1999: Diane Warren
“Just the fact that my name can be mentioned in the same breath as George and Ira Gershwin is mind-blowing. It really means a lot. This is great. Thank you very much.” More Info »
1998: John Lee Hooker
“I can’t tell you how grateful I am to be here with the young and the old school kids. I can’t thank you enough.” More Info »
1997: Randy Newman
“Anything with George Gershwin’s name on it is to be treasured by me. It’s a big thrill for me to come back [to UCLA] and get this award.” More Info »
1996: Tom Petty
“I’m very honored to receive this and to be invited here by UCLA. Tonight, I’m really grateful to receive this award. I do appreciate [George and Ira Gershwin’s] work.” More Info »
1995: Bernadette Peters
“I’m so proud to be included amongst people like Angela Lansbury, Ray Charles, Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald. It takes my breath away.” More Info »
1994: Mel Torme
“[George and Ira Gershwin] were two of the greatest tunesmiths and lyricists that ever graced this country. The songs they wrote were indelible, unforgettable, lasting, standard songs; and I am really proud to not only accept this award, but to be a part of a community that sings the Gershwin tunes.” More Info »
1993: Natalie Cole
“To that name, Gershwin, is attached words like timeless, incomparable, elegant and wonderful.” More Info »
1992: Debbie Allen
“Tonight is a great evening of self-expression and joy, and that’s who I feel that I am. I feel like I belong to UCLA. I am inspired and challenged by you and by this award.” More Info »
1991: Ray Charles
“Throughout my musical career I have always been such an admirer of George and Ira Gershwin, because they were doing the kind of music that I came up with. This is such an honor for me, especially coming from UCLA.” More Info »
1990: Sarah Vaughan (Quincy Jones, accepting)
“The George and Ira Gershwin Award is exactly the appropriate honor to this giant of a lady and an artist who gave so much to our musical culture. This is just what she deserves.” More Info »
