteemed venues like Sankofa Arts Café and Tephejez. His tenure as General Manager of the Black Forrest Theater, owned by Erykah Badu, crystallized his passion for hospitality management, paving the way for his role as General Manager and Booking Manager at Club369 and now co-owner of The Alley Music House.

As Gino continues to chart new territories, his future brims with promise, poised to unlock even greater success in the vibrant landscape of arts, entertainment, and hospitality.