THE PALEY CENTER FOR MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE PALEY HONORS: A GALA TRIBUTE TO MUSIC ON TELEVISION PRESENTED BY VERIZON ON MAY 15 IN NEW YORK

New York, NY, May 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Since the moment Elvis Presley blazed across television screens, belting out the lyrics to "Shake, Rattle, and Roll" on Stage Show in 1956, the impact of television immediately reverberated throughout the music industry. For decades television has captured iconic musical moments, including the historic first appearance of the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964; the impactful duet performed by Petula Clark and Harry Belafonte on the 1968 variety special Petula; Simon & Garfunkel's mesmerizing 1981 concert in Central Park; Michael Jackson moonwalking on television for the first time during the 1983 Motown 25 special; Ricky Martin's show-stopping performance at the 1999 Grammys; Saturday mornings with American Bandstand; all the unforgettable performances from the Super Bowl halftime shows; and so much more.

On May 15, 2018, these milestones will be celebrated by The Paley Center for Media at its annual spring gala, The Paley Honors: A Gala Tribute to Music on Television Presented by Verizon. The event will start at 6:30 pm at Cipriani Wall Street.

The Paley Honors: A Gala Tribute to Music on Television Presented by Verizon will highlight all the groundbreaking musical moments from television; celebrate rich and diverse music-based series; honor variety and talk shows that have hosted unforgettable musical performances; pay tribute to the famous TV theme songs; and feature iconic talent across generations recognizing the contributions of legacy stars and today's most recognizable names.

"The Paley Honors shines a spotlight on the Paley Center's overall mission to explore the role television plays in shaping our society," said Maureen J. Reidy, the Paley Center's President & CEO. "This year we're so proud to present this first of its kind celebration that will highlight the historic and iconic musical moments that have thrilled generations of television fans."

J Balvin, Connie Britton, Alejandra Espinoza, Jimmy Fallon, Fergie, Art Garfunkel, DJ Khaled, Wynton Marsalis, Mandy Moore, and Paul Shaffer are among the growing roster of icons and influencers slated to participate.

"Television has been so influential in my career from starting out on Kids Incorporated and as Sally from Peanuts to Dick Clark's New Years Rockin' Eve and The Four on Fox," said Fergie. "I'm honored to join the Paley Center for Media and my peers in celebrating outstanding contributions to music and television because, for me, the two go hand in hand."

"Throughout my musical career television has played such an important role and I'm thrilled that the Paley Honors will celebrate the incredible combinations of music and television," said Art Garfunkel. "I look forward to participating in this special evening."

"I look forward to being a part of the Paley Honors," said Paul Shaffer. "From my time on Saturday Night Live to the Late Show with David Letterman, I know the magic that occurs when music and television intersect."

This momentous occasion benefits the creation of the Paley Center's Music Collection, which will become part of the Paley Archive, the world's largest publicly accessible archive of TV and radio programming, as well as the Paley Center's ongoing Education Programs.

Verizon returns as Presenting Sponsor. "Since its inception, entertainment has broken barriers, giving consumers unprecedented access to the world through technology. At Verizon, we're proud to be shaping the future of entertainment through innovative technologies and content that immerses audiences into the experiences they love," said Alex Wallace, Head of Entertainment at Oath, a subsidiary of Verizon. "We're proud to partner with the Paley Center to support the iconic voices that continue to pave the way in this transformative time."

Hearst and 21st Century Fox will serve as Co-chairs. Benefactors, Patrons, and Supporters include: A+E Networks; AMC Networks; Judy Hart Angelo; CBS Corporation; City National Bank; Deloitte & Touche, LLP; HBO; Interpublic Group; ION Media; The Estate of Michael Joseph Jackson; The Latin Recording Academy; The Madison Square Garden Company; Major League Baseball; McKinsey & Company; Mutual of America; National Basketball Association; NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises; Pepsi; SESAC; Showtime Networks, Inc.; SONY/ATV Music Publishing; Sun Capital Partners Parners; Tishman Speyer; Universal Music Group; Univision Communications Inc.; Viacom and BET Networks; The Walt Disney Company; and Warner Music Group.

The Paley Honors production team is led by Paley Center President & CEO Maureen J. Reidy and Executive Vice President of Programming Diane Lewis. The evening's program is curated with the assistance and counsel of special advisors Gabriel Abaroa, Barry Adelman, Tammy Genovese, Nelson George, Rick Krim, and Lee Rolontz.

For additional event information, including how to purchase tables, tickets, and ads, please visit paley.me/honors2018.

Media Contacts:

Teresa Brady | The Paley Center for Media | tbrady@paleycenter.org | 212-621-6697

# # #

About The Paley Center for Media

The Paley Center for Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with locations in New York and Los Angeles, leads the discussion about the cultural, creative, and social significance of television, radio, and emerging platforms. Drawing upon its curatorial expertise, an international collection, and close relationships with the leaders of the media community, the Paley Center examines the intersections between media and society. The general public can access the Paley Center's permanent media collection, which contains over 160,000 television and radio programs and advertisements, and participate in programs that explore and celebrate the creativity, the innovations, the personalities, and the leaders who are shaping media. Through the global programs of its Media Council and International Council, the Paley Center also serves as a neutral setting where media professionals can engage in discussion and debate about the evolving media landscape. Previously known as The Museum of Television & Radio, the Paley Center was founded in 1975 by William S. Paley, a pioneering innovator in the industry. For more information, please visit paleycenter.org.

About Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. (((NYSE, NASDAQ:VZ), headquartered in New York City, generated $126 billion in 2017 revenues. The company operates America's most reliable wireless network and the nation's premier all-fiber network, and delivers integrated solutions to businesses worldwide. Its Oath subsidiary reaches about one billion people around the world with a dynamic house of media and technology brands.

Teresa Brady
The Paley Center for Media
212.621.6697
TBrady@paleycenter.org