Funk Brothers lead Detroit Music Awards
Detroit Free Press
April 12th, 2003BY BRIAN MCCOLLUM
FREE PRESS POP MUSIC WRITER
It came down to a battle of old and new at the Detroit Music Awards on Friday night.
And by the time things wrapped up at the State Theatre, where about 1,600 artists and industry professionals gathered for the annual event, Motown's time-tested Funk Brothers had trumped superstar Eminem for album of the year.
"Standing in the Shadows of Motown" topped two entries from the hip-hop star: "The Eminem Show" and "8 Mile." The rapper, who didn't attend the ceremony, did grab the award for outstanding single ("Lose Yourself").
But it was singer-songwriter Liz Larin who had her hands full by night's end, harvesting six trophies to lead the pack.
"I don't know how it happened, but I'm very grateful," said Larin, whose honors included outstanding pop artist and vocalist.
Echoing many in attendance, Larin said the Detroit music scene has taken on a decidedly different complexion in recent years -- a positive vibe not limited to the platinum success of acts such as Eminem and Kid Rock.
"There's a spirit of cooperation and support here now," said Larin, who has been performing since the late '80s. "The catty, negative people have been drummed out."
Techno veteran Kevin Saunderson, one of the night's distinguished achievement honorees, was happy to share credit.
"It's a great thing after doing this for 18 years," he said. "I'm very thankful to Juan Atkins and Derrick May also."
Disc jockey Karen Savelly and music magazine Jam Rag also took achievement awards. 2003 Detroit Music Award: Selected winners
National album: Funk Brothers, "Standing in the Shadows of Motown"
National single: Eminem, "Lose Yourself"
Acoustic artist: Sista Otis & the Wholly Rollers
Blues artist: Thornetta Davis
Country artist: The Wrenfields
Electronic/dance artist: Twilight Babies
Electronic/dance DJ: Derrick May
Folk artist: Tangerine Trousers
Funk artist: The Brothers Groove
Gospel choir: Church of Today
Hard rock artist: Broadzilla
Hip-hop artist: Paradime
Live Performance: Riot in Progress
Pop artist: Liz Larin
R&B artist: Bugs Beddow Band
Rock artist: The Paybacks
Studio: Tempermill |
|
|
|
|
