Costello Among Brits Lauded At 1997 Silver Clef Awards 

Elvis Costello, Kula Shaker, John Lennon, and Gary
Glitter were among the artists honored at the 1997 Silver
Clef Awards, held Friday in London. Billboard's Adam
White reports that Costello received a Silver Clef for
outstanding services to British music; in response, the
former King of America praised the charity's work and
urged the new U.K. government to give greater
recognition to music's value in society. Classical violinist
Vanessa-Mae and Britrockers Kula Shaker were among
other artists favored with Music Therapy awards, and there were special Silver
Clef honors for the late John Lennon (picked up by Yoko Ono Lennon) and Gary
Glitter. A special award was given to veteran British jazzman Chris Barber, while
the late Ronnie Lane was also recognized in a speech by his former bandmate,
Kenney Jones. The annual Silver Clef lunchtime event, which generates funds for
the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Centre, attracted such musicians as Van
Morrison, Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Bill Wyman, and Peter Frampton, as well
as a large contingent of music industry professionals. During the charity auction,
Wyman successfully bid for a handbuilt replica of the Everly Brothers' black
Gibson guitar, signed in silver by the duo, David Bowie, Paul McCartney and
George Michael.