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…there was The Groove. It came up from the earth, and from the heart, and in the souls and the voices and the rhythm and the blues. And it was good.
And there was Ruth Brown, and there was Solomon Burke. And there was Jackie Wilson and there was Otis Redding and there was Laverne Baker and there was Ben E. King. And it was very good. And there was Aretha Franklin and there was James Brown and there was Little Richard. And it was BAD… in a good way. And the people danced and forgot their troubles, thanks to The Groove and the artists that brought it to life.
In time, faces changed, and styles changed, but The Groove lived on. Although the music had a life of its own, many early rhythm & blues pioneers fell out of fashion and down on their luck. And the business that brought their music to the people forgot the people that brought the music to the business. And it was bad… in a bad way.
And then… there was the Rhythm & Blues Foundation. The Rhythm & Blues Foundation, a non-profit service organization, has honored and assisted countless vocalists, musicians, songwriters and producers who kept The Groove alive. We have provided emergency financial assistance to those in need, and have celebrated the careers of more than 250 rhythm & blues legends through our annual Pioneer Awards program. We have provided medical expenses, living expenses, touring expenses and, yes, funeral expenses. Through our Performance Grants Program, we have helped veteran artists return to performing in an effort to re-establish self-sufficient lives. Since 1987, we have distributed over $2.5 million to the architects of The Groove. But in order to do this work, we need the continued support of the industry these pioneers helped create, and of those who “dance to the music.” Simply put, if you don’t help us, we can’t help them.
The Rhythm & Blues Foundation is committed to “Preserving America’s Soul” and to serving those who enriched our lives with their music. Through your generous financial support and your attention to the plight of our constituents, you can help repay the debt we owe them.
If you have ever felt The Groove, please join with us to keep it alive.
Please consider a donation to The Rhythm and Blues Foundation in celebration of your love of this music. Your donation can be made directly via our website, or by mailing to:
Rhythm and Blues Foundation
100 S. Broad Street, Suite 620
Philadelphia, PA 19110
Phone: 215.568.1080
Fax: 215.568.1026
Thank you for helping the Rhythm & Blues Foundation “Preserve America’s Soul.”
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