Pictured (l to r): Kenneth Gamble, Cathy Hughes, Shannon Sanders, Dyana Williams, H. Beecher Hicks III, Leon Huff, Shirley Caesar, and Jon Platt pose onstage during NMAAM’s Celebration of Legends Red Carpet And Luncheon on May 6 in Nashville, Tennessee. photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for National Museum of African American Music
The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) hosted the 2016 My Music Matters: A Celebration of Legends Luncheon, honoring renowned music icons. The event, in its third year, celebrated:
• Rev. Shirley Caesar, Grammy, Dove and Stellar award-winning Gospel icon
• Cathy Hughes, TV One/Radio One chairman
• Alfred Liggins III, TV One/Radio One/InteractiveOne president/CEO
• Kenny Gamble, Gamble-Huff Music
• Leon Huff, Gamble-Huff Music
• Jon Platt, chairman/CEO, Warner/Chappell Music
The luncheon took place on May 6 at the Renaissance Hotel and honored the contributions of these legends and trailblazers who impact the music industry and contribute to American culture. Dyana Williams and Shannon Sanders, Grammy chapter presidents of Philadelphia and Nashville, respectively, co-hosted the event and served as masters of ceremonies. Williams also received a surprise award, for her contributions to both the music industry and NMAAM.
The luncheon, which serves as the premier, annual fundraising event for the museum, raised money for educational programs and community outreach. NMAAM, an innovative institution set to open in 2018, will educate, celebrate and commemorate the contributions of African Americans in American culture.
“Our 2016 Honorees provided a vital connection to the importance of having NMAAM in Music City,” said H. Beecher Hicks III, president/CEO of NMAAM. “When hearing from people like Cathy Hughes, Kenny Gamble and Jon Platt concurrently, that there is no better time or place for this institution, it really validates that we are on the right track and the growing belief in our project. We are extremely grateful to have had each join and celebrate with us, this year.”
Funds raised from the event are not yet available. Earlier in the week, NMAAM did announce over $4 million has been raised in the last few months towards the development of the project along with new National Chairs Darius Rucker, India, Arie, CeCe Winans and Keb’Mo.’
Attendees of the luncheon included music industry artists and executives: Little Richard, Clarence Spaulding (Spaulding Entertainment), Jim Ed Norman (Curb Records), James Alexander (The Bar-Kays), Catherine Brewton (BMI), Phil Thornton (e-One Entertainment), Anasa Troutman (Eloveate), Chuck Gamble (Warner/Chappell), Ryan Press (Warner/Chappell), Lukas Graham (Pop/Soul recording artist, Warner/Chappell), Frank McComb (former Prince pianist and R&B artist) and Grammy winning group, The Fairfield Four.
