Trailblazing record executive Sylvia Rhone is set to receive the Ultimate Icon award at the BET Awards in Los Angeles later this month, the network announced on Thursday.
Rhone is one of the most influential record executives in the history of the music business, a ceiling-breaking figure in an industry where women and minorities have often been under-represented. She was the first woman and black woman to be named CEO of a major record label, and had leadership roles at iconic labels like Motown, Elektra, Atlantic Records and, most recently, Epic.
Rhone had joined Epic back in 2014 as president, and she was named CEO of the label in 2019. She stepped down from the company in 2025.
“I have worked in our industry since vinyl ruled, and women were rarely if ever in line for C-level or even vice-presidential roles,” Rhone wrote in a memo upon her departure. “I am proud of my achievements, and of my commitment to those who take inspiration from them.”
Across her career, Among the acts she’s worked with are Stevie Wonder, Missy Elliot, Busta Rhymes, Erykah Badu, Future, 21 Savage, DJ Khaled and Travis Scott.
“Sylvia Rhone’s influence extends far beyond the music business and into the culture itself,” Connie Orlando, executive vp and head of programming for BET, said in a statement. “She championed artists and executives, shattered ceilings that had never been broken and redefined what leadership looks like for women and people of color in every boardroom that followed. Her legacy is heard in the music, seen in the careers she built and felt in the generation of leaders walking the path she cleared.”
The BET Awards are set for June 28 live at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with Druski hosting.
Earlier this week, the show announced Teyana Taylor will receive the icon of the year award as well.
More honorees and performers will be revealed in the coming weeks ahead of the show.
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