Collaborating and Giving Back
My heart and prayers have gone out to the people affected by the devastating fires in California. Many of us know someone who has been impacted by them. And so many other tragedies across the country, from Washington D.C. to New Orleans, Philadelphia, and the Carolinas.
When I watched the GRAMMY Awards, I felt inspired by the renewed sense of purpose and collaboration among musicians and the industry. During times of crisis, music has the power to unite, uplift, and support in meaningful ways. The awards show raised significant funds to assist wildfire relief efforts and honored the bravery and commitment of first responders who risk their lives to protect others.
During GRAMMY Awards week, the music industry raised over $120 million. A representative from the Recording Academy informed CNN that Sunday night’s telecast raised $9 million.
According to a press release from the FireAid organization, the benefit concert held last Thursday, featuring artists such as Billie Eilish, Gwen Stefani, Joni Mitchell, and Pink, is expected to exceed $100 million in proceeds.
I have always appreciated commercials, and yes, I do watch them. I was texting friends during the Super Bowl commercials this past Sunday with thoughts on the different commercials. Staying focused on the GRAMMY Awards, I was impressed by the ads for local small businesses that were aired, supported by musicians in the music industry to help bring business back to the community. These commercials would typically be beyond the affordability of small businesses, but various powers that be made it happen.
On the night of the GRAMMYs, a unique medley was performed to honor the life of Quincy Jones, the iconic composer and producer who won 28 GRAMMYs in his career and died in November 2024 at age 91.
The tribute included:
Cynthia Erivo delivered a show-stopping rendition of Quincy Jones’s classic, “Fly Me to the Moon.” Quincy Jones created the original arrangement with Frank Sinatra, and Erivo’s performance was outstanding.
Janelle Monáe honored Quincy Jones's transformative influence on pop and R&B music with a dynamic performance of “Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough.” Originally recorded by Michael Jackson and produced by Quincy Jones, this track earned Jackson his first solo GRAMMY Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1980. Monáe remarked, “Music can heal. Community is so important.”
Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock performed a soulful, heartfelt rendition of “We Are the World" in tribute to Quincy Jones. I have been a fan of Stevie Wonder since I was young; “Songs in the Key of Life” is one of my favorite albums. As much as I admire his music, I was particularly moved when he spoke about Quincy Jones and his production of “We Are the World.”
He said, "You see those people on the screen? Do you see the ones up there?" Wonder continued as photos flashed from the song’s famous recording session. "That day, Quincy told us to check our egos at the door. And we are still the world. I say to you, we’re still the children; we are still the ones who will fight and die for this nation. So we definitely need to celebrate each other’s cultures all the time. You feel me?"
The anthem by USA for Africa won multiple GRAMMYs in 1986, including Record of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Another award presented was for Best Pop Duo Group Performance, which Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars won for their collaboration on their #1 hit, “Die With a Smile.” They honored the victims of the California fires by performing the Mamas and the Papas' classic, “California Dreamin'."
Lady Gaga also took a moment to express her support for the Trans and Queer communities. “It’s an honor to sing for anyone in their time of need. Music is LOVE,” she stated.
Seeing these familiar music icons giving of themselves and collaborating was meaningful. They demonstrate a core principle of Slater Success: giving back and showing up for others.
If you're curious why I'm sharing this story about watching the GRAMMY Awards, it's because Slater Success, both as an organization and for me personally, has always been deeply committed to giving back and supporting those in need—whether individuals, organizations, or the world at large.
This commitment is one of the many reasons we host a series each year highlighting non-profit organizations making a significant impact in our world. Stay tuned for our upcoming newsletter, featuring five women business leaders dedicated to giving back and advocating for others. Notably, these women started their careers in various fields outside of the non-profit sector. Every female leader we interviewed for the NFP Series has transitioned to making contributions through an altruistic non-profit platform.
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