The New Edition singer was being feted alongside fellow musicians El DeBarge, Tony Toni Tone, and jazz veteran Barbara Morrison at the 26th annual event, where they were each recognised for their work in the community.

Actor/comedian Tommy Davidson was called upon to pay tribute to Brown for helping at-risk youths, and he shared his admiration for his pal as he told the crowd, "There's so much love in him that it just explodes everywhere. He can't go to a concert without ending up onstage!"

"Performing is in his blood," Davidson continued. "He's just like 100 per cent all love, and I love you Bobby Brown."

The emotional speech prompted Brown to break down and cry and he was filmed wiping away tears as the audience applauded the touching tribute.

The singer is still dealing with the death of his daughter Bobbi Kristina, his only child with his late ex-wife Whitney Houston. The 22 year old passed away in July (15), six months after a near-drowning incident at her home in Roswell, Georgia.

An initial autopsy proved inconclusive, but on Friday (25Sep15), it was revealed medical examiners had established a cause of death, which would be sealed by court order.

Police officials are still investigating the circumstances surrounding Bobbi Kristina's demise, while her court-appointed co-conservator has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the aspiring actress' boyfriend, Nick Gordon. He has vowed to fight the allegations.