ERIC CLAPTON, JIMMY VAUGHAN & BONNIE RAITT JOIN FORCES TO FIGHT SUBSTANCE
ABUSE
December 7, 1999
SCOTTSDALE, AZ
FACE="Arial"> - On November 2, 1999, blues legends Eric Clapton, Bonnie
Raitt and Jimmie Vaughan got together for a very rare jam session at the
Universal City Hilton and Towers Hotel in California, in support of substance
abuse awareness. The event was hosted jointly by Phoenix House and the
Musicians' Assistance Program (MAP) to acknowledge positive, life-affirming
work carried out by musicians and entertainment industry members.
The honorees at the inaugural event dinner included Eric Clapton, who received MAP's Stevie Ray Vaughan Award, Worldwide President/CEO of Warner Bros. Music and CEO Warner/Sunset Records Gary LeMel, who was presented with the Allegro Award, and Founder and CEO of MAP Buddy Arnold, was given Phoenix House's Phoenix Rising Award.
Commenting on the creation of these awards, President of the Recording Industry Association of America Hilary Rosen said, "A long-standing myth has developed suggesting that drugs and music are somehow linked in a creative way. The heartbreaking loss of so many great musicians and the misery of addiction tell a different story. This event is designed to raise awareness within the music industry and the general public that these two organizations can help break the hold of drugs."
In recognition of his work with the Crossroads Center, an alcohol and drug abuse center in Antigua which was recently the beneficiary of $5 million from a guitar auction, Eric Clapton was presented with MAP's Stevie Ray Vaughan Award. Jimmie Vaughan, brother of the late Stevie, presented Clapton with the award. During the presentation, Vaughan gave a heartfelt speech about the dangers of substance abuse and the personal effects that it has had on his life.
Said Del Breckenfeld of Fender Musical Instruments, "When Jimmie spoke of losing his brother, there was not a dry eye in the house. It's so great to see that industry leaders like Jimmie and Eric are doing everything they can to help dispel the myths that drugs are somehow 'cool'."
Added Buddy Arnold, "Eric Clapton has brought his very personal problem with substance abuse out into the open - that alone helps others deal with what can often be a very isolating situation. He has created a great public awareness and advocacy for treatment - and he deserves recognition for that."
Mitchell S. Rosenthal, M.D., President of Phoenix House comments, "Musicians have always been portrayed as heroes to kids. Through their individual efforts, Buddy Arnold, Gary LeMel and Eric Clapton have assisted others in navigating the murky waters of recovery, offering hope, demonstrating courage, and communicating the importance of prevention. There is no greater public good, no more significant challenge. To my mind, Buddy, Eric and Gary are the heroes we honor tonight."
Following the presentation, Clapton was persuaded back on stage to join in the with the band, which consisted in part of Vaughan, ceremony attendee Bonnie Raitt and blues great Dr. John. A very free-form gathering, the group brought down the house with an improvisational blues jam that lasted well over ten minutes.
Added Breckenfeld, "What we saw here tonight was rare - who knows, it might never happen again. These legends got together to open up the world's eyes to a major problem that the music industry faces every day. It was a very special night, and hopefully more people will recognize these efforts and follow in their footsteps."
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