The Recording Academy honored legendary musicians at the MemphisHero Awards, held April 13 at the Cannon Center for the Performing Artsin Memphis, Tenn. Those honored included Elvis’ original band matesScotty Moore, D.J. Fontana and the late Bill Black, Ike Turner, powerpop band Big Star, soul icon Ike Turner and blues legend Clarence”Gatemouth” Brown.
Pictured: Recording Academy president Neil Portnow (l) and HenryJuszkiewicz, chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar and Baldwin Piano (r),honor Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown.
The audience was treated to live performances, video tributes andpresentations to the honorees by their friends and fellow musicians.Music lovers, fans, business leaders, music executives and entertainersfrom across the country were in attendance.
Mike Mills, a member of the alternative rock band R.E.M., touted theinfluence of Big Star while presenting the first award to the underacclaimed Memphis band. “If you’re a fan of rock and roll, even if youhaven’t heard of Big Star, you owe them, because I guarantee you, anyband you like did hear of them and listened to them, and do their bestto do as well as they did,” Mills said.
Moore and Fontana, accompanied by the Jordanaires, performed duringthe evening, as did Turner and Brown.
The Heroes Awards celebrate legends in the music industry,acknowledging those artists who have made a lasting impact on the worldof music and popular culture.
For more information, visit www.grammy.com.
