Beyonce and Jay Z made an important appearance at last night's City of Hope gala that's an annual charity event that raises money for cancer research. Every year someone who has fundamentally impacted music and entertainment gets recognized and this year's recipient was chairman and CEO of Warner/Chappell Music Jon Platt, who has worked with Bey since 2005.
"Most people lead with their ego, but you lead with your heart,” Beyonce said of Jon, via Page Six. “You have touched so many lives, mine included." She also performed three singles for the event that included "Halo," and “Ava Maria."
Jay Z handed Jon the Spirit of Life award, calling him the "Obama of Music."
“I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award than my brother, Jon Platt,” Jay-Z told the estimated 1,000 attendees. “He’s known as ‘Big Jon’ and he has a beautiful soul.”
The award is City Of Hope's highest honour and because of Jon's many achievements in helping to further the music, film and entertainment industry - signing publishing deals with Jay-Z, Usher, Kanye West Snoop Dogg and more - his award is well deserved.
“As an African-American, I want to say that we’re more than just athletes and music artists. … We’re CEOs,” Jon said.