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Pianist and Organist Bobby Floyd to Receive 2019 Raymond J. Hanley Award

in Press Releases July 25, 2019 1 min read

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Pianist and organist Bobby Floyd has been selected as the 11th recipient of the Raymond J. Hanley Award. The annual award from the Raymond J. Hanley Fund at The Columbus Foundation is given to an artist who has demonstrated a high level of achievement while working at least five years in the arts in any discipline. The award money of $15,000 is given without restriction, so that the artist can use it to further his or her career as needed. The winner is selected by an anonymous panel of judges.

Bobby Floyd’s talent has launched him into a very rewarding career, putting him in demand and making him one of the favorite first-call pianists and organists for many well-known artists. Whether performing jazz, gospel, solo, with his own trio (with Derek DiCenzo and Reggie Jackson), big band or orchestra, his feel is unique and inspirational, leading him to many distinguished appearances. Floyd’s live performances demonstrate his ability to electrify audiences around the world. His contributions to Grammy-nominated and Award-winning recordings have received the highest praise from critics and musicians alike.

Floyd has completed several recordings of his own and has traveled the world, accompanying Ray Charles on piano and organ. He currently makes guest appearances with Byron Stripling and some of the most prestigious orchestras, including the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, the Boston Pops, the Rochester Philharmonic and the Detroit Symphony. Recently, Floyd was the featured pianist for the world-famous and legendary Count Basie Orchestra for six years. He has also toured nationally and internationally as organist for the Grammy Award-winning artist Dr. John.

The award will be presented at a private reception in the fall of 2019.

The Raymond J. Hanley Fund at The Columbus Foundation was created by past chairs of the Greater Columbus Arts Council board upon Hanley’s death in 2006. It is administered by the Arts Council, and continues the spirit of advocacy and partnership that the Arts Council has encouraged since its inception.

Mission of the Greater Columbus Arts Council: To support and advance the arts and cultural fabric of Columbus. www.gcac.org

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CONTACT: Jami Goldstein
(614) 221-8492
jgoldstein@gcac.org