Backbeat: Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Pre-Grammy Reception

February 10, 2012 | By Gail Mitchell, Los Angeles

Billboard's Gail Mitchell and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney senior VP and wealth advisor Octavius T. 'Ted" Reid III.

Public and community service was the overriding theme at Hollywood's Falcon Restaurant last night (Feb. 9), the site of MorganStanley SmithBarney's pre-Grammy reception. Hosted by MSSB senior VP and wealth advisor Octavius T. 'Ted" Reid III, the jam-packed soiree brought forth a diverse mix of executives from the financial, legal and royalty realms. Networking, comparing party schedules and just plain chillin' was the order of the evening as a DJ spun tunes in the two-level venue.

READ ALL BILLBOARD.BIZ'S BACKBEATS RIGHT HERE

The three-hour event also doubled as a celebration honoring The Rhythm and Blues Foundation, of which Reid is a board member. "it's your foundation," said former Motown VP Iris Gordy during her brief talk about the non-profit organization, headed by chairman Damon Williams. Etta James, a recipient of the foundation's first Pioneer Awards in 1989, also served on the organization's board of directors in its early years. Following her recent death, Williams announced via press release that all contributions made in the singer's memory would go to the Doc Pomus Fund. The fund helps artists in need of financial or medical assistance.

CHECK OUT BILLBOARD.BIZ'S GRAMMY HUB HERE

Scott Coleman, VP/professional athletes & entertainers at Wells Fargo Insurance Services USA, and Sean Glover, director of royalty administration at Sound Exchange. (Photo: Gail Mitchell)

John Simson, Kobalt Music Publishing America's U.S. representative for artist relations and business development, and his wife. (Photo: Gail Mitchell)

From left: Tamela Cash-Curry, chairman of the board for the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association, and Angelia Bibbs-Sanders, president/CEO of The Debut Group. (Photo: Gail Mitchell)