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| ELLA Award Presentation and Johnny Mathis Burt Bacharach, Patti Austin, Dionne Warwick, Frank Sinatra Jr., Dave Koz, Take 6 and the Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Band will be among the performers at the Society of Singers' presentation of the 15th annual ELLA Award to the legendary singer Johnny Mathis, who this year celebrates his 50th anniversary as a recording artist. The event, which will take place at the Beverly Hilton on September 12, 2006, includes a silent auction, dinner and a show by Mathis and his guests, including surprise performances by stars who have not yet been announced. Basketball great Bill Russell will serve as the Benefit Co-Chairman, along with Society of Singers president and chief executive officer Jerry F. Sharell. Named after its first recipient, Ella Fitzgerald, the ELLA Award is given to singers whose musical accomplishments are equaled by their dedication to charitable and humanitarian causes. Previous recipients of the award, besides Ms. Fitzgerald herself, include Frank Sinatra, Elton John, Peggy Lee, Lena Horne, Tony Bennett, Placido Domingo, Barry Manilow, and Celine Dion. Known for his uniquely rich, velvety-smooth voice, his classic romantic ballads and for his sensitive treatment of jazz and pop standards, Mathis has placed more than 60 albums on the Billboard charts, including the 1958 compilation, "Johnny's Greatest Hits, " which put him in the Guinness Book of World Records with an unprecedented run of nearly ten years on the charts. He still performs steadily at prestigious concert halls around the world, and has entertained presidents, heads of state, royal families and concert-goers in virtually every corner of the globe. In September, Columbia Records is releasing a special commemorative album to salute his 50-year career. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |