Recording Academy hosting inaugural Black Music Collective event during GRAMMY Week

Historic celebration to include a mix of performances and appearances

The Black Music Collective (BMC), a newly launched initiative by the Recording Academy, will host its inaugural GRAMMY Week event in celebration of black creators’ and professionals’ countless contributions to the music industry. The historic event, presented by Mastercard, will feature an array of esteemed black music creators and professionals known for amplifying black voices in music and beyond.

The event will feature performances by GRAMMY Award-winning artists Yolanda Adams, H.E.R., PJ Morton, and first-time GRAMMY nominated rapper and producer duo Freddie Gibbs & Alchemist. In addition to performances, the event will feature intimate reflections from industry moguls, including Executive Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs for North America for Universal Music Group Jeff Harleston; songwriting maverick Jimmy Jam; legendary record producer Quincy Jones; former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BET Networks and businesswoman Debra Lee; Chair and Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy Harvey Mason jr.; and BMC Chair and Atlantic Records Executive Riggs Morales. Lastly, fireside chats regarding the Black experience in the wake of social justice will be led by Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer of the Recording Academy Valeisha Butterfield Jones; Los Angeles Chapter Governor and recording artist John Legend; renowned activist Tamika D. Mallory; singer-songwriter Janelle Monáe; and actor, writer and producer Issa Rae.

“As the first of its kind, we created this event with every intention to amplify black voices and each of our experiences within the industry,” states Harvey Mason jr., Chair and Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy. “The BMC will continue to foster a space for members and industry professionals to educate and elevate Black creators during GRAMMY Week and beyond.”

The topics that will be discussed during the programming include 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 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,” says BMC Chair and Atlantic Records Executive, Riggs Morales. “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.”

The event will be on Wednesday, March 10th at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT at grammy.com. The virtual event is open to the public and no RSVP or registration is needed.

GRAMMY Week kicks off Monday, March 8th, on International Women’s Day, with — “Women In The Mix” — a virtual celebration that recognizes the contributions of women in music and amplifies the female voices across the industry. GRAMMY Week leads up to The 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards on Sunday, March 14th on CBS. The show was postponed from January due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases impacting Los Angeles.

Buddy Iahn
Buddy Iahn

Buddy Iahn founded The Music Universe when he decided to juxtapose his love of web design and music. As a lifelong drummer, he decided to take a hiatus from playing music to report it. The website began as a fun project in 2013 to one of the top independent news sites. Email: info@themusicuniverse.com