Philadelphia — Tuesday was a night of celebration as musical greats, past and present, descended on Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts for the Rhythm & Blues Foundation’s 2008 Pioneer Awards.
Wayne Brady, Jerry Butler, Dionne Warwick and Bonnie Raitt served as the night’s co-hosts for the fundraising gala, which celebrated the accomplishments and contributions of R&B legends Sugar Pie DeSanto, The Whispers, Teena Marie, Kool & The Gang, Donny Hathaway, The Funk Brothers, music exec. Al Bell and Chaka Khan.
Honoree Bill Withers chats with legendary Philly radio icon Jerry Blavat, who served as the blue carpet’s emcee.
photo by Steed Media Service
The evening was filled with surprises and touching moments. Blues singer DeSanto, whose recording career has spanned more than 50 years, proved that she still has some pep in her step as she wowed the crowd with her fancy footwork and sassy lyrics. “I’m simply proud,” she said after receiving the honor. “It took me 56 years to get here, where someone would recognize my artistry.”
Pioneer Award recipient Chaka Khan arrives.
photo by steed media service
Vocal powerhouse Chaka Khan was moved to tears when the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin made a surprise appearance to present Khan with her Individual Artist Pioneer Award. Khan admitted backstage that having Franklin there rendered her speechless. “I was a babbling idiot. Dionne Warwick said that the tears just popped out,” she recalled laughingly.
Group Artists honorees Kool & The Gang co-founder Robert “Kool” Bell said while the group has been honored for their music before, this award held special meaning. “It’s definitely an honor to receive the award from the Rhythm & Blues Foundation because of what it stands for,” It’s good to have an organization like this to support musicians.
Other celebs on hand to help fête the night’s honorees included crooners Anthony Hamilton, Kenny Lattimore, Public Enemy front man Chuck D, John Oates and Philadelphia Mayor John Nutter. Past honorees Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, Mable John, The Cadillacs, Gary U.S. Bonds, Betty Wright, The Delfonics, and Bettye LaVette also attended the event.
The Whispers members Leaveil Degree, Walter Scott, Wallace “Scotty” Scott and Nicholas Caldwell smile for the media on the blue carpet.
photo by steed media service
For Fatin Dantzler, one-half of husband-wife duo Kindred the Family Soul, being amongst such musical greats was awe-inspiring. “This event was just overwhelming to me. I feel like my faith in what I do is renewed from being here. I’m just really excited, honored and humbled to be here amongst all these great people,” he said.
The night was just as tremendous for Khan, who shared similar sentiments, saying that after months of touring, the gala helped her to “renew my meaning and the reason why I do what I do.” –ivory m. jones
