In a major announcement from the Recording Academy, music icons Brandy, Pharrell Williams and Kirk Franklin will be formally recognized for their cultural influence, artistic excellence and lasting contributions to Black music during GRAMMY Week 2026.
The honors are part of the fourth annual Recording Academy Honors presented by the Black Music Collective (BMC), scheduled for January 29, 2026, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles — just days before the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 1, 2026.
The event, an official lead-in to Music’s Biggest Night, will spotlight each artist’s unique legacy and impact on global music culture. Williams is set to receive the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, recognizing not only his musical achievements but also his entrepreneurial innovation, philanthropic efforts and international cultural influence. In contrast, both Brandy and Franklin will be honored with the Black Music Icon Award, bestowed on creators whose artistry, innovation and service have helped shape the music industry and inspired generations worldwide.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. lauded the trio in a statement, calling them “true visionaries and masters of their craft” whose “legacies transcend genre, defy convention and shape culture.” He added that their work continues to “inspire generations of artists around the world,” highlighting their contributions as central to the evolution of contemporary music.
Pharrell Williams: Williams’ expansive career spans decades of influence across hip-hop, pop and global music. A 13-time GRAMMY Award winner and Academy Award nominee, Williams has also earned acclaim as a producer, designer and cultural entrepreneur. His recent work includes producing Clipse’s “Let God Sort Em Out,” which scored multiple GRAMMY nominations, and releasing the animated biopic PIECE BY PIECE in partnership with LEGO and Focus Features. Beyond music, Williams is known for founding the nonprofit organization YELLOW, launching the Something in the Water festival and creating the Humanrace wellness brand.
Brandy: Widely celebrated as “The Vocal Bible,” Brandy’s influence on R&B and pop music has been profound since her rise to fame in the 1990s. Her multi-platinum catalog includes seminal releases like Never Say Never and the iconic hit “The Boy Is Mine.” In recent years, she returned to the spotlight with The Boy Is Mine Tour alongside Monica, Kelly Rowland, Mya and Muni Long, and expanded her creative reach with acting roles and a forthcoming memoir titled PHASES.
Kirk Franklin: A transformative force in contemporary gospel music, Franklin’s work has bridged gospel, R&B, hip-hop and pop for more than three decades. The 20-time GRAMMY Award winner has helped bring gospel music to mainstream audiences while mentoring new talent and engaging in media projects such as his original series Den of Kings. He also recently received the Ultimate Icon Award at the 2025 BET Awards, underscoring his enduring relevance and influence.
The Black Music Collective, an advisory arm of the Recording Academy, champions representation and advancement for Black artists and executives across the music industry. It also supports mentorship, scholarships and access programs for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and emerging talent, furthering its mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders in music.
As anticipation builds for the GRAMMYs themselves — which will broadcast live on CBS and stream on Paramount+ — this year’s Recording Academy Honors promise a meaningful celebration of legacy, innovation and cultural impact at the heart of Black music.
