'Babyface' added to Jazz and Blues line-up
Published: Sunday | December 20, 2009
In a relatively short time, he has reached icon status as a poignant tunesmith, prolific hit maker/producer, superstar recording artiste, and revolutionary label owner. He is a statistical juggernaut who keeps adding milestone after milestone to a legacy that seems to have no threshold or peak in sight.
A 10-time Grammy winner with 11 solo albums of his own, Edmonds has more than 125 Top-10 R&B and Pop hits, 42 #1 R&B hits, and 51 Top-10 Pop hits (including 16 #1's), which have produced singles and album sales in excess of 500 million units worldwide.
numerous awards
Just a few of the vocalists from which his music can be heard: Whitney Houston, Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey, Madonna, Eric Clapton, Mary J. Blige, Michael Jackson, TLC, Toni Braxton, Celine Dion, John Mellencamp, Brandy, Aretha Franklin, Fall Out Boy, Pink, Charlie Wilson and Chrisette Michele.
He is the recipient of numerous awards, including Soul Train Music Awards, BMI Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and American Music Awards. Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds was the recipient of the third BET Walk of Fame Award (previous honourees were Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston), and was named BET's 'Entertainer of the Year' at the First Annual BET Awards Ceremony. He is also set to receive a star on Hollywood's legendary Walk of Fame.
care and generosity
Edmonds' charitable work is as impressive as his professional accomplishments. His care and generosity have garnered him several awards, including the Essence Award for Excellence, The City of Hope Award, and Variety magazine's 'Top of the Town' Honouree Award. He was National Spokesman for Boarder Babies, and personally helped raise over $500,000 for a transitional home, The Little Blue House, located in Washington, DC.
'Babyface' has also personally donated over $100,000 to the VH-1 Save the Music programme. He continues to contribute to a host of other worthwhile organisations, including the United Negro College Fund.
In 2008, 'Babyface' co-wrote and produced the song Just Stand Up with long-time partner Antonio 'L.A.' Reid, which served as the backbone of a multi-network breast cancer awareness special. Most recently, Edmonds and LA Reid were honoured by the Noble Awards for their contribution to 'Stand Up To Cancer'.
Edmonds has also launched a new record label through Island Def Jam, 'Soda Pop Records', with its first release by Kristinia DeBarge.