MEMPHIS, Tenn., April
19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — An Evening of Classic Soul gave all who
attended a musical and fundraising night to remember.  

The Peabody Hotel’s Grand Ballroom was packed with 14 soul legends
and more than 800 enthusiastic fans for the first-ever An Evening of
Classic Soul. The star-studded event generated $275,000*
 for The MED Foundation, the non-profit that raises money to fund
excellence at — and increase awareness of — The Regional Medical
Center at Memphis (The MED).

The all-star lineup included soul legends Peabo Bryson, Jerry Butler; The New Temptations Review
featuring Dennis Edwards; Russell Thompkins, Jr., and The New Stylistics;
The Emotions; Percy Sledge; Billy Paul; Eddie Floyd;
Freda Payne; Archie
Bell; Candi Staton; William Brown; Maxine
Brown; and Dee Dee Sharp.

After a cocktail reception, guests moved into the Grand Ballroom
for an elegant seated dinner, during which the performers dined with
guests.

Dr. Reginald Coopwood, CEO of The
Regional Medical Center at Memphis,
welcomed guests after a brief video about The MED. Event Co-chairs Susan Arney and Leigh
Shockey then took the stage to introduce the evening’s emcee, music
producer and former Memphis resident, David Gest.  

During the three-hour live concert, attendees danced to 57 classic
soul hits performed live.  Guests were also able to participate in a
live auction which included personal autographed Michael
Jackson memorabilia donated by David
Gest.

“We’re delighted so many people came to support The MED.  I cannot
thank our sponsors enough,” said Tammie Ritchey,
executive director of The MED Foundation. “We always say that one in
four of the people you love will need The MED one day.  There are
hundreds of patient stories in this ballroom.  This is such a special
night and a very exciting look into our future.” 

These performers have been in and out of Memphis
recently to collaborate on a new soul project at Ardent Studios. The
recording will feature a “new Motown vibe” from American songwriter and
record producer, Lamont Dozier. Also
involved is British soul icon, Sir Cliff Richard,
who hit the U.S. charts with “Devil Woman.” Both Dozier and Richard
attended An Evening of Classic Soul.

*Estimate of $275,000 is preliminary
and may be revised after final calculations.

Contact: Sarah Smith
RedRover
Sales & Marketing
Phone: 901-266-2662
[email protected]

SOURCE The
MED Foundation