Category Archives: Recording Industry

Brandy, Kirk Franklin, and Pharrell Williams Honored at Recording Academy Honors

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Brandy, Kirk Franklin, and Pharrell Williams were honored Thursday night at the fourth annual Recording Academy Honors presented by the Black Music Collective, held January 29 in Santa Monica ahead of the Grammy Awards.Brandy and Franklin each received the Black Music Icon Award, recognizing their lasting artistic influence and cultural impact, while Williams was presented with the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award for his contributions to music, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy.

The ceremony featured tribute performances from Coco Jones, Kehlani, FLO, John Legend, Lecrae, PJ Morton, Tamela Mann, and others, with appearances by Dr. Dre, Tyler the Creator, and Justin Timberlake. Both Brandy and Franklin also performed during the evening. In a notable moment, Eve was formally awarded a Grammy for her performance on The Roots’ “You Got Me,” correcting a long-standing credit oversight from the song’s original win in 2000.

The Black Music Collective event continues to spotlight Black artists and industry leaders while supporting future generations through scholarship initiatives and mentorship.

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Recording Academy Sets 2026 Special Merit Awards Honoring Santana, Khan, Cher and More

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The Recording Academy will honor a group of music legends at its 2026 Special Merit Awards Ceremony during GRAMMY Week, returning to the Wilshire Ebell Theatre on January 31.

Lifetime Achievement Award recipients include Carlos Santana, Chaka Khan, Cher, Fela Kuti, Paul Simon and Whitney Houston. Trustees Awards will be presented to songwriter Bernie Taupin, pianist and bandleader Eddie Palmieri, and music executive Sylvia Rhone. Composer and technologist John Chowning will receive the Technical Grammy Award.

The annual ceremony recognizes artists, executives and innovators whose contributions have had a lasting impact on the recording industry. The Special Merit Awards are presented by vote of the Recording Academy’s National Trustees, with the Technical Grammy selected by the Producers & Engineers Wing advisory committees.

The event takes place on the eve of the 2026 GRAMMY Awards and is part of the Academy’s GRAMMY Week programming.

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