L.A. Recording Academy Honors Snoop, Schifrin

Posted in News on June 25, 2006

The Los Angeles Chapter of the National Association of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS) hosted its inaugural Recording Academy Honors gala at the landmark Hollywood & Highland Complex, honoring two diverse BMI affiliates: rapper Snoop Dogg and film composer Lalo Schifrin. BMI's Barbara Cane, who sits on the NARAS Board of Governors, was on hand to congratulate both.

Pictured at the Recording Academy Honors gala are (seated): Recording Academy West Regional Director Lizzy Moore, actor Chris Tucker, honoree Snoop Dogg, honoree Chris DeWolfe, honoree Tom Anderson, honoree Lalo Schifrin, performer Dave Stewart of Platinum Weird; (top row): Recording Academy President Neil Portnow, rapper Warren G, L.A. Chapter Governor Ray Chew, L.A. Chapter Governor Shelly Berg, Recording Academy Vice Chairman Jimmy Jam, performer Natalie Cole, L.A. Chapter Governor and Recording Academy Honors musical director Greg Phillinganes, L.A. Chapter Governor Tom Sturges, producer Lawrence Bender, L.A. Chapter President Maureen Crowe, L.A. Chapter Governor Barbara Shelley, L.A. Chapter Governor Dan Navarro, L.A. Chapter Governor and BMI's Barbara Cane. Photo by Arnold Turner

Schifrin, a six-time Academy Award nominee and four-time Grammy winner, was the evening's first honoree, with film director Brett Ratner and actor/comedian Chris Tucker presenting his award. Both Ratner and Tucker have worked with Schifrin on Rush Hour, Rush Hour 2, and the upcoming Rush Hour 3. Eight-time Grammy Award-winning legend Natalie Cole, who Schifrin considers to be one of our greatest living jazz singers, then sang a dazzling rendition of the Ella Fitzgerald classic "A Tisket A Tasket," before Schifrin himself jumped on the keyboard to play his Mission: Impossible theme with members of the USC Thornton Jazz Orchestra.

Afterwards, rap icon Dr. Dre took the stage to present his close friend and colleague, Snoop Dogg, with his award. A humbled Snoop accepted the award with a group of boys he coaches and sponsors in football. Hip-hop artist Bow Wow, Snoop's protégé and "little brother," closed the night and brought the crowd to its feet with his rendition of Snoop's "Who Am I."

The Los Angeles Academy Honors also featured a silent auction, with a portion of the proceeds going to scholarships for students hoping to attend Grammy Camp.

Having now celebrated 47 years of musical excellence through the Grammy Awards, NARAS continues its rich legacy and ongoing growth as the premier outlet for honoring achievements in the recording arts and supporting the music community.

SOURCENews TAGS Film & TV Pop R&B / Hip-Hop Recording Academy Honors Lalo Schifrin Snoop Dogg