Cedar Grove, U.S.A. – Before his passing in 2011, legendary E Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for Little Kids Rock, a leading nonprofit provider of free musical instruments and lessons to underprivileged public school students across the United States.

In an effort to honor his legacy and continue supporting the charity, The Jean Shop has been selling leather “Big Man” bracelets online, raising more than $12,500 this summer. The funds will allow Little Kids Rock to serve at least 750 new children with free instrumental music lessons this school year.

“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of Mr. Clemons’ fans,” says David Wish, Little Kids Rock’s founder and executive director. “It is a privilege to be able to honor the ‘Big Man’s’ legacy each year while also providing music education to our nation’s disadvantaged youth. Adding his fans’ support to that equation makes it all the more special.”

Little Kids Rock honors Clemons annually at its Right to Rock Celebration by presenting the “Big Man of the Year Award” to an artist who embodies the values of generosity and service that reflect the “Big Man’s” legacy and Little Kids Rock’s ideals.

Last year, his E Street band mate Steven Van Zandt and his wife Maureen introduced Clemons’ wife Victoria, who presented the award to Lady Gaga. The pop star’s presence was a complete surprise to the crowd of more than 300 guests and donors.

This year, Little Kids Rock will celebrate its 10^th anniversary at the Manhattan Center Grand Ballroom in New York City at its fourth annual Right to Rock Celebration on Tuesday, October 16, 2012. The “Big Man of the Year” has not yet been announced, but that has not stopped fans from going online to show their support by purchasing a bracelet. The bracelets bring fans closer to their departed hero, who wore one throughout the promotion of his book, “Big Man, Real Life & Tall Tales.”

Proceeds from the bracelet sales and the Right to Rock Celebration will go toward providing free instruments, curriculum and lessons to thousands of students in disadvantaged public school districts nationwide that have seen their music programming decimated due to budget cuts.

“More than 50 percent of kids who play an instrument go on to college, yet music education programs at the inner city public schools who need them most continue to be hit hard with budget cuts,” Clemons once noted. “Little Kids Rock has responded to this problem in a really big way and made a positive impact on the lives of literally thousands of low-income students who wouldn’t have otherwise had the opportunity. I strongly encourage those who are in a position to do so to support their cause and spread the word about this inspirational program.”

Buy your Big Man bracelet while supplies last at littlekidsrock.org/bigmanbracelet

About Little Kids Rock

Little Kids Rock is a nonprofit organization that transforms children’s lives by restoring and revitalizing music education in public schools. Little Kids Rock was founded in San Francisco in 2002 by David Wish, an elementary school teacher who had grown frustrated with the lack of music education funding at his school.

Today, Little Kids Rock is one of the leading nonprofit providers of free lessons and instruments to underprivileged children in US public schools, and has served more than 200,000 students at over 1,600 schools in 25 cities nationwide. Little Kids Rock Honorary Board Members include Bonnie Raitt, Slash, Paul Simon, B.B. King, Slash, Ziggy Marley and other famous friends in the music industry.

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VH1′s beloved, popular franchise, ”VH1 Divas,” has announced a special tribute to Amy Winehouse at this year’s “VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul” with performances by Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Florence Welch (Florence + The Machine) and Wanda Jackson. ”VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul” premieres Monday, December 19 at 9 PM/8c on VH1.

The tribute will reflect Winehouse’s contribution to modern, London soul music. Some highlights of the tribute will include Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings performing “You Know I’m No Good,” and Florence Welch (Florence + The Machine) and Wanda Jackson will perform her song “Back to Black.” The Dap-Kings contributed a number of tracks for Winehouse’s Grammy Award-winning album “Back to Black.”In addition, Nas, who collaborated with Winehouse on the first single of her current posthumous album, will introduce the tribute medley.

“VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul” will bring together some of the best singers across the globe, men and women alike, to honor the soulful cities that inspired these divas and their art.  The headlining “divas” were announced at an earlier date including: Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Florence + The Machine, Jennifer Hudson Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Florence + The Machine, Jennifer Hudson, Jessie J., Jessie J. and Jill Scott.

Previously announced performers include: Chaka Khan, Erykah Badu, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Boyz II Men, Estelle, Marsha Ambrosius, Travie McCoy , Anita Baker, Mavis Staples , Wanda Jackson and Ledisi. Previously announced presenters include: Dolly Parton, Queen Latifah, Terrence Howard, Nas, Common and La La Anthony . In addition, Martha Reeves (Martha & The Vandellas) has just signed on as a performer and Archie Panjabi and Sherri Shepherd have signed on as presenters.

The cities honored include: Chicago, Detroit, London, Memphis and Philadelphia. Accompanied by one of the most exciting groups of modern soul, The Roots, with Questlove and Adam Blackstone as musical directors, each ‘diva’ will pay tribute through not only their own soul-inspired songs, but some of the greatest classics that have shaped a genre.

In addition, for the first time, the “VH1 Divas” red carpet will be livestreamed on VH1.com on Sunday, December 18 from 5-7pm ET. Sponsored by Samsung and hosted by VH1 personality La La Anthony, the livestream will provide fans an unfiltered front-row seat to all the red carpet action and will feature real time interviews with entertainment’s biggest stars. Beginning Monday, December 19, fans can view a curated red carpet highlights video on VH1.com.

As in previous years, this edition of “VH1 Divas” will benefit the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of music education in a child’s life. VH1 Save The Music Foundation is auctioning special “Divas” ticket packages on leading charity auction site, charitybuzz.com.

Fans will have an opportunity to watch the sound check, walk the red carpet and more, all available online through December 15. Proceeds from these exclusive packages benefit the Foundation’s mission to equip students with the tools to lead, innovate and create in the 21st century.  For more information, please visit www.vh1savethemusic.org.

Image Courtesy of  http://www.flickr.com/photos/bandfan/

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