Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage
The eve of The Grammy Awards absolutely belongs to legendary music executive and producer Clive Davis and has so for 39 years. Today’s hottest music stars came out in significant numbers to the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, CA to attend Davis’ marvelous affair saluting industry icons.
Before the formal presentation the night was all about the music. It was a contingent night of classic stars with stellar performances from Pharrell, Sam Smith, Mary J. Blige, Smokie Robinson with Jamie Foxx, Aloe Blacc, JC Chasez and Miguel, John Legend, Johnny Mathis, and Carole King. As Sam Smith got the night going with his cover of “My Funny Valentine” and his Record of the Year awarded “Stay With Me”, the night was turned up another notch when Smokie Robinson handed Jamie Foxx the mic. Foxx delivered some riffs and runs that only the actor/comedian/singer could deliver. Philip Bailey of the legendary R&B group Earth, Wind & Fire excited the crowd with his perfect falsetto. Mary J. Blige received a standing ovation for the power vocals she delivered with her performance of “Doubt”. It was only Johnny Mathis who could bring the whole room to their feet before singing even one note. The 79-year-old emoted effortlessly through his biggest hits. Ricky Martin, Tyrese, Common, and Mary J. Blige all joined in to help Carole King sing “You’ve Got a Friend.” It seems like even with the stellar performances that preceded him, Pharrell Williams still seemed to steal the show with his performance of Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” and his hit “Happy.” Iggy Azalea and Rita Ora also performed “Black Widow”, Azalea and Jennifer Hudson “Trouble”, John Legend “All of Me”, and Meghan Trainor and Legend “Like I’m Gonna Lose You”.
After a hilarious video highlighting Bandier’s career, he took the stage to accept his Industry Icon President’s Merit Award thanking his family for allowing him to pour himself into music. He also expressed that he didn’t feel songwriters get their just dues and definitely aren’t compensated in several realms such as the digital and touring.
The Bee Gees, who were awarded a lifetime achievement award by the Recording Academy, were tributed as the ceremony closed.