Wow! What can I say? Awesome…33rd Anniversary Georgia Music Hall of Fame awards ceremony was a star-studded evening…celebrating inductees like Jan smith, Toni Braxton, Kenny Leon, Paul Cochran and last but not least Mother’s Finest among others. Oh yea I did say a star-studded event, among the hosts of the nights event was Fox5’s Justin Gray, Atlanta’s-WVEE V103’s Ryan Cameron, Channel 2 Action News’ Monica Pearson, Samuel L. Jackson & Governor Nathan Deal to name a few.

To start the night off Mother’s Finest cranked the night up with a hard-hitting mix of rock funk and soul followed by a stirring tribute to Kenny Leon from none other than Jasmine guy. Mr. Leon’s close friend Samuel L Jackson presented him with his award…as the night went on Billy Joe Royal & The Johnny Martini Band gave a great performance for his good friend Paul Cochran who also got inducted.

One of the night’s performance was cut out due to Toni Braxton not feeling well (but looked gorgeous) as she humbly accepted her award with her family in attendance.

Ok well I’ve danced around it all night…Justin Bieber hit the stage and performed a  few songs. The respective family members accepted the Posthumous Awards for Judy Argo, Hall Johnson, and Sonny Terry. Once again Mother’s Finest hit the stage and rocked the crowd like no other, as they accepted the nights honors.

To end the night with the amazing multi talented Jan Smith being inducted. With Usher, Scooter, and  Justin Bieber all giving her the utmost respect and playful jesting as they presented her with her award.

As a tradition, one of the inductees always performs “Georgia On My Mind” at the end of the program…Jan Smith, Usher, and Monica Pearson performed a soulful rendition of this song.

Needless to say I left feeling proud to be from a state that has such talented artists who let their Georgia roots bring them home.

Red Carpet pics by Tom Dausner

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