By HWM
The legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem paid tribute to one of music’s most influential figures on Monday, inducting 13-time Grammy winner Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds into its iconic Walk of Fame.
The ceremony celebrated Apollo’s 90-year legacy of hosting extraordinary artists on its historic stage.
A Legendary Lineup
Babyface joined an esteemed group of Apollo Legends, including Prince, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Little Richard, Ella Fitzgerald, and The Temptations.
Previous inductee Mary J. Blige, who was honored in 2021, delivered remarks at the ceremony alongside special guests like Jesse Collins, Chloe Flower, Fat Joe, Stephen Hill, L.A. Reid, Craig Robinson, Darryl Simmons, Karyn White, and Clive Davis who rubbed Harlem‘s “tree hope.”
Honoring a Cultural Icon
Apollo CEO Michelle Ebanks emphasized the occasion’s significance, stating, “It is only fitting that some of the greatest names in entertainment are here to celebrate one of the greatest names in entertainment.”Executive Producer Kamilah Forbes added, “Always pushing culture forward: that is what we do 365 days out of the year [and have done] for the last 90 years and will continue to do every single day.”
A Legendary Career
Babyface’s impact on the music industry is unparalleled. As the only four-time winner of the Grammy’s “Producer of the Year” award and the founder of LaFace Records, he has launched the careers of global superstars like Usher, TLC, Toni Braxton, and Outkast, while releasing his own multi-platinum albums.
Mary J. Blige, a 2021 inductee, praised Babyface, saying, “Babyface can touch any artist’s life and change it. So I want to thank you for touching my life and changing it with your pen and your presence.”
A Lasting Legacy
In addition to his Walk of Fame induction, Babyface will receive the Apollo’s inaugural Legacy Award at the nonprofit’s annual Spring Benefit on June 11. Usher will also be honored with the 2024 Icon Award.
With over 800 million records sold, 125 Top 10 Hits, and numerous accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Babyface’s impact on music and culture is undeniable.
The Apollo Theater continues to cultivate emerging artists and launch legends, serving as a center of innovation and a creative catalyst for Harlem, New York City, and the world.
Photo credit: 1-15) Shahar Azran/The Apollo Theater.
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