ABOUT US

The LLF honors those unsung heroes whose efforts might otherwise go unnoticed.

The LLF exists because of a need to recognize and promote the achievements of those members of the radio, music and entertainment industries and to help secure their place in history.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

The Living Legends Foundation is dedicated to preserving the rich legacy of those who shape America’s broadcast and recording industries. The LLF honors those unsung heroes whose efforts might otherwise go unnoticed. The LLF exists because of a need to recognize and promote the achievements of those members of the radio, music and entertainment industries and to help secure their place in history.

OUR HISTORY

The Living Legends Foundation (LLF) was first founded in Los Angeles in 1991 and incorporated in 1992, by record industry icon Ray Harris, record executives Barbara Lewis and C.C. Evans and radio programming legend Jerry Boulding. The organization has been funded primarily with corporate contributions and individual donations. Initial funding was provided from the sale of tickets to the first annual Living Legends Dinner, which was held on April 22, 1993 at the site of the Impact Conference at The Bally’s Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The original purpose of The Living Legends Foundation was to recognize and honor legendary music and radio industry figures who have distinguished themselves by their contributions as trailblazers, trendsetters, teachers and/or mentors. The Living Legends Foundation is an organization dedicated to recognizing those members of the entertainment industry whose efforts and contributions have paved the way for many in the entertainment industry, especially, minorities and women. Many of those opportunities are in the areas of recorded music, radio broadcasting and retail.
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THE FOUNDATION TODAY

Over the years the LLF has expanded its mission from just recognizing the achievements of the trailblazers of yesterday but today’s new trailblazers who are breaking glass ceilings and achieving professional heights once thought impossible. Since its inception, the LLF has provided assistance to those in need and reviews those requests on a case by case basis. Recipients must have made his/her primary livelihood as a member of the industry (active or inactive) and provide proof of need to be considered for assistance. Unfortunately, unlike today with corporate pension plans and 401K options many of the early pioneers were left without healthcare, life insurance, retirement funds and other benefits to sustain them when their careers were over. However, despite the corporate perks available today, the volatile nature of the industry can cause anyone to become unemployed without notice. Over the years the LLF has provided more than $100,000 in assistance to those in need. The foundation has become a “Bridge over troubled waters” for many. Another area of expansion is the area of Education and Mentoring. Members of the Foundation’s board participate in school “Career Days”. The Foundation is also a resource of knowledge for today’s younger music executives seeking guidance in their careers. The Foundation has also hosts a Celebrity Golf Tournament as an alternative fundraiser featuring players from the NFL, NBA and music entertainers.

Meet Our Founders

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Ray Harris

FOUNDER
Ray Harris is the Founding Chairman of The Living Legends Foundation. He created the organization and helped to draft its original By-Laws as well as getting the organization incorporated in 1991. Ray, whose motto is “Each one Teach one”, has won every major industry award given including induction into the BELSA (Black Entertainment And Sports Lawyers Association) Hall Of Fame and was by honored by his native Harlem, NY by receiving the Adam Clayton Powell Award by the Adam Clayton Powell Foundation.
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Barbara Lewis

FOUNDER
A member of the LLF since its inception, this veteran has held senior management positions at CBS (Sony Music), MCA (Universal Music Group) and Capitol Records, where she served as Vice President. Ms. Lewis is among the first women to hold such esteemed positions in the male-dominated music industry. Today, she runs B&B Productions providing consultation to both major and independent record labels.
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Jerry Boulding

FOUNDER
The late Jerry Boulding was a former air-talent, production director and broadcaster who had programmed 16 radio stations in markets that included New York, Washington, Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit and San Francisco. Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Boulding developed “Heart & Soul,” the first Urban format for satellite delivery, managed the Black Music division of MCA Records, co-founded BRE (a trade publication), founded Urban Network Magazine, and served as Sr. VP/Entertainment Programming for American Urban Radio Networks.
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Cecilia ``CC`` Evans

FOUNDER
A 25-year veteran whose career includes positions at Warner Bros., EMI, DreamWorks and Capitol Records, Ms. Evans, or “CC,” as she is called, has worked with some of the biggest executives and artists in the business. Rising from an administrative assistant to the position of Operations Manager R&B Music at Capitol Records, when looking for someone to keep their departments on course, many have turned to CC. Currently, Ms. Evans holds a position at Fox Studios.
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