(CelebrityAccess News Service) – Georgia natives promoter Alex "the guy that brought rock 'n' roll to Atlanta" Cooley, record producer Dallas Austin, keyboardist and environmentalist Chuck Leavell, and André "3000" Benjamin and Antwan "Big Boi" Patton of OutKast have been selected by the Atlanta Chapter of the Recording Academy as the 2004 Atlanta Heroes Awards recipients, the highest honor bestowed by an Academy Chapter. The Atlanta Heroes Awards are given to honor outstanding individuals and institutions in the Georgia region that have improved the environment for the creative community.
The gala event, which attracts recording artists, entertainment executives and community leaders, will be held on April 1, at the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel in downtown Atlanta. Proceeds will benefit both the Academy's professional arts education programs for the music community of the Atlanta region and the MusiCares Foundation — the health and human services charity founded by the Recording Academy.
The event will start with a press reception and a silent auction and cocktail hour offering one-of-a-kind music memorabilia, as well as travel and entertainment packages. The Heroes Awards dinner and show follows, recognizing the honorees with VIP presenters and performances.
Recipients of the Heroes Award are selected in acknowledgment of the excellence and integrity embodied in their work, as well as their willingness to support and participate in
programs benefiting the music community. –Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
