ATLANTA, GEORGIA : DeRay Davis and LeToya Luckett speak onstage during the 8th Annual Black Music Honors at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on May 19, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Black Music Honors)
The 8th Annual Black Music Honors presented by Procter & Gamble kicked off Black Music Month in grand style paying tribute to the legacy of African American Music while honoring some of its legends June 3 on the Stellar TV Network and runs in national syndication from June 10 to July 2, and a special airing on Bounce TV June 19.
Co-hosted by actress LeToya Luckett and comedian DeRay Davis, Taped, Black Music Honors was taped live at Atlanta’s Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. Legends of black music owned the night as they were celebrated and serenaded for their great contributions to the genre with performances that will make you swoon, dance and shout by Tamar Braxton, Anthony Hamilton, David Banner, Latosha Scott from Xscape, Robin Thicke, Juvenile, Lil’ Mo, Elle Varner, The Shindellas and more.
Yes, the night bowed in honor to some of black music’s incomparable musical legends for the contributions they have made to the artform. The honorees include Jeffrey Osborne who received the prestigious Legends Award presented by Verizon. Honoree Evelyn “Champagne” King who is remembered for her mega hit “Shame,’ was honored as the R&B Music icon presented by Cadillac. Gospel trailblazers The Hawkins Family was celebrated with the Gospel Music Icon presented by Walmart. Grammy-nominated trio SWV, aka Sisters with Voices, was recognized with the Urban Music Icon presented by My Black Is Beautiful, while multi-Grammy Award Winner Missy Elliot was honored with the AT&T Presents Dream In Black Music Innovator Icon. The late Bobby Caldwell, musician songwriter and producer, known for hits like “What You Won’t Do For Love,” was given a heartfelt tribute commemorating his 25-year career.
My personal favorite, Gospel was celebrated with a special tribute to The Hawkins Family that will inspire your heart featuring performances by Mary Mary’s Tina Campbell, Kelontae Gavin, Pastor Beverly Crawford, Melvin Williams and Zacardi Cortez.
Not to be outdone in this 50th year of Hip Hop, Lil’ Mo, Sheléa, Sevyn Streeter, Tweet and DaBrat gave awesome performances paying tribute to supa-dupa producer, artist, songwriter and innovator Missy Elliott that left her without words.
The 8th Annual Black Music Honors is executive produced by Don Jackson of Central City Productions and produced by Jennifer J. Jackson the executive in charge of production. Michael A. Johnson served as producer and director.
Be sure to tune in and get your Black Music Month fix June 10 through July 2. Check. Your local cable and TV listings for dates, times and channels Black Music Honors airs in your area.
