KITCHEN HONORS PHILADELPHIA WALK OF FAME INDUCTEES

            PHILADELPHIA, October 23 — State Sen. Shirley Kitchen today joined with officials from the City of Philadelphia to honor five Philadelphia musical artists who were just inducted into the Philadelphia Walk of Fame.

            “Many Philadelphia artists have made significant contributions to the music industry, and we are so honored to have so many stars who represent our city,” Kitchen said. “The Walk of Fame is just one way that we can immortalize these gifted men and women.”

            Grammy Award-winning singer Billy Paul, jazz musician Clifford Brown, R&B singer Dee Dee Sharp, Motown singer Tammi Terell and rock pioneer Charlie Gracie were inducted.

            For more than five years, Kitchen has worked on behalf of and supported the ongoing effort to present Billy Paul with a plaque on the Walk of Fame for his contribution to the music scene in Philadelphia, as well as nationally and internationally.

            “Billy Paul is not only a talented and award-winning artist, but he’s also a great role model who never forgets his roots and represents Philadelphia with pride,” Kitchen said. “I’m honored to call him a friend and I’m so proud that he now has a permanent place on the Philadelphia Walk of Fame.”

            Kitchen joined with the Avenue of the Arts, Inc., Philadelphia International Records, the Philadelphia Music Alliance, the Rhythm & Blues Foundation, University of the Arts, the City of Philadelphia and various celebrities and dignitaries to induct this year’s honorees.

            The Philadelphia Walk of Fame was created by the Philadelphia Music Alliance in 1987 to immortalize members of the music and entertainment industry who are from, or who have ties to Philadelphia. The bronze plaques line the Walk of Fame along the Avenue of the Arts along South Broad Street, between Walnut and Spruce streets.