On December 4, 2018 the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) presented American musician, singer, and songwriter John Fogerty with its 12thannual Founders Award, an honor given to artists who have made outstanding contributions in popular music. The award was presented by Alexis Lee, Executive Director of MoPOP, during the museum’s annual fundraiser which this year generated over $950 thousand for the museum. 
 
“We are proud to be honoring the legendary John Fogerty,” said Alexis Leeduring her opening remarks, “We strive to make creative expression a life-changing force, and he is a model of the artistry and success we want to foster here at MoPOP.”Shane and Tyler Fogerty then followed with a moving speech for their father.  
 
"I am humbled and honored that MoPoP chose me as the recipient of the 2018 Founders Award.  I had no idea my sons, Shane and Tyler, would be delivering this heartfelt speech. I will never forget how special it was. I am so grateful and proud,” said Fogerty after receiving the award. 
 
Fogerty is recognized as an iconic American songwriter for his songs with Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) and as a solo artist. He was inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 as leader of CCR and has earned a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame for his hit song, Centerfield.  Next year will mark 50 years from his 1969 songbook including “Proud Mary,” “Fortunate Son,” “Who’ll Stop the Rain,” “Born on the Bayou,” and “Bad Moon Rising”. Fogerty plans to launch a world tour in addition to finishing a new album.
 
The annual benefit gala included an in-memoriam tribute to MoPOP’s Founder, Paul Allen, that poignantly highlighted his original inspiration for the institution and his vision for its future. 
 
The celebration serves as MoPOP’s top fundraiser for youth education programs, community engagement, and cutting-edge exhibitions. The results of these programs were in evidence with performances by musicians Maiah Wayne and last year’s Sound Off!winner, Micaiah Sawyer who performed a cover of CCR’s “Have You Ever Seen the Rain”. Also participating were young artists NESTRA and Claudine Magbag, alumni of MoPOP’s Sound Off!and The Residency programs.
 
A private tribute concert followed the award presentation with special performances by Alice in Chain’s Jerry Cantrell; Cindy Wasserman & Frank Drennen; Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Noah Hunt; Lisa Kekauala and Bob Vennum of the BellRays; and Tim Bluhm of The Mother Hips, who covered songs including “Bad Moon Rising”; “Who’ll Stop The Rain”; “Long As I Can See The Light”; “Up Around the Bend”; “Almost Saturday Night”; “Déjà vu (All Over Again)”; “Run Through The Jungle”; among other hits.
 
 “I witnessed some of the best arrangements and vocals of my songs that I have ever heard. For those who were there I know they felt the same. After hearing Kenny Wayne completely shred on guitar, I think I need to ask him for guitar lessons," expressed Fogerty about the tribute performance.
 
Fogerty himself, joined by his sons Shane and Tyler Fogerty, closed the night with an energetic performance that included such hits as “Proud Mary”; “Fortune Son”; “Have You Ever Seen The Rain”; and “Oh Susannah,” the song that inspired his musical life.
 
MoPOP’s 2018 Founders Award Event Committee Chair was Leslie Jackson Chihuly, President & CEO of Chihuly Studio, and the event was supported by Presenting Sponsor Deutsche Bank.