Last night, ASCAP honored veteran music executive Antonio “L.A.” Reid at its 3rd annual Legends Dinner in Atlanta. The evening was hosted by singer-songwriter Usher, who has worked with Reid throughout his career.
Big names came out to celebrate the undeniable impact Reid has made on the music industry. Some of the evenings guest included Big Boi, Babyface, Kandi Burruss, Kawan ”KP” Prather, Sean Garrett, Brian Michael Cox and DJ Eddie F, who spoke highly of his colleague and the things he has done to refine the meaning of being an executive and artist.
“He’s just a quality person,” Eddie F said of Reid. “When you think of something of quality that has a certain level of class to it, that’s L.A. Reid. Professionalism, along with all of these hot records and artists, that excellence that he brings just makes it so much more.”
Singer-songwriter Sean Garrett, who signed his first publishing deal with Reid back in 2003 shared similar sentiments towards the man responsible for introducing acts like OutKast and TLC to the mainstream.
“L.A. Reid is everything to me,” Garrett said. “He’s pushed me and given me so much to think about when it comes to being the best. He’s knows how to challenge you and bring out the best, sometimes without you even knowing it. This is a long overdue honor.”
Reid’s daughter, Ashley, came out to celebrate a moment she takes pride in.
“I’m very proud of my parents and the fact that they made the city of Atlanta a place where people can make their dreams come true,” she said.
Each year, ASCAP’s Rhythm & Soul division recognizes individuals who have brought great honor to the city of Atlanta through their achievements in music. Pebbles was honored last year.
-Erika Benton-Martin (@leftcoast_rika)
