Roc Nation held its first annual Pre-Grammy Brunch, and the star-studded event did not disappoint. The event featured hip hop moguls, music executives, and musicians. Along with Roc Nation’s Jay-Z, Beyonce, Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Kelly Rowland, Big Sean, J. Cole, Tyrese, and Miguel were all in attendance. Even Gayle King made an appearance at Roc Nation’s party. Sneaker fanatics were happy to report that Kanye West wore his Yeezus Boost sneakers for the first time in public. Maybe it had something to do with West’s countdown on his website is for the release date of the infamous Yeezus sneakers? Beyonce, who will be performing tonight at the Grammys, was spotted sharing drinks with Nas, Steve Stout, and New England Patriots’ owner Robert Kraft. The Roc Nation gala also marked the first time Kelly Rowland made an appearance since giving birth in November. Some of the other attendees at the party included Nicki Minaj, Fabolous, Jhene Aiko, Sevyn Streeter, Jazmine Sullivan, and Kylie Minogue.
On the other side of town, Clive Davis hosted his pre-Grammy gala. Davis’ event featured performances from John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, Sam Smith, Pharrell Williams, Iggy Azalea, Meghan Trainor, Carole King, and Johnny Mathis. Smith performed “My Funny Valentine” and his Grammy-nominated song “Stay With Me.” Smokey Robinson, Miguel, Aloe Blacc, and JC Chasez (‘N Sync) all performed “My Girl” together. Mary J. Blige also joined Robinson to perform “Being With You.” Observers said the whole room stood up when the legendary Johnny Mathis started singing. The artist stole the show when he performed his hits “It’s Not For Me to Say,” “Chances Are,” “Wonderful Wonderful,” and “Misty.”
Before Martin Bandier (CEO Sony/ATV Music Publishing) accepted his President’s Merit Award, Carole King led the entire room of music executives and recording artists for a sing-along to “You’ve Got a Friend.” Pharrell Williams also performed “Happy” and “Get Lucky” in Bandier’s honor. Bandier gave a heartfelt speech about giving praise to songwriters, and their role in the music business. “I’ve always felt songwriters have never received the respect they deserve. They don’t do brand deals or share in lucrative touring; they’re not being adequately compensated in today’s digital world,” Bandier told the audience. He added, “We’re celebrating my success but I wouldn’t be here tonight without the songwriter I’ve worked with and care for. I’m going to make sure they will be fairly paid.” The night closed with a tribute to the Bee Gees, and Pentatonix performed a medley of the group’s hits. The Bee Gee’s Barry Gibb also performed “To Love Somebody” at the end of the night.