26TH Annual Heroes & Legends Scholarship Awards

Columnists, Entertainment, Kim's Kronicles — By Kim Webster on October 4, 2015 at 11:34 pm

Beverly Hills CA – Master of Ceremonies Ray Parker, Jr. and Co-Hosts James Reynolds and Willie Tyler & Lester presided at the 26TH Annual Heroes & Legends Scholarship Awards held at the Beverly Hills Hotel. HAL Pacesetter Award honoree El DeBarge had the audience dancing the cha-cha as he performed his hit song “All This Love,” after which he received a standing ovation and hug from Berry Gordy, Jr. “This is such a great honor,” said El as he thanked God, Mr. Gordy, and everyone. Singer/songwriter Thelma Houston presented the HAL Pioneer Award to Motown’s first signed West Coast artist Brenda Holloway. At the urging of the audience, Ms. Holloway performed a soul-stirring rendition of her hit “Every Little Bit Hurts.” The audience sang the chorus as Lenny Williams performed “So Very Hard to Go.” Mr. Williams presented the HAL Above & Beyond Award to L.J. Reynolds & The Dramatics (Winzell Kelly, Leo Franklin and Donald Albert) who performed a medley of their super hits.

“I’ve had a very blessed career,” said Dennis Edwards when presented the HAL Triumph Award by Louis Price. Dennis and the Temptations Review (Paul Williams, Jr., Mike Pattillo, Chris Arnold and David Sea) performed a rockin’ medley of Temptations hits. Singer, actor, entrepreneur, Grammy Award winner Bobby Brown was honored with the HAL Smokey Robinson Legacy Award. “I am so grateful,” said a “tears of joy” Bobby Brown. “Thank you for honoring our passion,” said D’Wayne Wiggins of Tony! Toni! Tone! joined by members Christian Riley, Amar Khalil, when honored with the HAL Achievement in Music Award. HAL Unsung Hero Award honoree Barbara Morrison is a regal blues/jazz singer who gives students and unknown actors a venue at her Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center in Leimert Park (Los Angeles, CA). HAL Cornerstone Award honoree Andy Skurow has the unique title of Universal Music’s Vault Asset Specialist, Reissue Producer and Motown Historian. He has produced over 100 reissues and compilations.

The audience was also filled with Motown alumni including Faye Hale, former VP of Manufacturing; Gloria White, wife of the late Miracle group member Ronnie White, for whom the HAL Ronald (Ronnie) White Scholarship is named; Scherrie Payne and Ron Brewington. Supporters of the event included: Michael Colyar, Judy Pace, Luenell, Tommy Davidson, Mel Carter, H. B. Barnum, songwriter/producer Raynard Minor, and many legendary others. A memorial tribute performed by CJ Emmons celebrated the lives of Motown family members including the legendary “Matriarch of the Motown Experience” Edna V. Anderson-Owens.

Co-Chairs of the HAL Awards Claudette Robinson and Miller London presented Scholarship Awards to the following: Lyric Claudette Ontiveros – Edna Anderson- Owens Scholarship; Heather Faulkner – HAL Ronald (Ronnie) White Scholarship; and Harrell Holmes, Jr. received a continuing scholarship named for Cynthia Meadoux . For more information, please go to info@halawards.com or call 310 274-1609.