Photo Flash: THE SONGS OF OUR LIVES Concert Tributes Lamont Dozier and David Crosby
By: BWW News Desk Jun. 09, 2014
"I'm in heaven," said Sean McNabb (bassist with House of Lords, Great White, and more), in reference to watching and meeting David Crosby. His sentiments seemed to be shared by the patrons of the 7th annual sold out "The Songs Of Our Lives" concert, benefiting The Fulfillment Fund, that paid tribute to two legendary songwriters: LAMONT DOZIER & DAVID CROSBY. Scroll down for photos from the concert!
Grammy and Emmy winning, Songwriter Hall of Famer, Charles Fox, produced the evening that offered the comedic talents of host, David Steinberg, and performances by Freda Payne, Scherrie Payne, Lynda Laurence who beautifully executed Dozier songs as well as those he wrote for The Supremes and the Four Tops. The evening was produced under the musical direction of Ron Hasley and directed by Joel Zwick. The programs highlights included appearances by both Lamont Dozier and David Crosby, performing many of their own iconic songs.
Among those in attendance were Fred Willard, who remarked "I had no idea I was going to have this much fun tonight" and the Grammy nominated, Ilene Graff, added "'The Songs of Our Lives' is always a great evening of musical memories...it's hard to believe that Lamont Dozier wrote all those songs! It was truly one hit after another and I sang along to each one. David Crosby's iconic voice and fantastic band reminded us that the huge world of pop music has so much to offer. It was a super evening."
The gala, held at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, in Beverly Hills, CA on Saturday, June 7 marked several 50th anniversaries connected with the evening: in 1964 the writing team of Holland-Dozier-Holland had an incredible run with three number one hits ("Where Did our Love Go", "Baby Love," and "Come See about Me"), the band the Byrds was formed with the nucleus of Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark and David Crosby, (the Byrds would become universally recognized as one of the most influential bands of the 60's); and especially important to the Fulfillment Fund and its students, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed.
"The Songs of Our Lives" was developed as a benefit concert showcasing award-winning songwriters performing the hit songs they have written over the course of their career. The program provides a unique opportunity to experience these pieces as the songwriter envisioned them. The intimate setting of this event gives guests the chance to be up close and personal with these artists. Award-winning songwriter Charles Fox, a longtime Fulfillment Fund board member along with his wife Joan Fox, created "The Songs of Our Lives" as an opportunity to combine entertainment and philanthropy in a meaningful way to support the Fulfillment Fund's important work in the community. "The Songs of Our Lives' concert is a passionate project for both my wife, Joan, and I," says Charles Fox, "We believe in the message it delivers and the purpose it serves." Songwriters who have participated in previous years include Academy and Grammy Award winning songwriters such as Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, Marilyn and Alan Bergman, Hal David, Mac Davis, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, David Foster, Steve Karmen, Jerry Leiber, Kenny Loggins, Barry Mann, Alan Rich, Mike Stoller, Cynthia Weil, Paul Williams, Bill Withers, and many others.
The Fulfillment Fund has been serving the Los Angeles community for 37 years and is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making college a reality for students growing up in educationally and economically under-resourced communities. For more information, visit www.fulfillment.org.Photo Credit: Elaine Lee Photography
Kenny Rogers (Fulfillment Fund CEO), Lamont Dozier (Honoree) and Charles Fox (Producer)
David Steinberg (Host) and Lamont Dozier (Honoree)
Lizeth Gasca (FF Student) and Freda Payne (Performer)
Kenny Rogers, Ben Lanzarone, Ilene Graff and Charles Fox
Sold Out Audience at The Wallis Annenberg Center
Lamont Dozier on stage with Freda Payne, Scherrie Payne, Linda Laurence and more.
David Crosby takes the stage
Lamont Dozier is presented award by Charles Fox
David Crosby is presented award by Charles Fox
Backstage with Scherrie Payne, Davis Crosby and Freda Payne
Backstage with Sean Mcnabb, Christine Devine and David Crosby
Backstage with Charles Fox, Jan Crosby, Freda Payne and Joan Fox
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