The Apollo Spring Benefit has returned to celebrate the theater’s 90 years of contributions to the American art canon.
This year’s performers include former Legacy Award honoree Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and multiplatinum artist Monica who will present Clive Davis with the Apollo Theater’s Legacy Award honor at the 2025 Apollo Spring Benefit on June 4 at 7:00 PM. The Apollo simultaneously announced that Busta Rhymes will headline a special performance tribute to Davis featuring Deborah Cox, Shoshana Bean, and others.
The widely anticipated event – the last before the globally renowned 91-year-old theater’s historic renovation – will also feature the induction of Davis into the Apollo’s Walk of Fame by Gamma Co-Founder, Larry Jackson and iconic music executive, L.A. Reid, as well as the presentation of the inaugural Innovator Award to multi-talented singer, songwriter, actor and director, Teyana Taylor.
Clive Davis
Clive Davis is being recognized by The Apollo for his pivotal role shaping the careers of many of contemporary music’s most iconic Black artists. With a career spanning over six decades, Davis’ visionary leadership and unwavering belief in talent, equality and bridging gaps between audiences have left an indelible mark on the soundtrack of our lives.
“It’s a deeply meaningful moment,” said Michelle Ebanks, President & CEO of The Apollo. “To see visionary leaders and legendary artists unite on one stage—honoring the remarkable work of Clive Davis, the ingenious spirit of Teyana Taylor, and the iconic legacy of The Apollo. It will be a powerful celebration of music’s transformative influence on culture, and the boundless creativity that shapes our world.”
From the earliest days at Columbia Records, through his groundbreaking work at Arista and J Records, and currently, as Sony Music Entertainment’s Worldwide Creative Director, Davis has consistently championed Black artists. His keen ear and deep respect for artistry have helped launch, elevate or reenergize the careers of such legends as Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Earth, Wind & Fire, Miles Davis, Dionne Warwick, Usher, Gamble & Huff, Ray Parker, Jr., Jennifer Hudson, Herbie Hancock, Fantasia, Toni Braxton, George Benson, Luther Vandross, OutKast and TLC, among many others.
Davis has a special personal connection to “Babyface” Edmonds and Larry Jackson. In 1989, Edmonds cofounded LaFace Records with L.A. Reid through a major joint venture with Davis’ Arista Records. The record label was a catalyst for Atlanta’s burgeoning music industry, signing renowned global artists such as Usher, TLC, Toni Braxton, and more. Davis mentored Jackson which culminated in his driving critical A&R work for RCA Music Group and Sony Music that propelled the superstardom of Santana, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick and many more.