Super Bowl LVII: Is Interstate 65 really named after Kenneth Edmonds aka Babyface?
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA: Kenneth Edmonds, aka Babyface, who will perform 'America the Beautiful' during Super Bowl LVII, has had an Interstate named after him. A 20-mile stretch of I-65 in Indianapolis was dedicated after Edmonds in 1999.
The Interstate highway was dedicated to the 12-time Grammy Award winner on July 16, 1999, during a special ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda. In a statement announcing the ceremony at the time, former Governor Frank O'Bannon said, "Kenny Edmonds has made great strides in the entertainment industry and has brought great distinction to the state of Indiana through his music and by never forgetting to give back to the community," as reported by MTV. The Indiana General Assembly decided to dedicate a section of the interstate to Babyface by passing a House Resolution on April 6, 1999. At the dedication ceremony, Edmonds donated $110,000 to initiatives that support young Indiana children's artistic interests. Beneficiaries included the Youth Video Institute, a television production course for local teenagers, and Save the Music, a project that aids in restoring and supporting music programs in public schools.
RELATED ARTICLES
Pandemic Playlist: Top 5 Babyface tracks that'll take you right back to the old, carefree days
Did you know that in 1999 , a 40 km stretch of interstate 65 that runs through Indianapolis was renamed the Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds Highway. This was for his contribution in founding and helping make musicians like Boyz II Men , May J Blige, Toni Braxton , TLC, Beyoncé etc pic.twitter.com/HjxmCF7EEe
— Did you know Facts ? (@Didyouknowza81) November 1, 2022
'15 minutes backed up on the Kenneth Babyface Edmonds just doesn't have that ring to me'
The Indianapolis native acknowledged being honored at the time, but he wasn't certain that the traffic helicopter slang for his name would work. "Just being honest, 15 minutes backed up on the Kenneth Babyface Edmonds just doesn't have that ring to me," Edmonds humorously stated, according to Indystar.
Babyface has amassed several Grammy Awards throughout his career and contributed to the recording or production of singles and albums that have collectively sold more than 80 million copies. He has also produced hit songs for several other artists, including Madonna, Boyz II Men, Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, Ariana Grande, and Pink.
Edmonds joined Antonio 'L.A.' Reid in establishing LaFace Records in 1989. Usher, OutKast, and TLC are just a few of the artists and bands the record company has worked with. He has composed and produced songs for a range of artists, including Ariana Grande's 'Baby I', Boyz II Men's 'I'll Make Love to You', and Madonna's 'Take a Bow'."
Edmonds was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017
In 2014, Edmonds' joint album 'Love, Marriage & Divorce' with Toni Braxton took home the Grammy for best R&B album. His immense recognition in the music industry led to his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017.
Three albums by Edmonds have been certified multiple platinum: 'Tender Lover' (1989), 'For the Cool in You' (1993), and 'The Day' (1996). 'When Can I See You', 'Every Time I Close My Eyes' and 'For the Cool in You' are some of his best-known songs.