Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz honoured at pre-Grammy Black Music Collective event

LOS ANGELES (AP)

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.

“I was not encouraged to focus on my love for black music,” 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.

“It took countless arguments, endless tantrums and mostly unwavering determination,” the five-time Grammy winner continued as she noted the first day of Black History Month. “But eventually, I was able to unveil my authentic self and create music from my heart.”

Stevie Wonder presented Carey with the award and serenaded her with Knocks Me Off My Feet and a snippet from All I Do.

“Every time we meet up, talk and connect, for me it's like having a brand new day,” Wonder said to Carey, who sat with her two children and Debbie Allen next to her.

Several others paid tribute to Carey by singing renditions of her songs. Tori Kelly sang Vision of Love; Yolanda Adams performed Make It Happen; and Busta Rhymes rapped his portion of their collab, I Know What You Want. Babyface spoke about the first time meeting Carey and co-writing the song N ever Forget You.

During her acceptance speech, Carey congratulated Kravitz, who was honoured earlier in the show.

H.E.R., who presented Kravitz his award, remembered as a child when she told her father she wanted to be just like the musician one day.

“Lenny, you are the epitome of creativity without boundaries. You changed the way people around the world hear music and see artistes. 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,” H.E.R. said.

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.

“So many geniuses and so many genres informed my spirit,” he said. “I could go on all night about these musical masters who moulded me. I love all of these musicians. I love this music because it feeds our hearts and strengthens our resolve to keep our hope. To be a part of the lineage is a privilege I cherish.”

Kravitz was also honoured by those who performed some of his greatest hits. Among them were George Clinton, Quavo, Verdine White, Chad Smith, Andra Day, Gabby Samone, Erica Campbell and Davido.