NEW YORK — The Apollo Theater on Monday welcomed a new name to the Walk of Fame, Grammy-winning singer and producer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds.
Behind the microphone or in the booth, Babyface has been impressing for decades with hit after hit. Actor Craig Robinson and rapper Fat Joe were among those who joined star-signing music director Clive Davis to thank Babyface, his label and production partner LA Reid for their incredible impact on the industry.
“Producing hit records is very different from discovering new hit artists,” Davis noted, “with TLC, with Usher, with OutKast, with Pink, with Toni Braxton, it really made history.”
“It’s only fitting that some of the biggest names in entertainment are here to celebrate one of the biggest names in entertainment.” said Michelle Ebanks, president and CEO of Apollo Theater.
Also in attendance was Mary J. Blige, a former Apollo Walk of Fame inductee and the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, who worked with Babyface on one of the biggest songs of her career.
“When he presented ‘Not Gon’ Cry’ to me, I couldn’t believe my ears because it was about everything, exactly what I was feeling and dealing with,” Blige said.
In accepting the honor, Babyface acknowledged all others who worked with him on his path to success.
“I never thought I would get this,” Babyface said. “I never really saw myself here at the Apollo. I didn’t want to perform here because I didn’t want to get booed, but I didn’t get booed, so I’m so glad I came here for the Apollo.”
His name will now live on forever among great ones, his colleagues and friends.
The celebration of the 90th anniversary will conclude on Tuesday with Apollo’s annual spring benefit.
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