Jay-Z to be honoured with 'Grammy Salute to Industry Icons Award' at pre-award gala

Rapper Jay-Z will be honoured with the Grammy Salute to Industry Icons Award at their Pre-Grammy Gala as reported by People. [caption id=“attachment_4189319” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”]  Jay-Z. YouTube[/caption] The renowned rapper, who commands a leading role in the music industry, both as an artist and businessman, will receive this award on 27 January at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, the night before the 60th annual Grammy Awards. “Jay-Z is a quintessential icon and I couldn’t be happier and more excited to share the evening with him. What a night this will be!” said industry legend and co-host of the gala, Clive Davis. Past winners of this honour include Barry Gordy, Richard Branson and Debra L Lee. This year, the Grammy Awards are returning to Manhattan. Grammy.com quotes president and CEO of the Recording Academy (which conducts the Grammy Awards) as saying, “His contributions as an industry trailblazer and music visionary only begin to touch on the tremendous impact he’s made both in entertainment and beyond. Jay-Z also embodies the vibrant spirit of New York City and we couldn’t imagine a more fitting honoree as we return to Manhattan for this year’s Grammy Awards." Jay-Z, who is currently on tour, also became the first hip-hop artist to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.