Some of the biggest names in music, movies, television and fashion will come together on Sunday, May 24, to remember late Uptown Records founder Andre Harrell.
Harrell passed away at his home in West Hollywood, California earlier this month. He was 59.
In a joint press release Tuesday, BET Networks, Revolt TV, iONE and Fox Soul announced the late music executive will be honored during a commercial-free special titled A Tribute to Andre Harrell: Mr Champagne & Bubbles.
Harrell was known to friends and family as “Mr Champagne & Bubbles.” The broadcast will feature tributes by Chris Rock, Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Babyface, Naomi Campbell, Lee Daniels, Robin Thicke, Russell Simmons, Kimora Lee Simmons, and Clarence Avant. More artists are expected to be announced later.
Related Story: Diddy and Mary J. Blige Remember Andre Harrell
The broadcast will be executive produced by Wendy Credle, Rikki Hughes and Harrell’s son, Gianni Credle-Harrell,
“There is a divine message when a soul as bright as Andre’s, Mr. Champagne & Bubbles, the official life of the party, chooses to transition during a time when so many people whose lives he touched so deeply, cannot get together to console each other,” Credle said in a statement.
“This tribute is our gift to Andre,” Credle added. “You made us happy. This you can bet, you stood right beside us, and we won’t forget.”
As founder of Uptown Records, Harrell launched the careers of Mary J. Blige, Heavy D and the Boyz, Jodeci, Al B. Sure, Anthony Hamilton, The Lost Boyz, Teddy Riley and Guy, while also mentoring Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Combs has paid tribute to his friend and mentor with multiple posts on Instagram, at one point writing: “I miss you. He was so kind. So beautiful. So patient.”
In 1993, Harrell parted ways with Combs, who then launched Bad Boy Records. In 1995, Harrell became the president and CEO of Motown Records. After leaving Motown, he joined Bad Boy Records.
Harrell expanded into television and film where he created and executive produced the 1990s television drama New York Undercover starring Malik Yoba, Michael DeLorenzo, Patti D’Arbanville and Lauren Velez. He also executive produced the films Strictly Business (1991) and Honey (2003), where Halle Berry and Jessica Alba were cast in their first leading roles in a major motion picture.
The late music exec is survived by his brother Greg, his father Bernie, and his twenty-five-year-old son, Gianni.
The tribute to Andre Harrell will air on Sunday, May 24, 2020, at 7pm ET/4 pm PT. Fans can watch the special on BET, BET Jams, BET Soul and Revolt TV, and online via iONE digital brands, YouTube, and on Fox Soul (www.foxsoul.tv) or via the Fox Soul App.
