Kirk Franklin Set To Receive Icon Award From Recording Academy

The 2026 GRAMMYS will be held Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, airing live on the CBS Television Network and streaming live and on demand on Paramount+.

As part of GRAMMY Week 2026, the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective (BMC) will host the fourth annual Recording Academy Honors on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.

This year’s event will celebrate the legendary careers of Pharrell Williams, Brandy, and Kirk Franklin. Williams will be honored with the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, recognizing his groundbreaking musical achievements, entrepreneurial innovation, philanthropic efforts, and worldwide cultural influence. Brandy and Kirk Franklin will each receive the Black Music Icon Award, which honors Black music creators whose artistry, innovation, and service have profoundly shaped the industry and inspired generations.

Adam Blackstone will return as music supervisor for the evening.

“Pharrell, Brandy, and Kirk are true visionaries and masters of their craft,” said Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. “Each has built a legacy that transcends genre, defies convention, and shapes culture. Their artistry continues to inspire generations of artists around the world. I’m thrilled to join the Black Music Collective in honoring three of music’s brightest stars.”

Past Recording Academy Honors recipients include Alicia Keys, Dr. Dre, JAY-Z, John Legend, Lenny Kravitz, Lil Wayne, Mariah Carey, Missy Elliott, and Sylvia Rhone.

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