By Karen Larde

September 10, 2007


Atlanta, USA - Usher Raymond, dressed in a simple black tuxedo, was gracious, charming and all smiles as he became one of the youngest inductees into the Georgia’s Music Hall of Fame Saturday, September 8th at The Georgia World Congress Center.

The organization’s annual event supports Friends of Georgia Music Festival’s mission of catering to the music industry and funding the organization’s scholarship program. To top off the elegant gala, Usher sang a beautiful rendition of the late Ray Charles’ Georgia On My Mind. The newly married R&B artist gave a heartfelt speech thanking both his “beautiful wife” and mother for his continued success.

Alongside Usher inducted into the hall of fame were studio pioneer Babs Richardson, rock group Lynyrd Skynyrd, songwriter Mylon LeFevre, and jazz artist Freddy Cole, youngest brother of late singer Nat King Cole.

Celebrity guests emerged from chauffeur driven cars and were treated to a governor’s reception which was hosted by Governor Sonny Perdue of Georgia. Mega producer Jermaine Dupri’s famous parents, Michael and Judy Mauldin, were present for the festivities and looked fashionably chic clad in Armani and Ella Moss, respectively. Presenters included singer Isaac Hayes and producer L.A. Reid, who flew in from New York to speak a few words on behalf of his protégé’ Usher’s.

American Idol runner up, Diana DeGarmo, dressed in a floor length black gown embellished with iridescent stones was also present with her mother.