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| Al Jarreau Celebrated as Ford Freedom Award Scholar for Using His Talents to Make a Difference A plaque bearing the name of songstress Ella Fitzgerald was recently added to the Ring of Genealogy in the Ford Freedom Rotunda at Detroit’s Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. The plaque was unveiled during a black-tie gala in the presence of hundreds of guests, celebrities, and dignitaries who gathered at the Museum to help celebrate the life, love, and legacy of Fitzgerald, this year’s Ford Freedom Award recipient. Musical innovator Al Jarreau, who was among the guests that paid tribute to Fitzgerald for her ability to bring people together through song, was honored as the Ford Freedom Award Scholar. “It’s wonderful when companies like Ford recognize things that are going on in the community. Maybe this award is about what I ought to be doing as much as what I have done, ” said Jarreau. “I am proud to join Ford in trying to encourage youth and young people…in leading the way and trying to make a difference in people’s lives.” The Ford Freedom Award was created in 1999 to honor those whose life work and character have made a significant impact on our world. The Ford Freedom Award is given posthumously to a distinguished individual who dedicated his or her life to improving the African American community and the world in general. The Ford Freedom Award Scholar honor is given to a living individual who has excelled in the same field as the Award recipient, carried forth the ideals of the recipient, and has in his/her own way, furthered the achievements for a new generation. “Ford Motor Company has sponsored the Ford Freedom Award in partnership with the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History for seven years. This celebration and awards presentation is the extension of our shared commitment to promote diversity, tolerance, and inclusion, ” said Ziad Ojakli, Group Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Ford Motor Company. “Both of these musical geniuses have proved that one person's life–and the use of his or her talents–can make a difference in this world. They have inspired us by showing us that the pursuit and good use of our talents can change our world forever—and for the better.” Dubbed the “First Lady of Song, ” Ella Jane Fitzgerald was the most popular female jazz singer in the United States for more than half a century. During her lifetime, she sold over 40 million albums and won 13 Grammy awards. She performed at top venues all over the world, and her audiences were as diverse as her vocal range. Fitzgerald received the National Medal of Arts, France’s Commander of Arts and Letters Award, Kennedy Center Honors, and numerous honorary doctorates for her continuing contributions to the arts. Her son, Ray Brown, Jr., a musician in his own right, accepted the award on her behalf. “This award helps to keep the memory of a truly great artist alive, ” said Brown. “To know that she is remembered and revered is special. It keeps all the things she did alive.” Jarreau also addressed more than 1, 700 students, including the six winners of the annual Ford Freedom Award Essay Contest, at the Detroit Music Hall during the annual Ford Freedom Awards Scholar’s Lecture. He encouraged youth to stay in school, to discover their passion, and to use their gifts to improve the quality of life for others. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Jazz News :: home page |