Entertainer and music promoter Donte Gold came to Atlanta from San Jose, California, in 1983, drawn by the image of Atlanta as a burgeoning Black entertainment mecca, he said.
Gold, aka Mr. Gold, has spent the past 40 years immersed in the music and entertainment scene in metro Atlanta. “Everyone has their season,” said Gold. “I’ve been around so long that I’m back in style.”
Gold is among the radio and music industry personalities being honored at the annual Radio and Records Awards ceremony at Backstage Atlanta on Sunday. Other honorees include artist Cherrelle, V103′s Greg Street, Monie Love from Kiss 104, Raheem the Dream, Niecey Shaw from Classix 102.9, Belinda Wilson, entertainment attorney Kendall Minter, Johnnie Walker, WIGO Kevin Buchannon, Love 103 DJ Earthquake, Glenn Walker, Joe Bullard and Southern soul artist Pokey Bear. Dwayne Watkins of the Canton Spirituals and Paul Porter of the Christianairs will be honored for their contributions to the gospel music industry.
“The Radio and Records Awards mean a lot to Atlanta and the community,” said Debbie Ireland, executive producer of the event. “We want to honor those who have dedicated and contributed their time and hard work in the industry as well as in the community. We want them to know their good deeds do not go unnoticed.”
“This event is an opportunity to bring radio and music industry folk together to applaud those being honored, to share ideas, network and, of course, enjoy great entertainment and fellowship,” Ireland said.
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
Honorees will receive recognition, including awards and proclamations from the city of Atlanta.
Gold, who has always seen his work as a part of his Christian ministry, will be receiving an award for his humanitarian efforts. “People can be heard and they can be seen and appreciated from giving,” he said.
Minter, a longtime entertainment attorney, will be receiving a lifetime achievement award.
“I’m very honored and happy to be recognized,” said Minter, of Greenspoon Marder law firm. He’s practiced entertainment law for more than 40 years, starting in New York and has represented a number of artists and entertainers for the past 26 years in metro Atlanta.
Actress and singer Linda Boston will also receive a lifetime achievement award at the event.
“I’m very grateful,” said Boston, who moved to Atlanta from Michigan in 2013 to act, sing and teach. She has roots in Bartow County. “This one is very special to me.”
Actress, influencer and community leader Michelle Taylor Willis, CEO of Gagnant Media, will be receiving a Rising Star/Best Actress award. She’s been in Atlanta for 18 years and considers herself a master strategist and influencer.
“Everything I do is about changing lives so other people can change lives,” she said. When she was told she would be honored: “I was just floored. I couldn’t believe it,” said the mother of four boys and who recently played the lead in the touring stage play “Never Play with a Woman’s Heart.”
The awards ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday at Backstage Atlanta, at 2505 Godby Road, College Park. A red carpet event will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
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