Foundation
"Preserving America's Soul"
Rhythm
& Blues
Foundation
The artists who created the soundtrack of our lives sometimes need our help. Since 1988, we've provided financial and medical assistance to legendary R&B pioneers — ensuring America's musical heritage is never forgotten.
100% of donations go directly to artist assistance
Our Mission
More than music.
A lifeline.
The Rhythm & Blues Foundation is the preeminent nonprofit dedicated to the pioneers of R&B music. We provide financial and medical assistance, educational outreach, and recognition through our Pioneer Awards — begun in 1989.
Three named funds ensure artists from every corner of R&B history have a safety net: The Doc Pomus Artist Assistance Fund, the Motown/Universal Music Group Fund, and the Gwendolyn B. Gordy Fuqua Fund.
Support the Mission"The Foundation was the first organization to stand up for the rights of artists who were not fairly compensated for their recordings."
— Founding Principles, 1988Ruth Brown · Howell Begle · Ahmet Ertegun (Atlantic Records)
Supported by Berry Gordy, Prince, Universal Music Group & Warner Music Group
Pioneer Award Honorees
Legends we've
stood beside
Known as "Miss Rhythm," Ruth was instrumental in the Foundation's founding. Her fight for artist royalties changed the music industry and inspired the creation of the Foundation itself.
A voice that defined American soul, Etta James was among the inaugural class of Pioneer Award honorees. Her contributions to R&B remain among the most enduring in popular music history.
A founding member of The Miracles and active board member, Claudette bridges the Motown era to today's advocacy — ensuring no R&B pioneer faces hardship alone.
How We Help
Direct assistance,
no red tape
When a legendary artist needs help, we move quickly. Our grant process is designed for dignity and speed.
Legacy R&B artists, musicians, and songwriters submit a confidential application through our secure contact or by reaching us directly.
Our team reviews each application with care and urgency, assessing financial need, health circumstances, and legacy contribution.
Approved grants are disbursed from our named funds — covering rent, utilities, medical bills, and other critical expenses.
We stay connected. Artists are linked to additional resources and, where appropriate, honored through our Pioneer Awards.
Our History
35 years of
fighting for
artists' rights
What began as a conversation about unpaid royalties became America's most important safety net for R&B's living legends.
The Rhythm & Blues Foundation is created to advocate for royalty reform and support pioneering R&B artists in need. The idea emerged during royalty discussions involving Ruth Brown, Howell Begle, and Ahmet Ertegun of Atlantic Records. Atlantic Records provides a $1.5 million founding endowment.
FoundingEarly board leadership included Dan Aykroyd, Judy Belushi, and entertainment attorney Kendall Minter, who later served as Chairman and continued advising the organization for decades.
LeadershipThe Foundation launches the Pioneer Awards — the first ceremony to honor career achievements in R&B. Inaugural honorees include Lavern Baker, Charles Brown, Ruth Brown, The Clovers, Etta James, Little Jimmy Scott, and Percy Sledge. Financial grants were distributed to many who had never received adequate royalties.
Pioneer AwardsLegendary artist Ray Charles serves as Chairman, raising national awareness for the Foundation's mission. Ray receives the Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award at the 1991 Pioneer Awards.
LeadershipThe National Endowment for the Arts funds the Foundation's Performance Grant Program, matching legacy artists from the 1940s–60s with schools, community-based programs, and arts organizations for live performances and educational lectures.
ProgramsPrince donates $100,000 to the Foundation at the Pioneer Awards through NPG Records and his Love 4 One Another initiative. The funds are distributed directly to that year's Pioneer Award honorees, reinforcing the Foundation's core mission.
Major DonorBerry Gordy donates approximately $750,000 to establish the Gwendolyn B. Gordy-Fuqua Fund, honoring Motown executive Harvey Fuqua and Gordy's sister Gwen B. Gordy. The fund provides emergency assistance to Motown artists and musicians.
Major DonorUniversal Music Group donates $2 million to establish the Motown/Universal Music Group Fund, providing grants for the health, welfare, and medical needs of pioneering artists on Universal labels. Executives Jeff Harleston and Bruce Resnikoff oversee administration in partnership with the Foundation.
Major DonorThe Foundation launches "Let The Good Times Roll" on NPR, hosted by Jerry Butler. The 26-part series featuring artist interviews and historic performances wins the prestigious Peabody Award.
ProgramsThe Foundation launches "Soul of The 90's" to spotlight the next generation of contributors to rhythm & blues. Inaugural honorees include Michael Bivins of New Edition, Intro, and Allure.
ProgramsWarner Music Group and the Blavatnik Family Foundation contribute $1 million to the Foundation, supporting expanded financial assistance and preservation efforts for R&B pioneers.
Major DonorBoard member and wealth advisor Ted Reid's annual pre-Grammy reception is now presented by the R&B Foundation, increasing the Foundation's visibility among the wider music industry and potential new supporters.
New InitiativeMake a Difference
Your gift keeps a
legend's lights on
100% of every donation goes directly to artist assistance. Here's what your gift means:
For Artists
Are you a legacy R&B
artist who needs support?
You've earned this
We exist to
help you
If you or someone you know is a legacy R&B artist experiencing financial hardship, medical difficulty, or housing instability — we're here.
Applications are reviewed from three named assistance funds:
- The Doc Pomus Artist Assistance Fund
- The Motown / Universal Music Group Fund
- The Gwendolyn B. Gordy Fuqua Fund
Leadership
Board of Directors
Guided by industry leaders and advocates who believe every artist deserves a safety net.
Stay Connected
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Pioneer Award updates, impact stories, and ways to support the artists who shaped American music.
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