From Left to Right: Honorees Siedah Garrett & Maxwell at the Toyota Sponsored Annual ” Breakfast Club” Grammy Brunch on February 12. Photo: Donald Traill for Toyota
LOS ANGELES–On February 12, the day when music’s elite gather for the Grammy Awards, Toyota and multiple award-winning producer, Bryan-Michael Cox, joined forces for their annual event to honor music legends and emerging artists who are those making moves at Cox’s “Breakfast Club” Grammy brunch at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles.
The event brought out celebrities, music executives and influencers such as: Kandi Burruss, Goapele, actor Keith Robinson, Amanda Seales, Sway Calloway, Earth Wind and Fire’s Verdine White, R&B singer/songwriter Major, fitness guru AJ Johnson, Full Force, television journalist Sharon Carpenter, director Anthony Hemingway, actress Melyssa Ford, television personality Julissa Bermudez and more.
This year, architect of the neo-soul sound, R&B singer Maxwell, along with long-respected industry songwriter, Siedah Garrett (co-writer of Michael Jackson’s hit song, “Man in the Mirror”) joined the celebrated roster of music all-stars as this year’s honorees. In years past, the Breakfast Club brunch has honored major industry influencers, such as Sean “Diddy” Combs, Swizz Beatz, Jon Platt, Chris Hicks, and DJ Khaled.
After accepting her award, Siedah Garrett (who mentioned she “side hustles” as the voice of Toyota in their commercials) gave a rousing inspirational speech that brought the entire room to their feet. As Maxwell accepted his award, he discussed his longevity in the music industry and encouraged young artists and songwriters to create music with dignity that they will be proud of at age 50 and beyond.
Also, Guordan Banks, a young, emerging singer and songwriter, who recently released the #1 chart-topping song, “Keep You In Mind,” received special acknowledgement during the event. Banks, who overcame a speech impediment as a kid by using music to communicate to his family and friends, knows first hand the importance and healing power of music.
“At Toyota, we feel the gift to Music & Memory is a special way to ensure the celebration of music has a lasting and healthful impact in the lives of these patients,” says Toyota national marketing manager, Mia Phillips.
Cox, an award-winning producer, known for his extensive work with multiple platinum-selling R&B and pop artists, has hosted the annual brunch for over a decade, celebrating the work of top producers and songwriters in the industry. He has served as a long-time ambassador for the organization, working to connect his peers to the mission of Music & Memory, and personally committing his time to speaking around the country on behalf of the organization.
Toyota Music, a platform the brand cultivated to connect audiences with emerging artists and create unique experiences at music festivals like Lollapalooza, will be infused into the brunch, which will host more than 200 guests. Industry newcomers invited to the event will have the opportunity to network with industry veterans in a high-energy atmosphere.
