The Grammy-nominated R&B singer, was honoured for his long career as the lead singer of the Gap Band and as a solo artist.
Acceptance Speech
In his acceptance speech, he shared a memory from his early days in L.A. when he dreamt of having a star on Hollywood Boulevard.
He reflected on the journey, saying what seemed improbable back then is now a reality.
After telling a heartfelt story about how excited he felt when he saw the Hollywood Walk of Fame for the first time while The Gap Band visited L.A. to record the debut, Magician’s Holiday in 1974 and how he met Stevie Wonder the following day, Wilson opened up about how he’s been sober for 29 years.
“Life has a way of testing us, and after the success of The Gap Band, I found myself homeless on the streets of Hollywood. I could probably take 80 steps. And it was one of the side streets.
“I was hiding, and sleeping under cars,” he shared.
“It was during those challenging times, that I realised God had a plan for me.
“He broke me down to build me back up again, and I’m forever grateful for that experience.”
Wilson sang with his brothers in the Gap Band, in the ’70s and ’80s., Having survived prostate cancer in 2008, he now advocates for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
Present at the ceremony were Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Tyler, the Creator, and Ty Dolla Sign.
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