Annie Lennox Honored with Silver Clef Award

With a career that spans over 30 years, countless awards and record sales, Annie Lennox has been an integral part of the musical landscape all over the world. Her vocal style and profound lyrics are only part of the total package, and Lennox has used her place in the music industry as a philanthropist, helping to bring music to those who may benefit from it on more than an entertainment level. Her belief in the power of music and the therapeutic value of instruments from flutes and pianos to djembe drums and guitars have given several music therapy programs the ability to provide services around the world.

In July, 2011, Annie Lennox was awarded the 2011 Nordoff-Robbins Silver Clef Award, honoring her work and support of bringing the power of music therapy to vulnerable adults and children. Music therapy can benefit people affected with disorders such as autism, dementia and other neurological disorders, as well as those affected by mental and emotional trauma, physical disabilities, or even life-threatening conditions like cancer. The continuous advances in music therapy make Lennox’s contributions to the field important for the health and well-being of people across the globe.

Nordoff-Robbins, the organization honoring Lennox, has been training music therapists since 1974. They provide classes and instruction to the public and fund various research projects that establish the benefit of music for treating various disorders. Nordoff-Robbins provides over 45,000 music therapy sessions in schools, daycares, hospital and long-term care facilities in the UK. They also provide a post-graduate research program in music therapy or music, health and society.

From her public roots as the singer-songwriter for Eurythmics, to a solo career that established her as one of the greatest female singers of the era, Lennox has carved a place in the world of music that goes beyond the typical presence of the rock star. This talent, in combination with the support and presence within the field of music therapy, has given Lennox a place with legends such as The Rolling Stones, Sir Paul McCartney, George Michael, Ozzy & Sharon Osbourne and others, showing that stardom and fame are only as important as those who benefit the most from the music itself.