Tribute to "The Big Man" Clarence Clemons:
Little Kids have a big fan!
A Tribute to the Big Man with photos by Barbara Pyle and a special performance by 8th grade Little Kids Rock students who played Jailhouse Rock at the B.B. King Blues Club in NYC with "The Big Man" at the first Right to Rock event.
Clarence Clemons receives the first annual "Big Man of the Year" award.
The "Big Man of the Year" Award
Clarence Clemons signed on as an official supporter of Little Kids Rock in 2009 in an effort to help bring music education to children, regardless of their economic standing, race, age, or gender. He helped Little Kids Rock raise over $160,000 at the first annual "Right to Rock" benefit event at B.B. King's Blues Club and Grill in New York City in October 2009, a sum that helped bring free instrumental music lessons to more than 8,000 children across the country!
Little Kids Rock honored him with the inaugural "Big Man of the Year" award, which is given each year to a musical luminary who is passionate about and dedicated to helping Little Kids Rock provide music education to schoolchildren who may otherwise not have access to it.
“More than 50 percent of kids who play an instrument go on to college, yet music education programs at the inner city public schools who need them most continue to be hit hard with budget cuts,” said Clarence Clemons. “Little Kids Rock has responded to this problem in a really big way and made a positive impact on the lives of literally thousands of low-income students who wouldn’t have otherwise had the opportunity. I strongly encourage those who are in a position to do so to support their cause and spread the word about this inspirational program.”
Last year, at the second annual Right to Rock event, Clarence presented the second "Big Man of the Year" award via video to former New York Yankees icon and Grammy-nominated guitarist, Bernie Williams.
At this year's Right to Rock event, which was held at the Edison Ballroom on October 20th, Victoria Clemons and Little Kids Rock presented the award to Lady Gaga.
Says Little Kids Rock Executive Director, David Wish: "Clarence's passing is extremely devastating news and the entire Little Kids Rock family will miss him. He was a big man, indeed, because of his enormous heart and generosity toward our children. He believed in our mission to bring music education to children nationwide, and because of his passion for music and for children, his legacy will live on forever as we will honor him annually by presenting "The Big Man of the Year" award to an individual who echoes Clarence's desire to make sure that all children have the right to rock."
