An Evening of Classic Soul Featured 14 Soul Legends Singing 57 Hits to Benefit The MED Foundation

MEMPHIS, Tenn., April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- An Evening of Classic Soul gave all who attended a musical and fundraising night to remember.  

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110419/CL86201 )

The Peabody Hotel's Grand Ballroom was packed with 14 soul legends and more than 800 enthusiastic fans for the first-ever An Evening of Classic Soul. The star-studded event generated $275,000*  for The MED Foundation, the non-profit that raises money to fund excellence at -- and increase awareness of -- The Regional Medical Center at Memphis (The MED).

The all-star lineup included soul legends Peabo Bryson, Jerry Butler; The New Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards; Russell Thompkins, Jr., and The New Stylistics; The Emotions; Percy Sledge; Billy Paul; Eddie Floyd; Freda Payne; Archie Bell; Candi Staton; William Brown; Maxine Brown; and Dee Dee Sharp.

After a cocktail reception, guests moved into the Grand Ballroom for an elegant seated dinner, during which the performers dined with guests.

Dr. Reginald Coopwood, CEO of The Regional Medical Center at Memphis, welcomed guests after a brief video about The MED. Event Co-chairs Susan Arney and Leigh Shockey then took the stage to introduce the evening's emcee, music producer and former Memphis resident, David Gest.  

During the three-hour live concert, attendees danced to 57 classic soul hits performed live.  Guests were also able to participate in a live auction which included personal autographed Michael Jackson memorabilia donated by David Gest.

"We're delighted so many people came to support The MED.  I cannot thank our sponsors enough," said Tammie Ritchey, executive director of The MED Foundation. "We always say that one in four of the people you love will need The MED one day.  There are hundreds of patient stories in this ballroom.  This is such a special night and a very exciting look into our future." 

These performers have been in and out of Memphis recently to collaborate on a new soul project at Ardent Studios. The recording will feature a "new Motown vibe" from American songwriter and record producer, Lamont Dozier. Also involved is British soul icon, Sir Cliff Richard, who hit the U.S. charts with "Devil Woman." Both Dozier and Richard attended An Evening of Classic Soul.

*Estimate of $275,000 is preliminary and may be revised after final calculations.

Contact: Sarah Smith
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SOURCE The MED Foundation