Rhone nominated for NAACP Image Award

Many in Hollywood fled small towns and Midwestern cities long ago and few return; producer Eric C. Rhone is a rare exception.  A successful executive, Rhone helped lead the production team that recently earned an NAACP Image Award nomination for the top rated series "The Soul Man" on TV Land.  In 2012 Rhone, working closely with his business partner Cedric "The Entertainer," produced a television series, a comedy tour, and the 2012 Soul Train Awards which Cedric headlined and hosted respectively, but he remains most passionate about bringing money into his home state -- so much so that he proudly holds a post as a commissioner on the tourism board.  

After debuting to the second highest audience in TV Land's history, being featured on the front page of the Los Angeles Times (October 13, 2012) as one of few positive portrayals of a nuclear African American family on television, "The Soul Man" concluded its first season with some well-earned critical acclaim. Rhone, who serves as executive producer for the hit series, which stars Cedric, Niecy Nash, Wesley Jonathan and John Beasley, is honored by the recognition and is excited about the show's future.

"I couldn't be more thrilled that the NAACP Image Awards have acknowledged the hard work we're doing at The Soul Man by nominating us this year," said Rhone.  "It shows that we're on the right track and viewers really 'get' what we're trying to accomplish in highlighting this engaging middle American family. Cedric and I are both looking forward to more great storytelling about Rev.Boyce Ballentine and his comical clan during season two, which begins production this Spring."   

  

In addition to his work in entertainment, Rhone is dedicated to serving his home state of Missouri. As a state tourism board representative and founder of the National African American Tourism Commission (NAATC), Rhone is credited with helping to drastically increase voter awareness and education in many of St. Louis' lowest voting districts, through the "Take Power, Take Control" initiative. 

Eric C. Rhone shares his secrets to a successful Hollywood career without leaving his hometown of St. Louis with NBC Affiliate Channel 5 KSDK. Click image to view video