Radio One’s 25th Anniversary celebrated with star-studded gala

Washington, D.C. (August 21, 2006) — Radio One, Inc., the seventh largest radio broadcasting company in the U.S., celebrated the culmination of its 25th anniversary with an exclusive, star-studded awards gala on August 17 at the J.W. Marriott in Washington, DC. A diverse and wide-reaching group of notables were on-hand to join in showing their admiration and respect for the company and its founder and chairperson Cathy Hughes and her son, Alfred C. Liggins III, CEO and President.

Celebrities who turned out to show their support and acknowledge the company?s quarter century of excellence for reaching, informing and entertaining audiences and also making it the celebrity event of the summer in the nation?s capitol included Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Danny Glover, Sean ?Diddy? Combs, Jay Z, Russell Simmons, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Ciara, Jermaine Dupri, Gerald Levert, Kirk Franklin, Dr. Dorothy Height, Richard Parsons, Linda Johnson Rice, Rep. Maxine Waters, Dick Gregory, Susan L. Taylor, Yolanda Adams, Vickie Winans, Smokie Norful, Donald Lawrence, Jeff Majors, James Ingram, Ruben Studdard, Eric Benét, Freddie Jackson, Sylvia Rhone, Michael Steele (the Maryland Lieutenant Governor) Washington, DC Mayor Anthony Williams, Michael Eric Dyson, Rev. Al Sharpton, former DC Mayor Marion Barry, Chuck Brown, Clinton Portis, Santana Moss, Steve Francis, Marques Houston, boxer Floyd Mayweather, Bo Taylor, Jean Carne, Marcus Johnson, Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Rep. Elijah Cummings, Kym Whitley, Hiriam Hicks, Pharrell, Dallas Austin, Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff and many others.

The evening?s program opened with a prayer by the venerable Bishop T.D. Jakes and followed by a heavenly performance of ?Psalms 23? by harpist/composer Jeff Majors. National on-air personalities J. Anthony Brown and Ananda Lewis then served as hosts for the evening, along with the ever-stylish hostess, Kiki Shepherd. Noteworthy performances continued throughout the evening with ?The Queen of Soul? Aretha Franklin majestically singing the classical selection Nessun Dorma, Natalie Cole performed her own classic signature Inseparable, and former Destiny?s Child member and new solo artist LaToya sang her #1 urban hit single, Torn. The final performance of the evening was a showstopper by none of other than Beyoncé! Most superstars would not give a musical performance in the Grand Ballroom of a hotel; however the music star and actress gave a one-of-a-kind performance to show her love and support of Radio One. The dynamic, young artist entered on to the stage in a long red gown, with ruffled bottom singing Dangerously In Love. The enthusiastic audience full of celebrities, music and corporate executives could not be contained in their seats when Beyoncé went behind a screen and returned to the stage with the bottom of the gown removed. Backed by an all-female band and dancers, she continued her red hot set by dancing and singing a medley of her hit songs, including Crazy In Love, Theme from Charlie?s Angels, and Survivor and others.

Over 100 awards were given out during the festive occasion. The awards were designed by nationally acclaimed artist, Annie Lee. The ?Friends of Radio One? Award honored individuals, companies and organizations who have supported and assisted Radio One in fulfilling its mission and commitment to their family of listeners and their respective communities.

The scene of the evening was set by the elegant décor which included tables draped in silver lamé tablecloths. Live floral arrangements of white roses, gardenias and lilies sitting on top of lighted glasses vases graced the tables. Live music for the evening was provided by musical director, Bill Jolly.

Towards the end of the evening, Ms . Hughes delivered a moving speech and shared stories on her humble beginnings and acknowledged and brought to the stage the individuals who helped and provided financial support to Radio One (then named Almic Broadcasting) over 25 years ago which included Dewey Hughes, Herbert Wilkins, Herb Fame, Ofield Dukes and others. Her testimonies were compelling and she demonstrated gratitude to all who were apart of Radio One?s monumental success from the earlier days to date.

Radio One is dedicated to continuing to build their legacy of service to their communities. At the gala, Ms. Hughes announced that all 71 Radio One stations in 22 markets will give back to their community by offering the ?$1 per gallon gas? promotion. This campaign will conclude in New Orleans as a service to the crescent cities? residents who are still severely affected by Hurricane Katrina. Recently, Tom Joyner instituted the same promotion to the Los Angeles community.

Platinum sponsors for the anniversary awards gala included the Exxon Mobil Corporation, Proline Hair Products, Green Dot Credit Card and Credit Suisse. Gold sponsors included Harris, Venture Media Group, Southwest Airlines, Moét Hennessy and Arbitron. Silver sponsors were Katz Media Group, CodeBlack Entertainment, Merrill Lynch, Aetna, and Alta Communications. The Bronze sponsors included Merriman Associates, Preston-Patterson, Ibiquity, Pacesetter Capital, More Direct, MediaSpan Group, Greyhound, Wachovia, Bank of America, Blaylock & Partners, RCS Sound Software/Media, Monitors, Covington & Burling, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Thompson Cobb Bazilio & Associates, Cooley Godward LLP, Wiley Rein & Fielding LLP, Shively Labs, Studio Tech and Broadcast General Stores.

For photos taken at Radio One?s year-long 25th Anniversary Celebration or for additional information, visit the official 25th Anniversary website at www.radio-one25anniversary.com.