The Rhythm and Blues Foundation is an independent American nonprofit organization dedicated to the historical and cultural preservation of rhythm and blues music.
The idea for the Foundation came in 1987 during discussions about royalties with entertainer Ruth Brown, entertainment attorney Howell Begle, and the head of Atlantic Records, Ahmet Ertegün. Ertegün provided a $1.5 million donation, and the Foundation was officially founded in 1988. The Foundation provides financial support, medical assistance and educational outreach through various grants and programs to support R&B and Motown artists from the 1940s through the 1970s.
The Rhythm and Blues Foundation also produces the Pioneer Awards, and they administer The Doc Pomus Financial Assistance Program, The Motown/Universal Music Group Fund, and the Gwendolyn B. Gordy Fuqua Fund.
