Common Accepts SAG-AFTRA & SoundExchange’s Artist Impact Award: ‘Makes Me Feel Like I’ve Got to Do More’
The new award honors an artist whose work crosses creative boundaries.
On Thursday, September 24, at The Luckman Club/Soho West in Hollywood, artist Common received the SAG-AFTRA and SoundExchange's inaugural Artist Impact Award. The award recognizes artists who cross creative boundaries, have shaped culture, expanded artistic possibilities, and inspired new forms of storytelling. Prior to the ceremony, Common, SAG-AFTRA national executive director & chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, and SoundExchange president/CEO Michael Huppe discussed the award's origins and significance with Billboard.
Common expressed that he doesn't always seek awards for his social activist work, as his motivations are to elevate people and be a light for others. He felt inspired by his role in the movie Selma and now feels a sense of obligation to do more. The Artist Impact Award was born out of a two-decade partnership between SAG-AFTRA and SoundExchange, which distributes 5% of its annual collections to support non-featured performers.
The award committee included Grammy, Oscar, and Emmy winner Andra Day, Rebecca Ferguson, Janelle Monáe, and Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson. Notable guests at the intimate luncheon included Universal Music Group general counsel Jeffrey Harleston, veteran tour manager Tina Farris, Grammy-winning producer-songwriter No I.D., and actress Anthony Anderson.
Common also announced the launch of Jeffery Park, his new wine brand created in partnership with Argentine winemaker Karim Mussi and Gopuff.
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