A pair of R&B legends, Babyface and Usher, will be honored by the Apollo Theater in Harlem at its annual Spring Benefit on Tuesday, June 11. Babyface will receive the inaugural Legacy Award. Usher will receive the Icon Award.
“I am humbled to receive the inaugural Legacy Award,” Babyface said in a statement. “For nearly a century, the theater has been a steadfast symbol of excellence in black entertainment. So for Apollo to honor my legacy is nothing short of amazing.”
“It is an honor to receive this award from such an iconic and historic cultural institution in New York – one that has hosted and paved the way for so many outstanding people,” said Usher. “I am humbled to be this year's recipient and look forward to seeing everyone soon.”
The event, which marks Apollo's 90th anniversary, will include a special appearance by Big Daddy Kane, with more stars to be announced. Adam Blackstone will be musical director.
All proceeds will support the nonprofit's year-round artistic, educational and community programs.
The Spring Benefit begins with red carpet arrivals at 5:00 p.m. followed by the concert and awards ceremony at 7:00 p.m.
Additionally, Babyface will be inducted into The Apollo's Walk of Fame the day before, Monday, June 10 at 11:30am. ET. Inductees are honored with a plaque placed under the theater's iconic marquee on 125th Street.
Previous inductees to The Apollo's Walk of Fame include Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Richard Pryor, Patti Labelle, Smokey Robinson, Jackie “Moms” Mabley, Gladys Knight, Lionel Richie, Ella Fitzgerald, the Temptations and Mary J. Blige.
Babyface and Usher have won a combined 20 Grammy Awards – 12 for Babyface, eight for Usher. In addition, Babyface received a Managers Award from the Recording Academy in 2021. Big Daddy Kane won a Grammy in 1991 for his role in Quincy Jones' Celebration Back to the block album.
Blackstone won a Primetime Emmy in 2022 as its music director The Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show starring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent. Usher headlined the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show, which drew the largest crowd in the event's history. This year's Primetime Emmys, where Usher's halftime show is a possible contender, will be announced on July 17.
Visit www.ApolloTheater.org for more information. To purchase benefit tickets, make a donation or for more information, visit www.apollotheater.org/event/spring-benefit-2024.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/babyface-usher-the-apollo-2024-spring-benefit-honorees-1235666820/
