Legendary entertainment Executive Andre Harrell unfortunately passed away on May 7th due to heart failure at just 59 years old. To celebrate the man who birthed many top-notch names in the music industry, BET and REVOLT TV teamed up to show their respect.

While he is lauded for helping launch the careers of music luminaries Mary J. Blige and P. Diddy, the program saw moving addresses from some of Harrell’s closest entertainment industry friends, like Mariah Carey, Babyface, Pharrell Williams, Russell Simmons, Jamie Foxx, Kimora Lee Simmons, Robin Thicke, Naomi Campbell and more. The “Happy” singer said “I would not be here, as a musician, if it weren’t for him recognizing what was in Teddy Riley.” Continuing, he proclaimed, “If it wasn’t for him recognizing what was in Puff. [Andre] did that for scores of people, and those people went on to change the course of history through sound.”

Mariah Carey also chimed in, noting how upbeat Harrell was: “Anytime I was with Andre, I had fun. There will never be anyone else like him.” “He certainly had an impact on my life and so many people’s lives. I used to call him Guru and he called me Pop Diva Super Starlet.” Perhaps one of the most touching tributes of the night came from Babyface. While mourning the loss of his dear friend, he penned a touching ode dedicated to Harrell just two days following his death. “I remember how you smell. I remember how you laugh — how you always told your truth,” he heavenly sang. “Andre, you knew who you were, and I swear if nothing else, you taught me how to be me.” Watch the clip below.

Overall, while somber, the event was a success, as Andre Harrell was celebrated by many of those who knew him and were impacted by his work.

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Photo: John Salangsang/Shuttershock