We believe there’s a superhero in each of us - so we’re launching our True Superheroes awards to celebrate people who’ve overcome adversity, made amazing contributions to society, and inspired others to do the same. This week we’re highlighting nominees from the world of music - in the coming months we’ll highlight others from sport, art, design, tech and many other fields.
Nile Rodgers
Nile Rodgers grew up on the streets of New York, the son of heroin addicts, and battled his own addictions. He was homeless by 15, joined the Black Panthers, and found purpose in music. Le Freak, which he co-wrote in '78, went triple platinum and he’s sold 500m records, producing Madonna, Lady Gaga, and David Bowie along the way. Since 9/11 his We Are Family Foundation is the driving force in his staggering, larger-than-life story.
Dolly Parton grew up in extreme poverty, one of 12 children sharing a one-room cabin in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains where she started singing gospel music to chickens and pigs. She joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1969 but there’ve been dozens of other milestones since, including 10 Grammy awards. Dolly is now celebrated for her relentless charity work through Dollywood Foundation scholarships, the Imagination Library literary project, and much more. She even helped fund a Covid-19 vaccine. As Dolly puts it: “We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.”
Musical prodigy Stevie Wonder was inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.'s quest for peace and equality. After Dr. King’s 1968 assassination, Wonder set his sights on persuading America to create a national holiday in his honor - the first ever for a black American. Despite a life-changing car accident, Wonder continued his quest: he lobbied Congress, denounced apartheid, and released Happy Birthday - turning his MLK mission into a global cultural success. By 2000, all 50 US states officially observed MLK Day but Stevie Wonder isn't done yet.
Nominate your True Superhero - someone who’s overcome adversity, made amazing contributions to society, and inspired others to do the same - and you could win tickets to our VIP Awards Ceremony in New York City on Superhero Day - April 28th. Your nominee can be from any background, from arts and sciences to sports and education.
