by Pat Kramer
Music legends Clive Davis and Stevie Wonder and Babyface were joined by popular recording artists Jermaine Dupri and Gavin DeGraw in headlining Songs of Hope IV, a Music & Entertainment Industry Group benefit held Nov. 1 in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Hosted by the Esquire House 360º, the evening’s silent auction event raised more than $250,000 for City of Hope. Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, Sting, Paul Simon and B.B. King were among those who donated original lyrics, rare and one-of–a-kind sheet music, and scores and songs for the silent auction. The evening’s top bid was made by Dupri, who purchased Wonder’s fingerprinted, framed sheet music for $30,000.
Highlights of Songs for Hope IV included performances by Wonder and DeGraw and a star-studded awards show attended by Janet Jackson and legendary songwriter Diane Warren and emceed by Randy Jackson of “American Idol” fame. Recording industry pioneer Davis presented Wonder with “The Clive Davis Legends in Songwriting” award, while DeGraw and Dupri took home “The Martin Bandier New Horizons” award and “The Songs of Hope Music Innovator” award, respectively.
“We are pleased by the tremendous support of the songwriting, artist and music publishing community that went into making this event a success,” said David Renzer, Songs of Hope event chair and chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Music Publishing Group. “Since 2003, Songs of Hope has raised over $650,000 for lifesaving research, treatment and education programs at City of Hope.”
Songs of Hope IV’s presenting sponsors were Universal Music Publishing Group, ASCAP, Peermusic, Warner Chappell, Famous Music, EMI Music Publishing, Harry Fox Agency and the National Association of Music Publishers. Affiliate sponsors included APM Music, BMG Music Publishing, Chrysalis Music, Interior Music, BMI, Windswept and Sony/ATV Music Publishing.
Songs of Hope IV’s silent auction continues until Dec. 5. To view items available online, go to www.charityfolks.com, click on “auctions” and go to “City of Hope” on the lefthand menu.
