Society of Singers
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The Society of Singers (established 1984) is a 501(c)3 non profit charitable organisation based in Sherman Oaks, California. Jerry F. Sharell is the current CEO. A New York based - Chapter East operates with Charles Wallert as the President.
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[edit] Foundation
The Society Of Singers (S.O.S.) was was founded by Gilda Maiken Anderson and Virginia "Ginny" Mancini, widow of Academy award winning composer Henry Mancini to help singers in need, as there is no union nor guild that exclusively represents the rights and welfare of singers. S.O.S benefits the health and welfare of professional singers worldwide providing scholarships and other types of financial assistance to aspiring and working singers.
[edit] Funding
Funded in part by memberships, donations and ticket sales to the annual Ella Award event, the society also helps singers who have had illness or financial difficulties. The Society's scholarship program works within the entertainment community to advance the vocal arts, directly supporting the future of aspiring singers.
[edit] Membership
Society members and supporters include Barbra Streisand, Florence Henderson, Pat Boone, Gloria Estefan, K.D. Lang and Barry Manilow to name just a few. Membership at varying levels is open to the public via their website
[edit] Ella Award
The society's premier fundraising event is the annual 'Ella Award' presentation, named for the award's first recipient, Ella Fitzgerald.
[edit] Recipients
- Ella Fitzgerald (1989)
- Frank Sinatra (1990)
- Tony Martin (1992)
- Peggy Lee (1994)
- Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme (1995)
- Lena Horne (1997)
- Rosemary Clooney (1998)
- Joe Williams (1999)
- Tony Bennett (2000)
- Julie Andrews (2001)
- Plácido Domingo (2002)
- Barry Manilow (2003)
- Celine Dion (2004)
- Elton John (2005)
- Johnny Mathis (2006)
- Gladys Knight (2007)
- Andy Williams (2008)
