Jimmy Jam, Quincy Jones To Appear At Black Music Collective’s Inaugural Event
The Grammy Week program will honor the contributions of Black creators and professionals to the music industry.
The Black Music Collective, a newly-launched initiative by the Recording Academy, will honor the work of Black artists and industry professionals – and their immeasurable contributions to the music industry. On March 10, the BMC will host its inaugural Grammy Week event – a star-studded, virtual celebration, featuring movers and shakers from all aspects of the industry.
The historic event will feature appearances by an array of esteemed creators and professionals, who are known for amplifying Black voices in music and beyond, including legendary record producer Quincy Jones, hit songwriter and producer Jimmy Jam, and acclaimed singer-songwriter and actress, Janelle Monáe.
Viewers can also look forward to performances from some of today’s most exciting stars, including Grammy Award winners H.E.R., Yolanda Adams, and PJ Morton. Rapper and producer duo Freddie Gibbs & Alchemist, who recently received their first Grammy nod, are also set to take the stage.
The live-stream – which will be free to view on the Grammy’s official website beginning at 5:00 pm PST – will also feature reflections from such industry moguls as Jeff Harleston, Executive Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs for North America for Universal Music Group; Debra Lee, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BET Networks; Harvey Mason Jr., Chair and Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy; and Riggs Morales, BMC Chair and Atlantic Records Executive.
Additionally, the event will include in-depth discussions about the Black experience in the wake of social justice. Leading the panels will be Monáe, as well as actor, writer, and producer Issa Rae; renowned activist Tamika D. Mallory, Valeisha Butterfield Jones, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer of the Recording Academy; and best-selling recording artist John Legend, who also sits as the Academy’s Los Angeles Chapter Governor.
The programming will focus on such crucial topics as the Impact of Black Music, The Culture Shifting Power of Black Music, Impact of Black Women in Music, and the Power, Purpose, and Progress of the State of Black Music.
“We created this event with every intention to amplify Black voices and each of our experiences within the industry,” said Mason. “The BMC will continue to foster a space for members and industry professionals to educate and elevate Black creators during GRAMMY Week and beyond.”
Morales added, “We are thrilled to announce this virtual program as the BMC continues to celebrate Black music and those who share our mission to foster and accelerate Black representation, equity, and inclusion throughout the music industry. The Black Music Collective will continue to tailor events for Black creators to feel uplifted and supported and we are excited for this GRAMMY Week kickoff.”
For more information on the Black Music Collective, visit the official website.
