DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Michael Thurmond gave CeeLo Green the county’s highest civilian honor on Tuesday, recognizing the Atlanta musician for his contributions to hip-hop and philanthropy.
Green came to prominence as one of the founding members of Goodie Mob, then later performed with producer Danger Mouse as the duo Gnarles Barkley, producing “Crazy.” A solo album in 2010 earned Green his third Grammy for “Forget You.”
Thurmond presented Green with the W.W. King Bridge Builder Award during African American Music Appreciation Month and said Green is a unifier and humanitarian. With his sister, Green cofounded the GreenHouse Foundation, a nonprofit focused on educating children about environmental sustainability.
“He has invested his time and his resources, energy and his talent into improving opportunity for young people all across this planet,” Thurmond said.
Green said he was humbled by the honor. Wearing shorts to collect the award, he joked that he would have worn a tuxedo “or at least pants” had he known how beautiful the award would be.
Credit: Sara Gregory
Credit: Sara Gregory
Green said he was honored to inspire even one person. Music nourished and kept him focused when he didn’t see a path forward, he said.
“Music has really kept me alive,” he said.
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