When I think of my favorite songs, most of them are from the 90’s era of R&B. Mary J. Blige, Jodeci and all of Bad Boy represent some of my favorite early memories. The man responsible for these acts and the ones they’d influence is Mr. Andre Harrell. He died suddenly on May 9 at 59 years old.

To honor his life and legacy the biggest names in fashion, film, and music will memorialize one of the cultural architects for black media and the founder of Uptown Records, the late Andre Harrell, also known endearingly by close family and friends as “Mr. Champagne and Bubbles.”

Fans can watch the celebration commercial-free SUNDAY MAY 24^th on BET, BET Jams, BET Soul, and REVOLT TV. You can also stream it on all iOne Digital Brands and FOX Soul online or mobile app.

The 2-hour long special will feature guest tributes by Chris Rock, Mariah Carey, Naomi Campbell, Jamie Foxx, Babyface, Lee Daniels, Robin Thicke, and more.

In partnership with BET and Jesse Collins Entertainment, Harrell announced late last year that the production of a 3-part miniseries on the rise of Uptown Records, which is slated for release in 2021. 

More about Andre Harrell

As the Founder of Uptown Records, Andre 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 the hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. By the end of 1994, Billboard Magazine ranked Uptown second amongst all the major labels for the number of charted R&B singles and fifth for R&B charted albums.

Known for his creative genius and keeping his hand on the pulse of the joyful side of black culture, while leading Uptown, Harrell expanded into television and film where he created, and executive produced the first multicultural major network television drama ever, “New York Undercover,” starring Malik Yoba, Michael DeLorenzo and Lauren Velez. He also created and executive produced two of the first films to star women of color, Strictly Business and Honey, where he cast both Halle Berry and Jessica Alba respectively, in their first leading roles in a major motion picture.

In 1995, Andre became the president and CEO of Motown Records, during which he oversaw the careers of Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and Queen Latifah. During this time, he also discovered and launched superstars 98 Degrees and Mario Winans. After leaving Motown, Andre became president of Bad Boy Records overseeing the careers of Puff Daddy, Faith Evans, 112, Carl Thomas, and more.  

Leading with innovative philanthropy, in 1995 as the AIDS crisis was sweeping across the country, inspired by the death of rapper Eazy-E, Andre created and produced the benefit concert, Urban Aid 4 Lifebeat at Madison Square Garden televised on BET and MTV. He continued this work alongside Bono and Bobby Shriver by introducing the (RED) campaign for HIV/AIDs awareness to the urban market.

Andre founded Nu America Records and launched the career of one of today’s leading vocalists and chart-toppers, Robin Thicke. He executive produced the most significant single in the history of radio with Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams’ “Blurred Lines” – the most played radio song in 2013. 

Andre is survived by his brother Greg, his father Bernie, and his twenty-five-year-old son, Gianni, who he described as “his best friend.”