As part of the ceremony, Take 6 will perform and be honored for their musical legacy and their contribution to American musical culture. Franklin Willis, a Nashville music educator will also accept the award on behalf of all American music teachers. In addition, one teacher from each of the 50 states in America will join the ceremony virtually. “My most influential music teacher was probably my grade school principal and music instructor/mentor, the late Allan Johnston,” shares Take 6’s Mark Kibble. “He was both inspiring and thorough in his instruction of music in general, voice control and technique. He inspired and aided me in writing my first song, the elementary school’s theme song. He continued to be a strong supporter of me personally, and he was also an instrumental key for Take 6’s initial launch into the musical career we all share. I am forever grateful for all that he instilled in me!” Educator Franklin Willis expands, “Throughout the past year music teachers have continued to answer the call to meet students at their point of need. Reimagining what music education looks like through innovative teaching, strategies, and techniques. The future of music education has been propelled in a bright direction.” Take 6 are passionate about music education and advocate to make music education accessible for all kids. The teachers will be honored for being heroes of the pandemic by helping to keep music alive, and for their courageous and selfless dedication. The American Eagle Awards are presented each year in recognition of those who have made long-term contributions to American musical culture, to showcase the ideal of music education for all children, and to support the protection of creators’ rights both locally and internationally. The most honored a cappella group in history, Take 6 has been heralded by Quincy Jones as the “Baddest vocal cats on the planet!” With 10 Grammy Awards, 10 Dove Awards, 2 NAACP Image Awards, a Soul Train Award and more, Take 6 (Claude McKnight, Mark Kibble, Joel Kibble, Dave Thomas, Alvin Chea and Khristian Dentley) continues to bring extraordinary vocal performances to their worldwide audiences. Take 6 has adeptly crossed almost every musical genre, from straight-ahead jazz to pop, R&B, doo-wop and blues. Like a finely tuned vocal orchestra, the group continues to push the boundaries of creativity and musical genius with every new release, demonstrating excellence for new generations of musicians and fans. This year’s honorees will join a “who’s – who” of musical giants whose careers and works have been previously awarded the American Eagle, including Stephen Sondheim, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Clive Davis, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Morton Gould, Dave Brubeck, Marian Anderson, Max Roach, Lena Horne, Roy Clark, Crystal Gale, George Clinton, Ervin Drake, Theo Bikel, Vince Guaraldi, Roberta Peters, Odetta, Patti Smith, Sesame Street, Hard Rock Café, and VH1’s Save the Music Foundation. If you are in Nashville, grab a ticket for this event, as it is open to the general public. The entire ceremony also will be live-streamed via www.NAMM.com Next, do people who are tone-deaf hear music differently?
