April 23rd, 2007
Hard to believe its been this long already. The 19th Annual Detroit Music Awards, sponsored by the Motor City Music Foundation, were held Friday night, at the State Theatre in downtown Detroit. With over 2,200 people, mostly musicians and industry reps, in attendance, some familiar faces were honored.
One very special honoree, well deserves the award, and all the attention she recieved. After nearly 70 years as a blues legend, ninety year old Alberta Adams finally received the distinguished achievement award. On stage, she looked wonderful, and was well pleased. "The music keeps me going, definately".
Hometown Hero Bob Seger's three trophies were hardly unexpected, with the Best Album, Single (Wait for Me) and National Recording (Face the Promise). Not too bad after a 10 year absence. Local and International favorite Ce Ce Winans won for best Gospel artist, Calvin Cooke for best Gospel musician, along with Thornetta Davis as best Blues aritst, and Luther "Badman" Keith for best Blues Songwriter. One surprise recipient (only because he's still around to GET an award) was Iggy Pop for his Anthology/Reissue "The Best of...". Iggy's just like the energizer bunny...he keep going, and going, and going...
Others receiving awards were Jill Jack for Best Acoustic and Folk Artist, female rockers Broadzilla for best Hard Rock Artist, Liz Larin best Pop Artist and Rock Songwriter, best young Jazz Vocalist Jesse Palter, the Hummingbirds for best Country Artists, Trick Trick for Hip Hop, the Paybacks for Alternative Artists, Nadir for best Urban Songwriter, Electronic Artist Amp Fiddler, and best recording studio was a tie between Studio A and Tempermill.
Rounding out the list is the Bugs Beddow Band for R & B, and the Process for Reggae. Also receiving awards were Black Bottom Collective, the Hard Lessons, Michael Dougherty, Jeremy Kittel, Vinnie Dombrowski and Mike Clark. Best Record Producer went to Martin "Tino" Gross.
With all these talented people, it's a shame many are not known very well outside of Detroit. Motown has a long legacy of trends and trendsetters, and will continue to be just that far ahead into the future.
If you get a chance to support these artists, please do. It will be time and money well spent.
Keep your hands on the wheel....and your foot to the floor...when your'e...."Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!"
**Special Thanks to: The "Hurricane Shelter", Treasure Island Gold's Larry Patterson, Team Detroit, Sonja Paris, Soulful Detroit and Ralph Terrana, and "Lucky" the Wonder Dog!
www.drivinsidewaysindetroit.blogspot.com
duanethomas@johnnyandthehurricanes.com
