THREE GREATS TO BE FETED BY NMAAM

The National Museum of African American Music will honor P-Funk auteur George Clinton, “Original Human Beatbox” Doug E. Fresh and Gloria “I Will Survive” Gaynor with the Rhapsody & Rhythm Award at the Nashville museum’s sixth Celebration of Legends Gala on 6/27. The event, which recognizes African American musical and cultural icons who have made significant contributions to American music across all genres, will take place tonight at the Music City Center’s Karl Dean Ballroom.

“The Rhapsody and Rhythm honorees span the breadth of African American music, representing disco, hip-hop and funk,” said NMAAM President/ CEO H. Beecher Hicks III. “Their artistry is innovative and influential, and carries an impact that can still be felt today. Even the museum’s tagline, ‘One Nation Under A Groove,’ is an homage to George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic’s quintessential song. We are expecting the largest attendance at the Legends Gala yet, so that makes us even more excited to spend the evening recognizing George, Doug and Gloria.”

Vanderbilt University is the presenting sponsor for this year’s gala. The late David Williams, Vandy’s vice chancellor for university affairs and athletics and athletics director, was an avid supporter of NMAAM and chairman of its campaign steering committee; he’ll also be honored at the event.

Tickets are $250; more info is available here. The gala benefits NMAAM’s educational and community programs for all ages, including From Nothing to Something, Fine-Tuning Master Series, Music Legends & Heroes, the Emerging Artist Series and Sips & Stanzas.