Herbie Hancock to receive prestigious Benjamin Franklin Medal from the Royal Society of Arts

PHILADELPHIA - Nov. 13, 2018 - EntSun -- The Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce (RSA) is pleased to announce award winning musician and composer Herbie Hancock will receive the organization's 2018 Benjamin Franklin Medal at an evening ceremony on Tuesday, December 4th at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, PA.

The Benjamin Franklin Medal honours accomplished individuals of American and British citizenship who have made profound efforts to forward understanding in areas closely linked to the RSA's agenda. As an artist, a humanitarian, an innovator, and a champion of international dialogue, Herbie Hancock embodies the essence of RSA's mission.

Herbie Hancock's lifetime of commitment to music is a singular artistic achievement. Like Benjamin Franklin, Hancock is a constant experimenter. His creativity and curiosity has delivered an outstanding catalogue of music that has won him an Oscar and fourteen Grammy awards. But beyond that, he has always championed jazz as what he describes as an "international language", a way to re-affirm our fundamental humanity. His music, and his message, have not just crossed the Atlantic, but encircled the world.

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The vision of the RSA is to create a 21st century Enlightenment – uniting leaders of all backgrounds to inspire ideas that benefit the greater good. For decades, Hancock has lifted hearts, brought people closer together, and spread the light of his talent.

This year, the RSA will return to Philadelphia, Ben Franklin's home, to celebrate Herbie Hancock. The organization will cast an eye back on its history, remembering the entrepreneurialism, invention and community spirit that defined Franklin's achievements. And it will look forward too, celebrating voices like Hancock's, who have re-defined those fundamental qualities to meet the needs of a modern, diverse and ever-changing world.

Christian McBride, Harold O'Neal and the University of Pennsylvania jazz band are just some of the musicians that will play tribute to Mr. Hancock on December 4th. McBride is a jazz bassist and composer and a six-time Grammy award winner. O'Neal is a pianist and composer, known for his work with U2, Disney, and Jay Z.

For sponsorship and ticket information, visit:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/benjamin-franklin-medal-ceremony-tickets-51075212335

Background context
The Benjamin Franklin Medal was instituted in 1956 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Franklin's birth and the 200th anniversary of his membership of the RSA. Franklin became an Honorary Corresponding Member from the colonies in 1756 and was an active member of the Society during his 15-year sojourn in London. Four of the signatories of the American Declaration of Independence were RSA members. The Medal is conferred on individuals, groups and organizations who have made profound differences in areas closely linked to the RSA's agenda, whether through transatlantic cooperation and collaboration or through significant contributions to global affairs and social progress.

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The RSA was founded in London in 1754 during the Enlightenment, and is dedicated to helping change society through ideas and action. It counts Benjamin Franklin as one of its pioneering founding fellows – 29,000 of which work in the arts, politics, business and public services globally, including 3,000 in the US. Those interested in becoming a fellow can learn more here. (https://www.thersa.org/fellowship/join-the-fellowship/)

Herbie Hancock, Benjamin Franklin Medallist, and legendary musician said:
"It's a great privilege to be receiving the Benjamin Franklin Medal on behalf of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce and it's a tremendous honor to be joining the prestigious list of previous recipients who are working tirelessly to make the world more just - more safe - more humane."

Contact:
For international inquiries: Ash Singleton, RSA Head of Press, ash.singleton@rsa.org.uk, (+44) 07799 737 970.

For US and Philadelphia-based inquiries: Aalyah Duncan, Publicist, a.duncan@alist-co.com, (404) 343-5306.