Pre-GRAMMY Gala 2017
Clive Davis and The Recording Academy® are set to present the annual Pre-GRAMMY® Gala on Saturday, February 11, 2017, at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. This prestigious event occurs the evening before the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards®, bringing together music industry leaders and renowned artists to celebrate the achievements in music.
Honoring Debra L. Lee
As part of this year’s celebration, BET Networks Chairman and CEO Debra L. Lee will receive the 2017 GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons® award. This honor recognizes her significant contributions to the music industry, particularly her innovative leadership and commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the entertainment sector.
A Celebrated Tradition
Sponsored by Hilton, Mastercard, JBL by HARMAN, and Delta Airlines, the invitation-only Pre-GRAMMY Gala has established itself as one of the music industry’s most prestigious events. For nearly a decade, the gala has included a presentation to honor industry luminaries through The Recording Academy’s GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons Award, celebrating those who have made remarkable contributions to the music landscape.
Previous Honorees
Past recipients of the GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons Award include notable figures such as Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss, Irving Azoff, and Martin Bandier, among others. These honorees represent a diverse range of influential leaders who have shaped the music industry and inspired future generations of artists and executives.
Recognition from The Recording Academy
Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy, expressed pride in honoring Debra L. Lee, highlighting her groundbreaking vision and philanthropic efforts. He noted that her elevation of BET has had a profound impact on both the industry and broader culture, emphasizing the importance of recognizing female leaders in music.
Clive Davis’ Tribute
Clive Davis, co-host of the Pre-GRAMMY Gala, shared his excitement about honoring Lee. He acknowledged her dedication to BET and her role in raising the profile of African-American businesswomen. Davis emphasized that Lee’s contributions to the network and the industry as a whole are deserving of this prestigious recognition.
Debra L. Lee’s Acceptance
In her acceptance remarks, Debra L. Lee expressed her gratitude for receiving the GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons Award. She reflected on the integral role of music in BET’s identity and her commitment to using entertainment as a means to educate, inspire, and effect change within communities. Lee proudly noted her position as the first woman to join this esteemed group of industry trailblazers.
A Respected Leader
Recently inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, Lee is recognized as one of the most respected business executives in the country. As the Chairman and CEO of BET Networks, she leads the premier media and entertainment company for African-Americans and advocates for black culture, making her one of the highest-ranking African-American women in media.
Educational Background and Impact
Lee is a graduate of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and Harvard Law School. Under her leadership, BET has successfully revitalized its brand, creating quality programming that resonates with its audience. Notable shows include “Being Mary Jane,” “Real Husbands Of Hollywood,” and the celebrated “BET Awards,” along with the upcoming miniseries “The New Edition Story.”
Career Milestones
Before becoming CEO in March 1996, Lee served as the network’s executive vice president of strategic business development. In 2003, she was awarded the Distinguished Vanguard Award for Leadership from the NCTA, becoming the first African-American female executive to receive this honor. Under her guidance, BET has consistently delivered quality programming to over 90 million households domestically and more than 38 million homes internationally.