DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County awarded Atlanta native and talented Hip-Hop and R&B artist CeeLo Green the highest civilian honor on Tuesday.
The honor is part of the county’s African American Music Appreciation Month celebration. DeKalb County Board of Commissioners honored the artist at their meeting.
He received the W.W. King Bridge Builder Award. The GRAMMY award-winning artist also earned the African American Music Appreciation Month Trailblazer Award, and he feels humbled to receive both honors.
“It feels somewhat like an out-of-body experience. I can’t believe, I’m talking about my actual accomplishments, it’s awesome. Thank you so much; it’s nothing but gratitude and appreciation. I really appreciate it,” the artist said while accepting one of his awards.
County officials honored CeeLo Green, whose real name is Thomas Calloway, for his musical contributions. The song “Crazy,” while CeeLo was in the duo Gnarls Barkley, skyrocketed topping music charts in 2006. It’s one of several soulful songs that changed the face of Hip Hop and R&B.
“DeKalb County and Georgia and has a long history of with Black music within the culture of United States and this has been a great opportunity... and once again the DeKalb counties to be at the forefront of recognizing everything that comes together to create the American tapestry,” said DeKalb County Commissioner Robert Patrick.
County officials said the awards extend to his inspiring younger generations to dream big.
“He does so much for so many people, investing not just in music but also in people, young people, providing encouragement and inspiration and providing resources to help them to fulfill their dreams,” said DeKalb County CEO Micheal Thurman as he highlighted some of the artist accomplishments.
During his speech, the artist nodded to Rico Wade, a key figure in the city’s music scene who recently passed away.
“Rest in peace to the legendary and irreplaceable Rico Wade for changing my life. Thank you to all who have been touched and moved, motivated and inspired by the music,” the artist added in his acceptance speech.