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The Funk Brother, Allen Toussaint, Ernie Hudson and Harold Lilly Among Honorees at the 19th Annual Heroes and Legends Awards

"A World Legacy" theme to celebrate 50 years of historical moments.

Beverly Hills, CA (Billboard Publicity Wire) July 18, 2008 -- The Funk Brothers, Motown's original house band, have been named the recipients of the prestigious 2008 Heroes and Legends Legacy Award. The current active members will be honored at the 19th Annual Heroes and Legends (HAL) Awards on Sunday, September 28th, 2008 at The Beverly Hills Hotel. Other honorees include Ernie Hudson (TV and Film Star), Allen Toussaint (legendary songwriter, recording artist, and producer), Harold Lilly (Platinum songwriter/producer), Dr. Samella Lewis (artist, educator and author), Thomas Cain (BMI/Nashville), Frank Wilson (Platinum songwriter/producer) and world renowned recording artist, Martha Reeves (complete list of awards below). This years presenters will include Freda Payne, Marla Gibbs, Gloria Jones, Claudette Robinson, Eddie Holland and many more.

The Legacy Award is one of 9 awards bestowed upon individuals who have made positive accomplishments and achievements for at least 15 years. Founder Janie Bradford explains: "The Funk Brothers carved a niche in music history by playing an integral part of the "Motown Sound." Over the years, even though the members continued to change, it seemed that each replacing "Funkster" constituently kept the same feeling and emotion in the music, thereby, keeping that unique, special packaged "Detroit Sound" alive and strong. Now as well known all over the world as the artist that they played behind, Eddie Willis, Uriel Jones and Bob Babbitt are all still riding the wave of "fame" from the identify of that special sound created in the late 50's throughout the 60's. Amazing."

The 2008 HAL Awards continues its reputation for excellence and bringing out the best Hollywood has to offer with another star-studded event honoring a select group of individuals who have brought honor and dignity to the arts. JoMarie Payton returns as the Mistress of Ceremonies.

An additional highlight will be the awarding of scholarships to deserving students from the Southern California area. The HAL Awards are the brainchild of famed songwriter and Motown Alumna, Janie Bradford. Bradford has written such classic hits as Marvin Gaye's "Too Busy Thinkin' About My Baby," Barrett Strong's "Money. That's What I Want" and countless others.

In addition to the gala black tie awards ceremony, The HAL Awards will host a full weekend of award-related activities:

Welcome Reception - The Tower, Beverly Hills
Friday, September 26th 8:00p - 11:00p

Celebrity Signings & Breakfast - The Tower, Beverly Hills
Saturday, September 27th 10:30a - 12:30p
Award-Winning Author Ian Wright is scheduled to sign his book, "On The Brink of Fame"

Legends of Soul Concert - The Standard, West Hollywood, CA
With performances by Mable John, Brenda Holloway, and more.

The 19th Annual HAL Awards Honorees

Harold Lilly                          Legends of Tomorrow Award
Dr. Samella Lewis                       Leadership Awards
Ernie Hudson                           TV/Film Award
Thomas Cain                         Cornerstone Award
Frank Wilson                         Achievement in Music Award
Allen Toussaint                      Pioneer Award
Martha Reeves                      Innovator Award

For more information on the HAL Awards, please visit our website: halawards.com or call 310.274.1609.

For media credentials and interview opportunities for all of the HAL Awards events, including Red Carpet Arrivals, please contact Debra @ halawards.com

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