Several weeks ago, the Rhythm & Blues Foundation commemorated its 20th Anniversary at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. As anyone lucky enough to witness the celebration can attest, the evening turned out to be "This Magic Moment." From the look on Chaka Khan's face as Aretha Franklin stepped onstage to surprise her with her Pioneer Award, to the show stopping performance (complete with gymnastics!) by octogenarian Sugar Pie deSanto, to the poignant speeches and masterful musicianship of Bonnie Raitt, Jerry Butler, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Lattimore, Teena Marie, Bill Withers, Gary "U.S." Bonds, The Whispers and The Funk Brothers, it was an All-Star gathering of past, present and future superstars of rhythm & blues... a night of tears, laughter, and joyful noise.
Over the course of the last twenty years, the R&B Foundation has been there for artists in need when nobody else was there to help. The Foundation has provided emergency financial assistance, medical expenses, living expenses and career guidance, has enabled countless performers, songwriters and producers to "keep on keepin' on," and has awarded performance grants so that those still capable of making music could continue to earn a living by sharing their gifts. The Foundation has engaged in award-winning educational and archival activities and has long been the "go to" resource on rhythm & blues.... committed to serving both the people who make this music and the fans who love it.
This year, even more than before, The Rhythm & Blues Foundation needs your help to continue its mission. Like many non-profits, the Foundation is feeling the effects of the current economic crisis: these are challenging times, but they are also times of opportunity and hope, and we are hopeful and confident that you will continue to support the efforts of the Foundation to "Preserve America's Soul."
If you know how it feels to get up and sing "I Feel Good"...if you've ever gone "Dancing in the Street"...and most importantly, if you understand the importance of treating the arts with R-E-S-P-E-C-T... please join us in this work. If you are so inspired, please share this with your fellow fans and ask them to join us too. Every donation, of any size, helps us keep the music - and the music makers - alive!