CHUBBY CHECKER - CHECKER, REDDING AND GORDY SET FOR TOP R+B HONOURS

CHUBBY CHECKER, the late OTIS REDDING and Motown Records founder BERRY GORDY will be among those honoured at the 14th annual R+B Foundation Pioneer Awards Ceremony in June (06). Soul group THE DELFONICS will also pick up the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania event's Group Award. Gordy will be made a Lifetime Achievement Honoree, while soul legend Redding will be honoured with a Legacy Tribute at the event, which will be co-hosted by PATTI LABELLE and SMOKEY ROBINSON. Others honoured include soul stars BETTYE LAVETTE, BARBARA MASON and 'Philly Sound' producer THOM BELL.