Boney James Performing In UNCF Tribute To Lionel Richie
Smooth jazz saxophonist Boney James will be in the national television spotlight this weekend as he performs for An Evening of Stars Tribute to Lionel Richie. Richie will be honored with the UNCF Award of Excellence at an annual event sponsored by the United Negro College Fund as it recognizes excellence in entertainment and education.
Joining Boney on stage will be a star-studded lineup, including Brian McKnight, Natalie Cole, James Ingram, Stevie Wonder, Akon, Jesse McCartney, Katharine McPhee and many others. Making special appearances will be Quincy Jones, Ne-Yo, Nicole Richie and Will.I.Am.
Richie is a graduate of Tuskegee University, a UNCF member school. The Award of Excellence is for the musician’s long and distinguished career as a singer-songwriter-producer and for his history of supporting minority education. Richie, a former member of the Commodores, has had such memorial hits as “I Call It Love,” “Hello,” “Easy,” “All Night Long,” “Three Times a Lady” and “Dancing on the Ceiling.”
The taped event took place September 12 from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. It will air Saturday (January 23) on WGN America and Sunday (January 24) on BET. A complete listings of stations and times can be found on the UNCF website.
James currently a Top 10 song on the Smooth Jazz Top 20 with “Touch.”