Music Legend Chaka Khan to Receive Top Honors From American Society of Young Musicians

    LOS ANGELES, May 31 /PRNewswire/ -- International vocal legend and
 defining diva Chaka Khan will be honored with the American Society of Young
 Musician's (ASYM) Pacesetter Award at the Society's 9th Annual Spring Benefit
 Concert & Awards on May 31st.  The event will take place at House of Blues'
 flagship location on Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, with a start time of 6PM.
     ASYM is a national non-profit organization made up of entertainment and
 music industry professionals, as well as concerned advocates of the industry
 (including government and business leaders, physicians and academics),
 committed to the educational and artistic enrichment and advancement of this
 country's developing young musicians.  The Pacesetter Award, which seven-time
 GRAMMY(R) winner Chaka Khan will receive at the May 31st ceremony, was
 conceived to pay tribute to artists whose remarkable work has set the standard
 for others to follow; past recipients include Rod Stewart, Gladys Knight, and
 Dionne Warwick.  Ms. Khan will be saluted for both her incredible
 groundbreaking achievements and the longevity of her exemplary career.
     On her upcoming receipt of one of ASYM's top awards, Chaka said "There are
 few things dearer to my heart than helping to inspire young musicians towards
 fulfilling their dreams and goals.  I'm truly honored to be recognized by this
 wonderful organization, and I applaud all of their meaningful efforts."
     The gala event's other major honorees are songwriter Diane Warren and
 Arista Records CEO Antonio "L.A." Reid, who will both receive the Musician's
 Advocate Award.  Other citations include Macy Gray, Favorite Artist Award;
 Mary Mary, Favorite Gospel Artist/Group Award; Hanson, Innovative Band Award;
 and Rick Braun and Boney James, the All That Jazz Award.  The evening's
 concert portion will feature performances by Josie and Jesse Powell, plus very
 special guests.  Proceeds from 9th Annual Spring Benefit Concert & Awards will
 support ASYM's higher education scholarship and mentoring programs.
 Inspirational mentors are at the heart of ASYM's work in assisting aspiring
 musicians on their path to career enrichment by guiding them through potential
 obstacles presented by mis-education, substance abuse, and socio-economic
 limitations.
     Just over a quarter-century ago, Chaka Khan rose to fame as part of the
 chart-topping group Rufus, winning her first GRAMMY(R) in 1974 for the Stevie
 Wonder-penned "Tell Me Something Good."  Chaka and Rufus continued to churn
 out hits -- including five #1s -- until Chaka established her solo career at
 the end of the decade with another bonafide smash, "I'm Every Woman."  Over
 the years she has released ten solo albums, recorded more than fifteen movie
 soundtracks, and collaborated with, among others, Ray Charles, Joni Mitchell,
 Prince, De La Soul, Eric Clapton, Miles Davis, Lionel Hampton, Me'Shell
 Ndegeocello, Dizzy Gillespie, Phil Collins and Gladys Knight.  A consummate
 artist who effortlessly bridges the gaps between R&B, soul, pop, jazz, funk,
 fusion and more, Chaka Khan is one of the pre-eminent vocalists of our time.
 Currently, Chaka is involved in a number of projects including a collaboration
 with Mary J. Blige.
     Two years ago, Chaka established The Chaka Khan Foundation to support a
 variety of assistance programs and educational initiatives for at-risk
 individuals, as well as to foster curriculum aimed at preventing racial
 discord.  The American Society of Young Musician's Pacesetter Award is a
 fitting complement to her ongoing humanitarian work.
 
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SOURCE  Chaka Khan