The Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective will honor Pharrell Williams, Brandy, and Kirk Franklin during the fourth annual Recording Academy Honors on January 29, 2026, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, preceding the 68th GRAMMY Awards on February 1.
Pharrell Williams will receive the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, recognizing his contributions to music, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and cultural influence globally, while Brandy and Kirk Franklin will each receive the Black Music Icon Award for their artistic impact and innovation in the music industry.
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, praised the honorees as “true visionaries” whose legacies have transcended genre, shaped culture, and inspired future generations of artists.
Pharrell, a 13-time GRAMMY winner, is noted for his recent work producing Clipse’s nominated album “Let God Sort Em Out,” while Brandy, known as “the Vocal Bible,” has influential tracks from the 1990s and recently completed “The Boy Is Mine Tour.”
Kirk Franklin has significantly shaped contemporary gospel music over his three-decade career and is a 20-time GRAMMY winner, with continued accolades for his latest album, “Father’s Day.”
The Black Music Collective has recognized many notable past honorees, including artists like Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, and Dr. Dre, emphasizing its commitment to elevating Black music creators and leaders.
As part of its mission, the BMC awarded $85,000 in scholarships last year to Black students and HBCU music programs to foster the next generation of Black music leaders.
The honors ceremony will also feature curated performances and showcase specialty cocktails, reinforcing its celebration of the honorees’ contributions and cultural impact.
Pharrell Williams, Brandy and Kirk Franklin to Be Honored at 2026 Black Music Collective Grammy Week Event
Recording Academy® Honors Presented by the Black Music Collective Returns, Celebrating GRAMMY® Award-winning Icons Pharrell Williams, Brandy and Kirk Franklin.
