On Saturday, May 18, the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia, hosted the 9th Annual Black Music Honors.
The yearly occasion honors notable accomplishments and contributions of luminaries in black music.
Johnny Gill, Patrice Rushen, Bootsy Collins, Hezekiah Walker, and MC Lyte received surprise tributes at the 2024 event, which took place at the Cobb Energy Center.
The moment is right to consider the amazing accomplishments and developments in black American music as we get closer to African American Music Appreciation Month.
Black musicians have pioneered many of the genres we love today, from jazz to hip-hop.
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The following artistes graced the stage that evening:
BLK ODYSSY, Chanté Moore, Donald Lawrence, Ricky Dillard, MonoNeon, Shanice, The Chi (Carl Thomas, Dave Hollister, and Syleena Johnson), and Tone Stith.
Over the last nine years, Black Music Honors has surrounded and supported the incredible musicians who have delighted millions of people.
Don Jackson, the founder and executive producer, said that this year’s honorees are trailblazers who should be recognized. He continued by saying that
Our great pride lies in giving these amazing icons, who have persevered from modest beginnings to careers spanning decades, more recognition.
Their tales and experiences are woven into the exquisite fabric of black music that has influenced people all over the world.
A slew of famous musicians, including Ceelo Green, Marsha Ambrosius, Chrisette Michele, Next, Mr. Talkbox, J. Brown, After 7, Jekalyn Carr, Mali Music, Ruben Studdard, Kim Burrell, David & Tamela Mann, and others, performed on the evening in addition to the awardees.
This year’s honorees include a distinguished group of figures: The Legend Award went to the famous funk musician Bootsy Collins.
Patrice Rushen, known for her contributions as a producer and musician, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The R&B Soul Icon Award went to Johnny Gill, a major force in the R&B field.
Last but not least, the Gospel Music Icon Award was given to Hezekiah Walker, a major figure in gospel music.
The award honorees were just one part of the glamorous evening.
Every presenter and performer added to the evening’s celebration of the best in black music.
Peer tribute acts featuring spectacular interpretations of the honorees’ chart-topping singles celebrated each honoree.
Tone Stith and After 7 gave a moving homage to Johnny Gill, and Kim Burrell, Donald Lawrence, Ricky Dillard, and Jekalyn Carr gave stirring performances in honor of Hezekiah Walker.
The musical legacy of Bootsy Collins was honored with upbeat performances by Mr. Talkbox, BLK ODYSSY, Ceelo Green, MonoNeon, and Mali Music.
Chrisette Michele and Marsha Ambrosius contributed their soulful voices to Patrice Rushen’s tribute.
In a heartfelt surprise, hip-hop pioneer MC Lyte was given a special award in recognition of her enormous contributions to the genre.
Declaring that they were “honored by an audience of their peers,” the honorees all expressed a deep sense of fulfillment.
Co-hosting the event were the dynamic DeRay Davis and the gifted LeToya Luckett, who made sure the crowd was involved and the energy level was high all night.
In honor of Black Music Month, the television special will debut on the Stellar Network on Saturday, June 1, at 8 p.m. EST, with a rerun at 10 p.m. EST.
It will then air in national broadcast syndication from June 8 to June 30.
Additionally, on Wednesday, June 19th (Juneteenth) at 9 p.m. EST, the program will air on Bounce TV.