Monday, June 9, 2008

Broadcasters Honor Community Service

American music impresario Quincy Jones received the National Association of Broadcasters' top honor at the trade group's annual education foundation gala on Monday night. Jones, who is best known as the producer of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album, took home the Service to America Leadership Award after being serenaded by renowned jazz singer Patti Austin (who happens to be his goddaughter).

In addition to his legendary work in the music industry, Jones founded the Listen Up Foundation in 1991 to connect impoverished children with technology, education, music and culture. In 2004, he helped launch We Are The Future to build youth centers in poor and war-torn countries. From 1994-1999, Jones was also chairman of Qwest, at the time one of the largest minority owned broadcasting companies in the United States.

The black tie gala at the National Building Museum brought out a number of Washington notables including FCC Commissioners Jonathan Adelstein, Michael Copps, Robert McDowell and Deborah Taylor Tate, each of whom presented an award. Adelstein appeared on stage alongside 2008 Miss America Kirsten Haglund -- an honor he is afforded annually. "I assume it's by request," Adelstein joked. "For the next couple of weeks, he is going to be insufferable," McDowell laughed. Copps, who presented an award solo, lamented: "They used to let me [appear with] Miss America."

Members of Congress were also part of the event. Presenters included Reps. Chet Edwards, D-Texas; Ruben Hinojosa, D-Texas; Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y.; Hilda Solis, D-Calif.; and Cliff Stearns, R-Fla.

One of the most touching moments of the evening was when a visibly emotional Randy Owen, the lead singer of country band Alabama, accepted an award on behalf of Country Cares for St. Jude Kids, a successful radio fundraising event that benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The charity has raised more than $315 million and Owen has rallied the country music community to help fuel the initiative. "This is about giving something back to fellow man," he told the crowd.

Read about the rest of the NAB award winners here.