Publicist Irene Gandy and singer Freddie Jackson honored as part of the Living Legends
Singer Freddie Jackson, along with
Broadway publicist Irene Gandy, were honored with a host of others luminaries
such as Keith Sweat, Alyson Williams, Roy Ayers, Bobbi Humphrey, Sarah Dash,
and William Hart of the Delfonics, on Thursday, July 28th, as part
of the 5th Annual Harlem Summer Stage’s 2011 tribute awards. This tribute, held in New York, was part of
the Living Legends acknowledgment of those deserving individuals who have been part of the arts for many decades. Sponsored by The
NYC Housing Authority and The NYS GSA Dept, the event took place at The Adam
Clayton Powell Jr., State Office Building Plaza in Harlem.
Freddie Jackson is best known for his hit
songs “Rock Me Tonight.” Also songs such
as “For Old Time’s Sake”,”Jam Tonight,” “Do Me Again, and “You are My Lady. “ In 1985, his debut album “Rock Me Tonight”
stormed the R&B charts, where it spent six weeks as a #1 hit. This made Jackson an overnight sensation on
urban contemporary radio. Mr. Jackson, who toured with the “Men of
Soul” tour” continues as a solo artist, playing to sold out houses.
Jackson recently
released his new CD, “For You” on eOne Music. His new single “I Don’t
Wanna Go” was charted as one of the most added singles during its first week of
airplay and is being featured on music
shows VH1 Soul and “Centric” networks.
Irene Gandy is the only Black female
member of ATPAM (Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers) on Broadway.
A press agent for over 40 years, Irene began her career in 1968 as a
publicist with Douglas Turner Ward and Robert Hooks’
Negro Ensemble Company. Ms. Gandy has worked on over 100 Broadway
shows and will be associate producer of the upcoming musical “Porgy and Bess”
which stars Audra McDonald, Norm Lewis and David Alan Grier. “Porgy
and Bess” will be featured on Broadway during its 2011-2012 season. Sardis sports a caricature of Ms. Gandy,
making her the first female press agent to be immortalized at Sardis.
The Living Legends
Tribute was free to the public. In its
past, The Living Legends has accommodated over 8,000 people; including among
their past honorees such greats as Patti LaBelle, The O’Jays, Hal Jackson, et
al.
