Recording Academy Honors 2026: Celebrating Pharrell Williams, Brandy, and Kirk Franklin
Grammy Week 2026 is set to be a significant event, with the Recording Academy's Black Music Collective announcing that Pharrell Williams, Brandy, and Kirk Franklin will be honored at the fourth annual Recording Academy Honors. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, January 29, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, just days before the official Grammy Awards ceremony on Sunday, February 1 at Crypto.com Arena.
Pharrell Williams will be presented with the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, recognizing his musical excellence, cultural influence, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. Williams has made a mark in the music industry, film, fashion, and charitable endeavors.
Brandy and Kirk Franklin will both receive the Black Music Icon Award, celebrating their contributions to the industry and their ability to inspire generations. Brandy's career spans from her breakout in the '90s to her recent music releases and acting roles, while Franklin has reshaped contemporary gospel music with his faith-driven messages and modern sounds.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. praised the honorees as visionaries and masters of their craft, whose legacies transcend genres and shape culture. The event's music supervisor will be Adam Blackstone, with past honorees including Alicia Keys, JAY-Z, Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey, and Dr. Dre.
The Recording Academy Honors is part of the larger Grammy Week schedule, a series of official events celebrating nominees, industry leaders, and the music community. Grammy Week will culminate with the 2026 Grammys broadcast on CBS and Paramount+, with the Premiere Ceremony airing earlier in the day at the Peacock Theater.