Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz Honored with Global Impact at Black Music's Collegiate Soiree

Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz took center stage before a packed and cheering ballroom for The Recording Academy Honors presented by The Black Music Collective (BMC) on Thursday evening (February 1) in Los Angeles. The two music icons were hailed as recipients of this year's Global Impact Award — a CEO Merit Award “that honors the essence and evolution of Black excellence,” as Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. noted. in his opening speech.

And with Mason declaring, “Let's get this party started,” a stunning array of musical performances and emotional acceptance speeches shook the rafters of the Fairmont Century Plaza. Leading the way was Davido with a lively rendition of 'Mona Lisa' that had the audience on their feet, dancing and waving napkins around the room.

That moment was just the first in a series of standing ovations that set the tone before the awards show. Among the night's notable performances, directed by event musical supervisor Adam Blackstone, were Andra Day's powerful rendition of Billie Holiday's classic “Strange Fruit,” Gabby's insightful rendition of Nina Simone's “Four Women” Simone and the soul of Erica Campbell. in the model of the gospel “I love the Lord”.

Equally impressive were the performances and speeches given by the honorees, starting with HER paying tribute to singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist Lenny Kravitz. Referring to one of his hits, she said: “'American Woman' made me say to my dad, 'I want to play guitar.' I want to be a rock star like Lenny Kravitz… Thank you for breaking so many barriers and paving the way for artists like me. Thank you, Lenny Kravitz, for teaching us all to let love rule” — (a nod to the title of Kravitz's first studio album in 1989).

Kravitz began by sharing early musical memories that helped shape his storied career, like being a 5-year-old kid sitting on Duke Ellington's lap in the Rainbow Room while the latter played “Take the A Train.” And Kravitz's dad took him to see the Jackson 5 at Madison Square Garden and then “wanted to be the sixth brother.” The four-time Grammy winner also cited a number of additional influences including Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, James Brown, Nina Simone, Grandmaster Flash, Parliament-Funkadelic and Bob Marley.

“I could go on all night,” he continued. “I love this music because it feeds our hearts and strengthens our resolve to continue bringing hope and healing to a whole new world. Being a part of this lineage is a privilege I cherish. I thank you with deep gratitude, knowing that music in every corner of the planet uplifts and expresses the goodness of God's eternal love.” Fellow musicians Andrew Watt, Chad Smith, Verdine White, George Clinton and Quavo then joined forces to perform “Fly Away” to thunderous applause — and hearty hugs from Kravitz on stage.

More cheers followed when Stevie Wonder took the stage to pay tribute to Mariah Carey in words and song. “Every time we meet and talk, it's like a brand new day,” she began. “Thank you for your friendship, your heart and the consistent spirit of love that you show… and I'll just say this…” That's when Wonder broke into the choruses of two of his songs: “Knocks Me Off My Feet” I want to bore you with this, but I love you, I love you”) and “All I Do” (“all I do is think about you”) and ad libbing at the end, “you're my hero.”

After thanking Wonder (“I'll never be more excited to be in the company of your greatness!”), Carey drew plenty of laughter from the audience as she held the award and remarked that she hadn't won a Grammy in a long time. He went on to thank Harvey Mason jr. and the Academy, congratulate fellow honoree Kravitz and wish everyone a happy Black History Month, the five-time Grammy winner said in part:

“When I first started in the music industry, I was often told to conform to certain expectations. I was not encouraged to focus on my love of black music. It took countless arguments, endless outbursts, and above all, unwavering determination. But finally, I was able to reveal my authentic self, as they say, and create music that came from my heart… I discovered a new sense of freedom and fulfillment. As I accept this award, I do so with gratitude for all of you here and every person who has supported me on this journey. the fans who stood up to me.

“But most importantly,” she continued, “I accept this award on behalf of every person who has ever felt silenced or marginalized, who has ever been told that their voice does not matter. Your truth matters. We will continue to pave the way together for a future where authenticity is celebrated, diversity is embraced and music has the power to change the world.”

Additional artists who spoke with Carey on the song included Babyface (“Everytime I Close My Eyes”), Busta Rhymes (“I Know What You Want”), Tori Kelly (“Vision of Love”) and Yolanda Adams (“Make It Happen”). And among the Recording Academy executives who shared comments were BMC president Rico Love and Ryan Butler, the Academy's vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Before the Event — produced by MVD Inc. — guests were treated to striking black-and-white portraits of Jay-Z, Nipsey Hussle and other artists in the Icons Gallery curated by music executive and photographer Lenny S.