News & Updates
Philly Fights Cancer: Round 3 Talent – John Legend, Earth Wind & Fire, Whoopi Goldberg
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Philadelphia’s most star-studded event returns for Round 3 on Saturday, October 28, 2017, and will be held for the first time ever at Philadelphia’s iconic Navy Yard. This year’s Mistress of Ceremonies will be the legendary “EGOT” (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony) winner Whoopi Goldberg. The evening will feature Grammy, Oscar and Golden Globe winner, headliner John Legend and a performance from America’s Got Talent star and cancer survivor, Caly Bevier. The night doesn’t end there. The Philly Fights Cancer After-Party will be headlined by the iconic, 8-time Grammy and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award-winning group, Earth, Wind & Fire.
About Whoopi Goldberg:
In 2002, Whoopi Goldberg became one of a very elite group of artists who have won the Grammy (“Whoopi Goldberg,” 1985), the Academy Award (“Ghost,” 1991), the Golden Globe (“The Color Purple,” 1985 and “Ghost,” 1991), the Emmy (as host of AMC’s “Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel,” 2002 and a Daytime Emmy for “The View” in 2009) and a Tony (Producer of “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” 2002). She is equally well-known for her humanitarian efforts on behalf of children, the homeless, human rights, education, substance abuse and the battle against AIDS, as well as many other causes and charities. Among her many charitable activities, Whoopi is a Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations.
Whoopi has appeared in many films such as ““Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” “Sister Act,” ““Corrina, Corrina,” “Boys on the Side,” “Eddie,” “The Associate” “How Stella Got Her Groove Back,” “Girl, Interrupted,” and “Rat Race.” She has voiced characters in such animated features as “The Lion King,” “Racing Stripes,” “Doogal,” and “Everyone’s Hero.” She was part of Tyler Perry’s all-star film adaption of “For Colored Girls…” a Lifetime Original Movie, “A Day Late and a Dollar Short,” which she also executive produced, as well as Paramount/Nickelodeon Movies’ “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” and the upcoming feature film “Big Stone Gap.” She produced the documentary short, “Coach,” about legendary coach C. Vivian Stringer, for ESPN’s “Nine for IX” series. She produced and made her directorial debut with the documentary, “Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley,” which premiered at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival and premiered on HBO in November 2013.
On television she has appeared on “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” hosted her own syndicated late-night talk show, starred in the NBC sitcom, “Whoopi,” which she executive produced, as well as the television movies, “It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie” and Showtime’s “Good Fences,” which she co-produced with co-star Danny Glover. She produced and appeared on Nick Jr’s “Whoopi’s Littleburg” and guest starred opposite Benjamin Bratt in A&E’s “The Cleaner”. Whoopi most recently had recurring roles on ABC’s “666 Park Avenue,” and in the FOX comedy series “Glee.” She currently appears on ABC’s Emmy Award-winning “The View,” for which she has won a Daytime Emmy Award.
As she has in every other facet of her career, Whoopi has made her mark as a producer on television and on Broadway including SISTER ACT, which is currently playing throughout the world. WHOOPI GOLDBERG
In 1992, Whoopi made her debut as an author with her first children’s book, “Alice.” Her second literary endeavor, simply entitled “Book,” became a bestseller in the U.S. and around the world. Hyperion Books published “Whoopi’s Big Book of Manners” in 2006 and launched the “Sugar Plum Ballerinas” book series for young readers in 2008 with “Plum Fantastic,” followed by “Toeshoe Trouble,” “Perfectly Prima,” “Terrible Terrel,” “Sugar Plums to the Rescue!,” and “Dancing Diva.” “Is It Just Me?” and “If Someone Says ‘You Complete Me’ Run” are her most recent books for adults.
Among her many awards and honors, Whoopi has placed prints of her hands, feet and braids in the forecourt of the famed Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of the Kodak Theatre.
About John Legend:
Critically acclaimed, multi-award winning, platinum-selling singer-songwriter John Legend has garnered ten Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe, among others. Legend recently released his fifth studio album “DARKNESS AND LIGHT,” to rave reviews which features his current anthemic hit “Love Me Now.” Legend also serves as one of the principles for Get Lifted Film Co., a film and television production company based in Los Angeles. Get Lifted Film Co. serves as Executive Producers on the HBO documentary “Southern Rites,” Pop Network docu-series “Sing it On”, WGN America’s series “Underground,” and films such as “Southside With You” and “La La Land.” In 2015, Legend initiated the #FREEAMERICA campaign; a campaign designed to change the national conversation of our country’s misguided policies and to make a change in America’s criminal justice system.
About Earth Wind & Fire:
Earth, Wind & Fire, America's seventh top-selling musical group of all-time was born in Chicago in 1969. With a signature sound beyond categories and a groove as deep as the soul of the planet, the band’s legendary journey has set the standard for music of all genres.
One of the most important, innovative, and commercially invincible contemporary forces of the 20th century, Earth, Wind & Fire has released a total of 23 albums. They have recorded eight #1 R&B singles and eight Double Platinum Top 10 Pop Albums. EWF has earned more than 50 Gold and Platinum albums and sold over 90 million albums worldwide, earning them a solid spot on the list of all-time best selling music artists.
Earth, Wind & Fire's career achievements and their music influences impacted music history. They have been inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2000) and The National Academy of Recording Arts & Science (NARAS) bestowed its highest honor, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, totaling nine Grammy Awards for the group. The ensemble has also earned Lifetime Achievement honors from ASCAP, NAACP, and the BET Awards.
Many contemporary artists and superstars--including Usher, Beyoncé and Prince —are self proclaimed Earth, Wind & Fire fans. Alicia Keys has said that EWF " the best band ever" while Mary J. Blige showed her love for the band in her own version of the band's hit "Imagination."´ The Black Eyed Peas took the stage with EWF with a performance at the XXIX Super Bowl, and again when opening the 57th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards.
The worldwide EWF fanbase also extends to include heads-of-state. President Bill Clinton invited the group to the White House in 2000 as special guests at a State dinner and, in February 2009, President Barack Obama invited Earth, Wind & Fire to perform in the East Room at the White House for the first social event of the new administration, declaring in an interview with Rolling Stone that EWF were "rhythm and blues and pop staples for me."
In April of 2014, lead singer Philip Bailey released his memoir SHINING STAR: Braving the Elements of Earth, Wind & Fire. Shining Star is a story of triumph and challenges —chronicling the band’s iconic rise to the top.
Three of the group's principle members--Philip Bailey, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson--have each earned honorary doctorate degrees from the Columbia College in Chicago. Philip Bailey and founder Maurice White have earned doctorate degrees at Berklee College of Music.
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Philadelphia’s most star-studded event returns for Round 3 on Saturday, October 28, 2017, and will be held for the first time ever at Philadelphia’s iconic Navy Yard. This year’s Mistress of Ceremonies will be the legendary “EGOT” (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony) winner Whoopi Goldberg. The evening will feature Grammy, Oscar and Golden Globe winner, headliner John Legend and a performance from America’s Got Talent star and cancer survivor, Caly Bevier. The night doesn’t end there. The Philly Fights Cancer After-Party will be headlined by the iconic, 8-time Grammy and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award-winning group, Earth, Wind & Fire.
About Whoopi Goldberg:
In 2002, Whoopi Goldberg became one of a very elite group of artists who have won the Grammy (“Whoopi Goldberg,” 1985), the Academy Award (“Ghost,” 1991), the Golden Globe (“The Color Purple,” 1985 and “Ghost,” 1991), the Emmy (as host of AMC’s “Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel,” 2002 and a Daytime Emmy for “The View” in 2009) and a Tony (Producer of “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” 2002). She is equally well-known for her humanitarian efforts on behalf of children, the homeless, human rights, education, substance abuse and the battle against AIDS, as well as many other causes and charities. Among her many charitable activities, Whoopi is a Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations.
Whoopi has appeared in many films such as ““Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” “Sister Act,” ““Corrina, Corrina,” “Boys on the Side,” “Eddie,” “The Associate” “How Stella Got Her Groove Back,” “Girl, Interrupted,” and “Rat Race.” She has voiced characters in such animated features as “The Lion King,” “Racing Stripes,” “Doogal,” and “Everyone’s Hero.” She was part of Tyler Perry’s all-star film adaption of “For Colored Girls…” a Lifetime Original Movie, “A Day Late and a Dollar Short,” which she also executive produced, as well as Paramount/Nickelodeon Movies’ “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” and the upcoming feature film “Big Stone Gap.” She produced the documentary short, “Coach,” about legendary coach C. Vivian Stringer, for ESPN’s “Nine for IX” series. She produced and made her directorial debut with the documentary, “Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley,” which premiered at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival and premiered on HBO in November 2013.
On television she has appeared on “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” hosted her own syndicated late-night talk show, starred in the NBC sitcom, “Whoopi,” which she executive produced, as well as the television movies, “It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie” and Showtime’s “Good Fences,” which she co-produced with co-star Danny Glover. She produced and appeared on Nick Jr’s “Whoopi’s Littleburg” and guest starred opposite Benjamin Bratt in A&E’s “The Cleaner”. Whoopi most recently had recurring roles on ABC’s “666 Park Avenue,” and in the FOX comedy series “Glee.” She currently appears on ABC’s Emmy Award-winning “The View,” for which she has won a Daytime Emmy Award.
As she has in every other facet of her career, Whoopi has made her mark as a producer on television and on Broadway including SISTER ACT, which is currently playing throughout the world. WHOOPI GOLDBERG
In 1992, Whoopi made her debut as an author with her first children’s book, “Alice.” Her second literary endeavor, simply entitled “Book,” became a bestseller in the U.S. and around the world. Hyperion Books published “Whoopi’s Big Book of Manners” in 2006 and launched the “Sugar Plum Ballerinas” book series for young readers in 2008 with “Plum Fantastic,” followed by “Toeshoe Trouble,” “Perfectly Prima,” “Terrible Terrel,” “Sugar Plums to the Rescue!,” and “Dancing Diva.” “Is It Just Me?” and “If Someone Says ‘You Complete Me’ Run” are her most recent books for adults.
Among her many awards and honors, Whoopi has placed prints of her hands, feet and braids in the forecourt of the famed Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of the Kodak Theatre.
About John Legend:
Critically acclaimed, multi-award winning, platinum-selling singer-songwriter John Legend has garnered ten Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe, among others. Legend recently released his fifth studio album “DARKNESS AND LIGHT,” to rave reviews which features his current anthemic hit “Love Me Now.” Legend also serves as one of the principles for Get Lifted Film Co., a film and television production company based in Los Angeles. Get Lifted Film Co. serves as Executive Producers on the HBO documentary “Southern Rites,” Pop Network docu-series “Sing it On”, WGN America’s series “Underground,” and films such as “Southside With You” and “La La Land.” In 2015, Legend initiated the #FREEAMERICA campaign; a campaign designed to change the national conversation of our country’s misguided policies and to make a change in America’s criminal justice system.
About Earth Wind & Fire:
Earth, Wind & Fire, America's seventh top-selling musical group of all-time was born in Chicago in 1969. With a signature sound beyond categories and a groove as deep as the soul of the planet, the band’s legendary journey has set the standard for music of all genres.
One of the most important, innovative, and commercially invincible contemporary forces of the 20th century, Earth, Wind & Fire has released a total of 23 albums. They have recorded eight #1 R&B singles and eight Double Platinum Top 10 Pop Albums. EWF has earned more than 50 Gold and Platinum albums and sold over 90 million albums worldwide, earning them a solid spot on the list of all-time best selling music artists.
Earth, Wind & Fire's career achievements and their music influences impacted music history. They have been inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2000) and The National Academy of Recording Arts & Science (NARAS) bestowed its highest honor, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, totaling nine Grammy Awards for the group. The ensemble has also earned Lifetime Achievement honors from ASCAP, NAACP, and the BET Awards.
Many contemporary artists and superstars--including Usher, Beyoncé and Prince —are self proclaimed Earth, Wind & Fire fans. Alicia Keys has said that EWF " the best band ever" while Mary J. Blige showed her love for the band in her own version of the band's hit "Imagination."´ The Black Eyed Peas took the stage with EWF with a performance at the XXIX Super Bowl, and again when opening the 57th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards.
The worldwide EWF fanbase also extends to include heads-of-state. President Bill Clinton invited the group to the White House in 2000 as special guests at a State dinner and, in February 2009, President Barack Obama invited Earth, Wind & Fire to perform in the East Room at the White House for the first social event of the new administration, declaring in an interview with Rolling Stone that EWF were "rhythm and blues and pop staples for me."
In April of 2014, lead singer Philip Bailey released his memoir SHINING STAR: Braving the Elements of Earth, Wind & Fire. Shining Star is a story of triumph and challenges —chronicling the band’s iconic rise to the top.
Three of the group's principle members--Philip Bailey, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson--have each earned honorary doctorate degrees from the Columbia College in Chicago. Philip Bailey and founder Maurice White have earned doctorate degrees at Berklee College of Music.