The 28TH Annual Heroes & Legends Scholarship Awards

Entertainment, Kim's Kronicles — By Kim Webster on October 30, 2017 at 12:46 am

By Kim Webster

Beverly Hills CA – Master of Ceremonies Ray Parker Jr. and co-host James Reynolds presided at the 28TH Annual Heroes & Legends Scholarship Awards held at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Founder of the HAL Scholarship Awards Janie Bradford thanked everyone for their “continued support” of the HAL Awards. “I have so much gratitude to Janie for setting this up and helping them [scholarship recipients] reach their dreams,” said Berry Gordy. C J Emmons performed during a video memorial tribute celebrating the lives of Motown family members who recently made their transition.

Songwriter, guitarist, recording artist Bill Withers was honored with the HAL Icon Award presented by legendary Motown recording artists Martha Reeves and Mary Wilson. Mr Withers has several awards including: Grammys, an NAACP Image Award, ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award, a Clio Award, and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. His first single “Ain’t No Sunshine” went gold and a string of hits followed including “Grandma’s Hands,” “Lean On Me,” “Lovely Day,” and the Grover Washington Jr collaboration “Just The Two of Us.” He is also the subject of an excellent documentary entitled “Still Bill.” In the beginning of his acceptance speech he acknowledged the recent passing of actor, director, poet, painter, Bernie Casey. He praised Janie Bradford for providing student scholarships and stressed the importance of an education from an “institution or information from participation.” He also advised the students to “learn the business” and “keep positive people around you and keep working at your craft.”

Singer/songwriter and HAL Pacesetter Awardee Inez Foxx joined Thelma Houston and C J Emmons in a fun rendition of her hit “Mockingbird.” Ms Foxx and her late brother singer/songwriter/producer/guitarist Charlie Foxx (who shares the award) recorded the original hit in 1963. Trombonist/arranger/producer/ songwriter Paul Riser was honored with the HAL Pioneer Award. Mr Riser’s genius is noted on many hits too numerous to name including: “My Girl,” Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through The Grapevine,” “Tears of a Clown,” Diana Ross version of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and “What Becomes of The Broken Hearted.” Hank Dixon, the only living member of the group The Originals, was joined by present members to perform “Baby I’m For Real” which was arranged by Paul Riser.

He described his Motown days as a “gratifying experience” and added that Mickey Stevenson was the “best A&R man Motown ever had!” Working in the “snakepit” aka Studio A where the legendary Funk Bros. created the Motown Sound, the classically trained trombonist said he “gained an appreciation for R&B.” Mr Riser received a Grammy for Best R&B Instrumental Performance for “Papa Was a Rollin’s Stone,” and we all know that legendary intro, “Want Ads” hit and our lives changed after that!” said Shelly Clark White.

Shelly, Edna Wright, and Carolyn Willis are the group Honey Cone and recipients of the HAL Lifetime Achievement in Music Award. They have 3 consecutive gold records: “Want Ads,” “Stick Up,” and “One Monkey Don’t Stop No Show!” Edna Wright felt grateful “to be among such great people” referencing her family, support group and music industry alumni. These ladies have worked with Holland-Dozier-Holland, producers Greg Perry and H. B. Barnum and Carolyn Willis is credited for arranging background vocals for the Soul Train ‘75 theme song.

HAL Smokey Robinson Legacy Award recipient Evelyn “Champagne” King’s musical journey began with her hit “Shame.” “Shame” was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame in September 2004. Other hits include “I Don’t Know If It’s Right,” “I’m in Love,” “Love Come Down,” and “Kisses Don’t Lie.” She received the Artist Music Guild 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2015 Lifetime Music Award from the Chicago based Chosen Few DJs organization. Her words of wisdom for the scholarship recipients are: “Follow your dreams and make sure you do it classy.” Vice Pres of Publishing at Rock Nation Dominique “Domo” Dunn received the HAL Triumph Award. Known as a “hit maker” she has worked with several artists including Rihanna. HAL Achievement in TV/Film Awardee Chris Tucker was not present but sent his thanks and a donation to HAL.

Co-Chairs of the HAL Awards Claudette Robinson and Miller London presented Scholarship Awards to the following: Millenia Fountila – Bill Luther Ford Memorial Scholarship; Andra Carvalho – Raynoma Gordy Singleton Memorial Scholarship; Tajianna Okechukwu – Berry Gordy Family Foundation Scholarship; Zandra Fountila – Eugene Record Memorial Scholarship; Janelle Townsend – Cynthia Meadoux Memorial Scholarship; Asia Malone-Dyson – Valerie Simpson Scholarship; Christian Gray – Leonard “Lenny” Williams Scholarship. For more information, please go to info@halawards.com or call 310 274-1609.