Clive Davis’s annual pre-Grammy gala, a dazzling confluence of music royalty and Hollywood’s elite, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024, rebranded as the Pre-Grammy Fundraising Gala to support those impacted by the recent Los Angeles wildfires. The event, a tradition held on the eve of the Grammy Awards, has become an institution, much like Davis himself, now an impressive 92 years old. This year’s gala, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, upheld the tradition of showcasing both established icons and rising stars in a night of unforgettable performances and heartwarming tributes. The guest list glittered with A-list celebrities and music industry giants, further cementing the gala’s status as a pivotal event in the music calendar.
The evening’s musical journey commenced with a high-octane performance by The Black Crowes, whose Chris and Rich Robinson, accompanied by Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers on drums, Metallica’s Rob Trujillo on bass, and Andrew Watt on guitar, ignited the stage with their electrifying renditions of Led Zeppelin classics “Whole Lotta Love” and “Good Times, Bad Times.” The energy set the tone for a night of diverse musical offerings, blending classic hits with contemporary sounds. Comedian Jimmy Kimmel, serving as emcee, injected his signature humor into the proceedings, playfully referring to the event as “Clive’s Bar Mitzvah” while keeping the audience entertained throughout the night with his witty commentary.
The musical performances that followed showcased a diverse range of artists and genres. Michael Bublé, paying homage to the legendary Quincy Jones, delivered a smooth rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon,” a song arranged and recorded by Jones with Sinatra and Count Basie. Post Malone captivated the audience with a beautiful performance of his hit “Sunflower,” while Barry Manilow charmed with his timeless classic “Mandy.” The legendary Joni Mitchell graced the stage with two of her iconic songs, “Both Sides Now” and “Summertime.” The gala also provided a platform for emerging talent, with performances by Best New Artist nominees Benson Boone, Teddy Swims, and Doechii, along with Shaboozey and Samara Joy, all adding their unique voices to the evening’s musical tapestry.
Beyond the stage, the ballroom buzzed with a star-studded guest list that mirrored the evening’s diverse musical landscape. Attendees included a mix of musicians, actors, and industry figures, such as Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley, Benny Blanco, Diplo, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Berry Gordy, Jennifer Hudson, Machine Gun Kelly, Alicia Keys, Gladys Knight, Nancy Pelosi, Rhapsody, John Stamos, Paul Stanley, Diane Warren, and Willow. The presence of such a diverse and influential crowd underscored the gala’s significance as a major social event within the music and entertainment industry.
In keeping with the gala’s tradition, this year’s event honored Jody Gerson, the CEO of Universal Music Publishing, for her outstanding contributions to the music industry. Introduced by Universal Music Group CEO Lucian Grainge, Gerson shared her inspiring journey, including an anecdote about sneaking into the gala in her younger days. She reflected on the lessons learned throughout her career and highlighted the responsibilities that come with her position, emphasizing the importance of using her influence to positively impact the lives of artists and colleagues. Her speech provided a moment of reflection amidst the festivities, underscoring the importance of leadership and mentorship within the music business.
Gerson’s speech also addressed the crucial need for prioritizing mental health care within the industry. She praised artists like Billie Eilish, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and Chappel Roan, who have openly discussed their struggles with mental health, helping to destigmatize the issue and encourage others to seek help. Gerson’s decision to join the board of Project Healthy Minds, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving mental health outcomes, further demonstrated her commitment to this important cause. Her words resonated powerfully within the room, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue and support within the industry regarding mental well-being.
The evening concluded on a poignant and uplifting note, with Clive Davis sharing a personal anecdote about Whitney Houston’s fondness for the gala, calling it her “favorite night of the year.” Following this touching tribute, gospel singer Yolanda Adams delivered a stirring rendition of Houston’s signature song, “I Will Always Love You,” filling the room with emotion and bringing the 50th anniversary gala to a fitting close. The performance served as a powerful reminder of Houston’s legacy and the enduring impact of her music, while also highlighting the gala’s history as a platform for celebrating iconic artists and their contributions to the music world.
