Monday, July 10, 2006

Beanie Sigel, Dre & Vidal Donate Thousands To Support R&B Pioneers

Rapper Beanie Sigel came out in support of past rhythm and blues artists with a donation to the R&B Foundation Doc Pomus Financial Assistance Program.
Sigel contributed $3,200 to the cause during the foundation's Pioneer Award after party.
The Philadelphia MC's donation prompted producers Andre Harris (Dre) and Vidal Davis (Vidal) to give $6,400 to the program, raising the total to $9,600.
"I never realized who these artists were or the history and importance of their contributions to
music," said Sigel, who was "humbled" by the experience of the ceremony. "Tonight also showed everyone the impact the work of the R&B Foundation has on the artists. I could never match anything of the significance of Berry Gordy's donation, but I am moved to do something. I also issue a challenge to all my musical peers to step up and follow our lead."
The Doc Pomus Financial Assistance Program provides emergency financial assistance to R&B artists of earlier eras for medications, wheelchairs, dental work, eyeglasses, hearing aids, musical instruments, housing, food needs, funeral and other expenses.
It is the foundation's longest running financial assistance program.
"Mr. Sigel's actions were a tremendous surprise," said Kayte Connelly, Foundation executive
director. "The Foundation is very grateful to Mr. Sigel, Mr. Harris and Mr. Davis for their generosity and the challenge that they issued to their peers."
Doc Pomus was a legendary songwriter who wrote such hits as The Drifters "
Save The Last Dance For Me", "This Magic Moment," Dion & The Belmonts"A Teenager In Love," and other hits out of the famous Brill Building in New York.
Contributions to the Doc Pomus Financial Assistance Program may be sent to: The Rhythm & Blues Foundation, 100 South Broad Street, Suite 620, Philadelphia, PA 19110. All donations are tax deductible.