Gibson Chairman and CEO, Henry Juszkiewicz was honored with the prestigious Patron of the Arts Award, while legendary musician Les Paul received the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony at the Marriot Marquis Hotel in NYC (June 9). The 36th Annual induction and awards dinner honored the extraordinary career of a select few, including Henry Juszkiewicz, for their dedication to the arts. The Patron of the Arts Award is given to influential executives who lead the way in supporting the arts worldwide. Past awardees include Martin Bandier, Edgar Bronfman, Jr., Iris Cantor and Michael Goldstein.
“It is a great honor to be the recipient of the Patron of Arts Award. To be in the presence of such magnificent songwriters and musicians is humbling and exciting at the same time. Gibson Guitar will remain dedicated to improving the |
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quality of life through the arts worldwide and participating in the Songwriters Hall of Fame is one of the many ways the company will continue to lead the way in supporting the arts. I am thrilled to be part of such an exciting ceremony," said Juszkiewicz.
Through his extraordinary business skills and passion for music, Henry Juszkiewicz immediately turned the company around after acquiring it in 1986. As a guitar player himself, Henry aimed his focus on the individual musician, as opposed to the guitar retailers. Fulfilling his vision for Gibson to be a full-line musical instrument company, the family of brands now includes Baldwin, Wurlitzer, Hamilton, Epiphone, Slingerland Drums, Tobias, Valley Arts, Dobro, Steinberger, Kramer and Gibson Guitars.
Inductees including Henry Juszkiewicz, Les Paul, John Fogarty,
Smokey Robinson, Ryan Cabrerra and Deborah Gibson.
Musical legend Les Paul received the prestigious Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award during the ceremony. Deemed “Father of the electric guitar” as well as the inventor of multi-track recording, Les Paul celebrated his 90th birthday the day of the event. More than seven decades of guitar playing, Les Paul continues to wow audiences every Monday night at The Iridium in New York City.
Les Paul makes his entrance.
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Rob Thomas with wife Marisol.
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Henry Juszkiewicz is interviewed
on the red carpet.
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Henry Juszkiewicz is presented the Patron of the Arts Award
by last year's recipient, Martin Bandier.
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Richie Sambora rocks the crowd.
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Smokey Robinson loves his Gibson.
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Richie Sambora jams with musical legend Les Paul.
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Henry Juszkiewicz and Ryan Cabrerra.
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L-R: Steve Cropper, John Fogarty and Les Paul.
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Bill Withers takes the spotlight.
photos by Shahar Azran