The Apollo has announced Babyface and Usher will be honored at its Spring Benefit, the iconic theater’s fundraising event. The ceremony will be held Tuesday, June 11, in New York City.
Babyface will receive the inaugural Legacy Award. Before he accepts the award, the musical genius will be inducted into The Apollo’s Walk of Fame Monday, June 10, at 11:30 a.m.
“I am humbled to receive the inaugural Legacy Award,” says Babyface. “For nearly a century, the theater has been a constant symbol of excellence in Black entertainment. So for The Apollo to honor my legacy feels nothing short of amazing.”
Babyface will join fellow icons Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Lionel Richie, and the most recent inductee, Mary J. Blige. The Apollo Walk of Fame is located under the theater’s marquee on 125th Street.
R&B superstar Usher will be bestowed with the Icon Award at the celebratory benefit concert. “It’s an honor to be receiving this award from such an iconic and historic cultural institution in New York City — one that has hosted and paved the way for so many prominent people,” says Usher. “I’m humbled to be this year’s recipient and look forward to seeing everyone soon.”
Michelle Ebanks, president and CEO of The Apollo, adds, “The Apollo has stood as an enduring beacon in Harlem, nurturing artists, fostering education, and sparking creativity across the world. I’m thrilled to celebrate the ongoing legacy of our organization and our commitment to arts and education at the Spring Benefit. It will be an unforgettable evening of performances and a time to honor our cultural icons.”
The Spring Benefit concert and awards ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. Hip-hop legend Big Daddy Kane will make a special appearance, and Emmy winner Adam Blackstone will serve as musical director.
All proceeds from the Spring Benefit will support The Apollo’s artistic, education and community programs, as well as “its commitment to articulating and projecting the African American narrative using arts and culture, and creating a 21st century performing arts canon.”
Tickets to the Spring Benefit are on sale on The Apollo Theater’s official website.
Circling back to Babyface, the music legend will launch his residency at Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, during Memorial Day weekend.
In June, he will perform at Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The star-studded lineup includes Jill Scott, Lil Wayne, Robert Glasper, Yebba, Victoria Monét, Marsha Ambrosius, and more.
As for Usher his single “Risk It All” with H.E.R. is No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart this week. The song appears on The Color Purple soundtrack and his ninth album, Coming Home.
Later this summer, Usher will embark on his sold-out Past Present Future Tour.
