LOS ANGELES (AP) 鈥 In a pre-Grammy event, Mariah Carey used the Recording Academy stage to speak about fighting against conforming to certain music industry standards in an effort to create her music that would eventually appeal to the masses.
鈥淚 was not encouraged to focus on my love for Black music,鈥 Carey remarked Thursday night at the academy's Black Music Collective event in Los Angeles, where she and Lenny Kravitz were given the Global Impact Award.
The honorees received the award for their personal and professional achievements in the industry.
鈥淚t took countless arguments, endless tantrums and mostly unwavering determination,鈥 the five-time Grammy winner continued as she noted the first day of Black History Month. 鈥淏ut eventually, I was able to unveil my authentic self and create music from my heart. In doing so, I discovered a new sense of freedom and fulfillment.鈥
Stevie Wonder presented Carey with the award. But before he handed her the trophy, he serenaded to her with 鈥淜nocks Me Off My Feet鈥 and a snippet from 鈥淎ll I Do.鈥
鈥淓very time we meet up, talk and connect, for me it's like having a brand new day,鈥 Wonder said to Carey, who sat with her two children and Debbie Allen next to her. 鈥淚 love you into forever. I thank you for our friendship. I thank you for your heart. Consistent spirit of love that you show. I'm here because I do love you.鈥
Along with Wonder, several others paid tribute to Carey by singing renditions of her songs. Tori Kelly sang 鈥淰ision of Love,鈥 Yolanda Adams performed 鈥淢ake It Happen鈥 and Busta Rhymes rapped his portion of 鈥淚 Know What You Want,鈥 a song he did with Carey.
Babyface spoke about the first time meeting Carey and co-writing the song 鈥淣ever Forget You.鈥 The singer performed a few of his songs including 鈥淓very Time I Close My Eyes鈥 before he told the audience the late Aretha Franklin once complimented that Carey was 鈥渙ne of the good ones.鈥
During her acceptance speech, Carey congratulated Kravitz, who was honored earlier in the show.
鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 be happier to be in the same room and honored on the same night as you,鈥 she said.
H.E.R., who presented Kravitz his award, remembered as a kid when she told her father she wanted to be just like the musician one day.
鈥淚t made me at 6 years old say to my dad 鈥業 want to play the guitar, I want to be a rockstar. I want to be like Lenny Kravitz,鈥" she said as the audience applauded. 鈥淟enny, you are the epitome of creativity without boundaries. You changed the way people around the world hear music and see artists. Your authenticity continues to inspire me and so many to be free in creativity. It makes me fall in love with music over, over, and over again.鈥
During his speech, Kravitz said he was influenced by some of the greats including Duke Ellington, The Jackson 5, Miles Davis, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Marvin Gaye, Rick James, Prince and John Coltrane.
鈥淪o many geniuses and so many genres informed my spirit,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 could go on all night about these musical masters who molded me. I love all of these musicians. I love this music because it feeds our hearts and strengthens our resolve to keep our hope. A healing to a wounded world. To be a part of the lineage is a privilege I cherish.鈥
After Kravitz stepped off stage, he was also honored by those who performed some of his greatest hits.
Funk musician George Clinton, rapper Quavo, Earth, Wind & Fire bassist Verdine White and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith joined together on stage to perform 鈥淔ly Away.鈥
Other show performers included singers Andra Day and Gabby Samone along with Erica Campbell of gospel group Mary Mary and Nigerian singer Davido.
