The Soul Train Awards are coming ‘home’ to Chicago for the first time
For the first time in its nearly 40-year history, the Soul Train Awards ceremony is coming home to Chicago.
Presented in partnership with the city, the event will take place at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance on Nov. 5 and air on BET and CBS at 8 p.m. EST (7 p.m. CST) on Nov. 27. Actor Anthony Anderson will serve as host, and Chicago superstar Chaka Khan will receive the Classic Soul Honor.
Though Don Cornelius launched the iconic “Soul Train” TV show in Chicago in 1971, the awards spinoff has taped in other cities, including Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York and Las Vegas, since its inception in 1987.
“Chicago is where the ‘Soul Train’ story began, and bringing the awards back to my hometown is a full-circle moment,” BET President Louis Carr said in a release. “‘Soul Train’ helped shape how the world experienced Black music and culture.”
In a statement, Mayor Brandon Johnson championed Chicago as a city of “Black creativity and innovation.”
“Bringing the ‘Soul Train Awards’ back to its hometown is an opportunity to celebrate that legacy while creating new opportunities for local artists and entertainment professionals, supporting our small businesses and strengthening Chicago’s creative economy,” he said.
Airing until 2006, “Soul Train” became known for its slate of legendary Black performers, influential dancers and iconic “Soul Train” line.
A continuation of the brand, the Soul Train Awards are returning after a two-year hiatus. For this ceremony, producers have embraced a new format, which honors music icons, includes new fan voting categories and features a partnership with Spotify. Performers and other awards recipients will be announced at a later date.
