Rhythm and Blues Foundation
MISSION
The Rhythm & Blues Foundation is the pre-eminent non-profit organization dedicated to assisting Rhythm & Blues music artists. The Foundation provides financial and medical assistance and other programs tied to educational outreach, curated initiatives, and archival activities. Our programs like “The Pioneer Awards” have recognized the artistic contributions and excellence of legendary Rhythm & Blues artist who have impacted the world through their music.
RHYTHM & BLUES FOUNDATION HISTORY
The Rhythm and Blues Foundation was started in 1988 after discussions about royalty issues between entertainer Ruth Brown, attorney Howell Begle and the Head of Atlantic Records Ahmet Ertegun. The Foundation was the first organization to stand up for the rights of artists who were not fairly compensated for their recordings. Mr. Ertegun went on to provide a donation of $1.5 million dollars to meet the needs of Rhythm and Blues artist. This effort was followed by the founder of Motown Records Berry Gordy and the Universal Music Group respectively. The Gwendolyn B. Gordy Fuqua Fund and The Motown/Universal Fund were established to support artists who have recorded for those labels.
The Foundation has assisted hundreds of Rhythm and Blues artists in need and has recognized over 150 legendary artists with the Foundation’s Pioneer Award recognizing their lifelong contributions to Rhythm and Blues music. The Foundation’s Pioneer Awards was the first ceremony to honor the career achievements of solo artists, vocal groups, songwriters, and producers who have positively impacted Rhythm & Blues music.
Since 1988, the Foundation has disbursed over $3 million dollars in grants to artist in need of financial and medical assistance. Additionally, the Foundation has launched several award-winning programs to educate the public and to provide opportunities for artists. Today, the Rhythm and Blues Foundation continues to provide its programs and administer artists grants through The Doc Pomus Artist Assistance Fund, The Motown/Universal Music Group Fund and the Gwendolyn B. Gordy Fuqua Fund.