By ELIZABETH MONTGOMERY
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Celebrities came to Atlanta full force not just for Outkast’s #ATLast concert, but to honor renowned record executive Antonio “L.A.” Reid Thursday night in Buckhead.
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers Rhythm & Soul division honored Reid at a private dinner packed with Atlanta's musical heavy hitters and more.
Attendees included Usher, CeeLo Green, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Antwan Andre "Big Boi" Patton of Outkast, Timbaland, Sean Garrett, Brian Michael Cox, Goodie Mob, Sleepy Brown and Kandi Burruss.
Guests kicked off the night with a cocktail reception immediately followed by an intimate dinner ceremony.
“This is ASCAP’s special way of saying thanks for all that you do and have done,” said John Titta, ASCAP executive vice president of membership.
Patton began a round of recognition but not before a video played that was filled with a slew of artists from Reid’s repertoire including Jennifer Lopez, Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Rozonda “Chili” Thomas of TLC, Avril Lavigne, Mariah Carey, Bon Jovi, Pink and Toni Braxton.
“You gave us the freedom of expression, and that makes us who we are today,” said Patton about Reid.
Usher raised the bar with the notion that Atlanta is running things because Atlantans, “have the ability to be careless, be fearless, and change standards,” he said.
Edmonds and Grammy Award-winning R&B songwriter Daryl Simmons shared many fond memories with the room, including some funny moments with Michael Jackson which showed that not even the proclaimed “King of Pop” could sway Reid’s frame of mind.
“L.A. had the vision, this was his dream; he had the dream and I followed,” said Edmonds.
Toward the end of the dinner ceremony, Reid was given an award by ASCAP and gave a moving acceptance speech.
“Friends remind you of who you are,” he said. “I am proud of our Atlanta family.”
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