Special thanks to everyone who joined the Rhythm & Blues Foundation as we celebrated our 20th Anniversary during the 2008 Pioneer Awards at Philadelphia’s spectacular Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, September 9th!
VIEW MEDIA COVERAGE FROM THE LEGENDARY EVENING
The gala celebration brought together the royalty of Rhythm & Blues, including past Pioneer Award Honorees along with a veritable “who’s who” of the entertainment industry. More importantly, the event provided an opportunity to support a compelling cause, as its proceeds will help ensure the continuation of the Foundation’s community outreach, education programs and emergency grants to Rhythm & Blues artists during their time of need. It was truly an historic celebration! Please visit our website in the future for more photos and clips from the 2008 Pioneer Awards.
The 2008 Pioneer Awards Honorees are:
Lifetime Achievement - CHAKA KHAN
Individual Artist Award - TEENA MARIE
Individual Artist Award - BILL WITHERS
Individual Artist Award - SUGAR PIE DESANTO
Group Award - KOOL & THE GANG
Group Award - THE WHISPERS
Sidemen Award - THE FUNK BROTHERS
Legacy Award - DONNY HATHAWAY
Leadership Award - AL BELL of STAX RECORDS
The evening's hosts included:
DIONNE WARWICK
BONNIE RAITT
JERRY BUTLER
WAYNE BRADY
In addtion to performances by this year's honorees and hosts, the 2008 Pioneer Awards featured appearances by:
WILLIAM BELL
JERRY BLAVAT
GARY US BONDS
MAXINE BROWN
G C CAMERON
STEVE CROPPER
CHUCK D
VIVIAN GREEN
ANTHONY HAMILTON
MABEL JOHN
KINDRED THE FAMILY SOUL
KENNY LATTIMORE
THE HONORABLE MICHAEL NUTTER, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
JOHN OATES
BUNNY SIGLER
JUSTINE "BABY" WASHINGTON
CODY RYAN WISE
JAGUAR WRIGHT
BETTY WRIGHT
For additional information, please contact the Rhythm & Blues Foundation at info@rhythmblues.org or 215.568.1080.
***MEDIA ONLY***
Media Contact and Press Credentials Requests: Jalila Larsuel of JLMedia Relations, JLMediaPR@aol.com, 626.398.5028 office or 213.369.4362.
2008 Pioneer Awards Press Release - August 6
2008 Pioneer Award Honorees Announcement Press Release
Jack Ashford (The Funk Brothers) Photo
SPONSORS
The Rhythm & Blues Foundation proudly acknowledges the generous support of this year's sponsors:
