August 18, 2006 - The heavy hitters in
the media and entertainment industries came out to pay tribute to Ms. Cathy Hughes: Chairman of Radio One; the first African American woman to own major markets
in the radio industry, and the first African American woman to successfully take her company public (ROIA).
It was indeed a fabulous occasion that marked 25 years
in the radio business to which Ms. Hughes graciously attributed her success to her mother (who bought her first radio transmitter),
her only son, Alfred Liggins, III (President and CEO), the staff of Radio One, friends, fans, and listening audiences
across the nation.
The 25th
Celebration started with The Russ Parr Bus Tour that traveled to the ten cities
Radio One serves, beginning in Detroit and ending in Washington, D.C., the city where Cathy Hughes' radio career began. The
bus tour finale was held at the renowned Lincoln Theater and included live performances by Young Joc,
LaToya, Young Dro, Sammie, Chingy, and others. Artist, Ciara concluded her dance contest in which participants
from the ten cities competed for a spot in her upcoming video.
The celebration would continue into the evening with
an awards gala and dinner that included everyone who is anyone; from Jay-Z, to Sean (Diddy) Combs; to
D.C.'s own godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown; to Janet Jackson (who looked abs-olutely beautiful
in her black dress with a sweetheart neckline); to Lieutenant Governors, and other politicians, to ministers
and comedians, and everyone in between.
The evening gala and awards event opened with a
prayer ceremony given by Bishop T.D. Jakes, followed by harpist, Jeff Majors, playing 'Psalms 23'.
Honoring those who give tirelessly of themselves in
public office and service, Ms. Hughes awarded the 'Humanitarian Award' to Dr. Dorothy Height, Congresswoman
Eleanor Holmes Norton, Dick Gregory, the Reverend Al Sharpton, and others.
Honored with the 'Industry Award' to those who have
demonstrated extraordinary talent within the music industry were Vickie Winans, The Williams Brothers, David Banner, Jermaine Dupri, Kevin Liles, and numerous other industry executives and leaders.
The audience was also favored with performances by Ms. Natalie Cole; and Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.
The evening would end with a performance by Beyonce, and her nine piece all-girl band, who performed a medley
of hits that included 'Dangerously In Love', 'Say My Name', 'Crazy In Love', and her upcoming
single 'Ring The Alarm'.
Radio One, with seventy one stations in twenty-two markets, also
owns the rights to the nationally syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show.
The TJMS added additional celebrations the next day with its famed SkyShow at DAR Constitution Hall with
performances by the Whispers, and 2003 American Idol winner, Ruben Studdard.
When it was all said and done, Ms. Hughes, asked one of her employees,
"Can I throw a party?" Anyone who attended the weekend long festivities would
have to respond with a resounding...Yes, Ms. Hughes. Indeed you do know how to throw a party.
(Not too bad at managing an empire either).
Congratulations, Radio One on your success. All the best for another 25 years!
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