aaamusic | On 08, Nov 2011

Jools Holland, piano player, big band leader, TV presenter, former punk pop-star, deputy Lieutenant of Kent, OBE, and undoubted national treasure, was honoured this evening with the prestigious Music Industry Trusts Award sponsored by PPL, Ingenious and Spotify. The Award, presented to Jools Holland by close friend Jennifer Saunders, was made in recognition of his outstanding contribution to music and music broadcasting over three decades.

Jools Holland:

“30 years of television, 25 of big band and probably 40 years since first playing the pubs…that’s why I’m delighted to receive this, with all of those in mind.  But I think this Award also helps to celebrate and draw people’s attention to Nordoff Robbins and the BRIT School,  so it’s more about them than it is about me.”

Imelda May, Rumer, Paul Weller and Jool’s Rhythm & Blues Orchestra featuring Ruby Turner gave stunning live performances, honouring the man that has over the years cheered them on.  Leading the tributes to Jools Holland was HRH Prince of Wales, via film:

“Dear Jools, I’m so sorry to surprise you in this rather disembodied way but I just want to add my own heartfelt congratulations to your official promotion to the ranks of the great and good.  As you now know there has been a long running plot to promote you to the position of a full blown national treasure.  You are the very embodiment of that rare species and so many people’s lives have been enhanced not only by your irresistible music but also by your wonderful humanity.”

Elton John, Bob Geldof, Ringo Starr, Chris Difford, Suggs, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, George Martin, Sting and Chrissie Hynde were some of the artists who sent messages of congratulations to Jools Holland.

Held at London’s Grosvenor House hotel, 1000 guests attended this charity event in aid of Nordoff Robbins and The BRIT Performing Arts & Technology School.  As well as paying tribute to Jools Holland, guests also celebrated the Music Industry Trusts Award 20th anniversary and its achievement in raising over £4 million for charity. Previous recipients have included Sir George Martin, John Barry, Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Kylie Minogue, Ahmet Ertegun, and last year, Tom Jones.

www.mitsaward.co.uk