Rapper Beanie Sigel
came out in support of past rhythm and blues artists with a donation to the R&B
Foundation Doc Pomus Financial Assistance Program.Sigel
contributed $3,200 to the cause during the foundation’s Pioneer Award after party.The
Philadelphia MC’s donation prompted producers Andre Harris (Dre) and Vidal Davis
(Vidal) to give $6,400 to the program, raising the total to $9,600."I
never realized who these artists were or the history and importance of their contributions
to music," said Sigel, who was "humbled" by the experience of the
ceremony. "Tonight also showed everyone the impact the work of the R&B
Foundation has on the artists. I could never match anything of the significance
of Berry Gordy’s donation, but I am moved to do something. I also issue a challenge
to all my musical peers to step up and follow our lead."The
Doc Pomus Financial Assistance Program provides emergency financial assistance
to R&B artists of earlier eras for medications, wheelchairs, dental work,
eyeglasses, hearing aids, musical instruments, housing, food needs, funeral and
other expenses.It
is the foundation’s longest running financial assistance program."Mr.
Sigel’s actions were a tremendous surprise," said Kayte Connelly, Foundation
executive director. "The Foundation is very grateful to Mr. Sigel, Mr. Harris
and Mr. Davis for their generosity and the challenge that they issued to their
peers."Doc
Pomus was a legendary songwriter who wrote such hits as The Drifters "Save
The Last Dance For Me", "This Magic Moment," Dion & The Belmonts"A
Teenager In Love," and other hits out of the famous Brill Building in New
York.Contributions
to the Doc Pomus Financial Assistance Program may be sent to: The Rhythm &
Blues Foundation, 100 South Broad Street, Suite 620, Philadelphia, PA 19110. All
donations are tax deductible.