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KEN KRAGEN

Recipient: United Nations Peace Medal 

Past President: Country Music Association

Past President: Academy of Country Music

Inductee: NCOPM Manager Hall of Fame

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Ken Kragen has managed some of the world's most important entertainers, including Kenny Rogers, Lionel Richie, Trisha Yearwood, Olivia Newton John, The Bee Gees, Burt Reynolds, The Smothers Brothers and many others. He was the creator and organizer of the historic humanitarian projects "We Are the World", "Hands Across America", and Cisco System's "NetAid". 

Kragen has also produced a variety of film and television projects, ranging from the ground-breaking "Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" on CBS to Kenny Rogers five '"Gambler" movies, and numerous series, mini-series and films. He and friend Quincy Jones produced a portion of the 1992 Presidential Inauguration for President Bill Clinton, and he has written the best-selling book Life is a Contact Sport which is filled with unique and well tested career advice.

Kragen is most proud of receiving the United Nations Peace Medal for the creation of "Hands Across America" and "We Are the World", making him one of a mere handful of private citizens to receive this honor. Among dozens of other awards Ken Kragen has been celebrated by the NAACP, the Los Angeles Advertising Women, and the Boys And Girls Club of America. He received two MTV Awards, an American Music Award, several Emmy nominations, EBONY's American Black Achievement Award, Manager of the Year Award from the Conference of Personal Managers and the International Citizen Of The Year Award from the International Visitors Council. He was Alumnus of the Year at his Alma matter, the University of California, Berkeley. He is the only individual ever elected President of both the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music. He has served on several charity Boards including The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, Community In Schools and USA for Africa

In Memorium: 2021

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