Philadelphia Chapter President Terry Jones and Trustee Helen Bruner presented a check for $10,000 from the GRAMMY Foundation to the Rhythm & Blues Foundation to assist with its archiving efforts. In total, the GRAMMY Foundation Grant Program awarded $600,000 in grants this year to 22 recipients across the United States and Canada. Executive Director Patricia Wilson Aden accepted the check on behalf of the Rhythm & Blues Foundation. Jones and Bruner addressed attendees, speaking of the working relationships and combined efforts of both organizations to build a stronger Philadelphia.
Kenneth Gamble of the GRAMMY-winning songwriting team Gamble & Huff and artist Teddy Pendergrass also spoke on behalf of the R&B Foundation and announced the honorees of this year's R&B Foundation Pioneer Awards taking place on Sept. 9 at the Kimmel Center. A mix of artists attended the press conference including Chubby Checker, Fatin Dantzler and Aja Graydon of Kindred The Family Soul, Vivian Green, Kool & The Gang, Teddy Pendergrass, and Jasmine Sullivan, among others.