Doug E. Fresh, Gloria Gaynor and funk music legend George Clinton were honored by the The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) on Thursday. They were also given the Rhapsody & Rhythm Award at the sixth annual Celebration of Legends Gala at the Karl F. Dean Grand Ballroom in Nashville, Tenn.
The honor was given almost at the tail end of Black Music Month for what the artists have accomplished in the past and still to this day.
“The Rhapsody & Rhythm honorees span the breadth of African-American music, representing disco, hip-hop and funk,” said H. Beecher Hicks III, NMAAM’s President and CEO in a press statement. “Their artistry is innovative and influential, carrying an impact that can still be felt today.”
Grammy-winning producer Shannon Sanders hosted the event, and a tribute performance was given to Gaynor — who’s best known for her 1978 anthem “I Will Survive” — by singer Avery Sunshine.
Fatman Scoop, as well as DJ Mars, honored Fresh with a performance, and artists Mr. Talkbox, Louis York and the Shindellas performed for Clinton.
Fresh — who came into fame with rapper Slick Rick in the ’80s with songs like “The Show” and “La Di Da Di” — posted news about the Legend’s Gala Thursday, just before the ceremony began.
“Well deserved. Congrats,” one person wrote under his post.
Gaynor shared news of the honor via Twitter.
“I’m so very blessed & honored to be receiving the “Rhapsody & Rhythm Award” tomorrow night alongside #DougEFresh and @ george_clinton at the @theNMAAM National Museum of African American Music Sixth Annual Celebration of Legends Gala,” she wrote Wednesday.
“So deserved,” someone tweeted.
Clinton, meanwhile, was a bit more succinct in his posting of the award.
“Tonight!!!!! #nmaam#nashville#legend#funkisitsownreward,” he tweeted Thursday morning.
“Congrats! You deserve all the kudos you get,” wrote a fan under the post.
