GRAMMY ICON EVENT TO FETE DIDDY

Sean “Diddy” Combs will be honored at the 2020 Grammy Salute to Industry Icons held the night before the Grammy Awards.

Presented by The Recording Academy and Clive Davis, the annual Pre-Grammy Gala will be held 1/25.

“By bringing the music and lifestyle of East Coast hip-hop to the masses, he was an early reminder of music’s unifying ability to flip our perceptions and broaden our connections to all corners of the world,” Recording Academy President/CEO Deborah Dugan said. “Over the years, Diddy has persistently empowered other music creators and we’re honored to celebrate his culture-shaping impact.”

Combs started his career as an intern at Uptown Records, which led to the creation of his own label, Bad Boy Records. Among the talent he has fostered are Mary J. Blige, Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, TLC, Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men and Lil’ Kim. An executive producer in film, television and on Broadway, his philanthropic work and political activism includes the Capital Preparatory Harlem Charter School.

“Clive Davis and Arista Records gave me a chance when I was starting Bad Boy Records, he was one of the first industry executives to really believe in me. I’m forever grateful for him,” Combs said.

Davis added, “He fully deserves this wonderful recognition. From his past innovative and creative contributions right from the very inception of the hip hop revolution, to his many memorable appearances at the Pre Grammy Gala as both speaker and performer, it’s all come full circle. I couldn’t be happier for Sean as a dear friend and colleague.”