George Clinton, Eddie Levert Among Honorees At 20th Annual HAL Awards

Beverly Hills, CA – June 29, 2009… The legendary and always colorful George Clinton, principal architect of P-Funk, has been named the r ecipient of the prestigious 2009 Heroes and Legends Pioneer Award. Clinton will be honored at the 20th Annual Heroes and Legends (HAL) Awards on Sunday, September 27th, 2009 at The Beverly Hills Hotel. Other honorees include, Eddie Levert, (recording artist), Clarence Avant, (Music and Film Producer, Entrepreneur) Mykelti Williamson (TV and Film Star), Dennis Coffey (legendary songwriter, recording artist, and producer), and Maani Edwards, (V.P. Urban Music, Universal Music Publishing) (complete list of awards below). This years presenters will include Florence LaRue, Freda Payne, Claudette Robinson, and many more.
The Pioneer Award, awarded to those who forge ahead against all odds, is one of 9 awards bestowed upon individuals who have made positive accomplishments and achievements for at least 15 years. “I am thrilled that the Heroes and Legends Foundation is celebrating its 20th year, which coincides with Motown’s 50th Anniversary,” Founder Janie Bradford explains. “Pioneers like George Clinton and our other honorees, past and present, have planted the seeds of obtaining your artistic goals. It’s so wonderful that we can continue to honor them, as well as to provide scholarships for students to pursue their artistic dreams.”

The 2009 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.
Tickets for 20th Annual Awards Dinner are $250.00. The cost for attending all of the weekend’s events is $325.00, and are available Online. All proceeds benefit the Heroes and Legends Foundation. By visiting www.halawards.com and clicking on “Tickets!” patrons will be able to purchase tickets to the black tie gala, which will be held at the Beverly Hills Hotel on September 27th, 2008, as well as tickets for the full weekend of award-related activities:

Welcome Reception – The Tower, Beverly Hills
Friday, September 25th 8:00p – 11:00p
Celebrity Meet and Greet & Breakfast – Le Parc Hotel, West Hollywood, CA
Saturday, September 26th 10:00a – 12:30p
Legends of Soul Concert – The Tower, Beverly Hills, CA
With performances by The Good Girls, Brenda Holloway, and more.

The 20th Annual HAL Awards Honorees

George Clinton Pioneer Award
Eddie Levert Pacesetter Award
Clarence Avant &nb sp; Triumph Award
H.B. Barnum Leadership Award
Mykelti Williamson TV/Film Award
Maani Edwards & nbsp; Cornerstone Award
Dennis Coffey Achievement in Music Award