BLACK MUSIC HONORS 2023
The highly anticipated Black Music Honors returns! Exhilarating performances are slated by music heavyweights including belting vocalist and Reality TV superstar Tamar Braxton; the sweet-sounding and quartet-influenced Anthony Hamilton feat. The Ton3s; powerhouse singer and Gospel staple Tina Campbell of Mary Mary; falsetto-serenader and diamond-selling recording artist Robin Thicke; Hip-Hop & R&B superwoman Lil’ Mo; modern soul man and crooner Kenny Lattimore; influential 90’s R&B group 702; three-time GRAMMY-nominated, “The Love King,” Raheem DeVaughn; Chicago soulful veteran Dave Hollister; melodic songbird and actress Elle Varner; six-time ASCAP award-winning singer-songwriter Sevyn Streeter; multi-talented singer-songwriter Nicole Wray; southern hummingbird and songstress Tweet; contemporary Gospel vocalist and pastor Beverly Crawford; Gospel soloist and Sunday Best winner Le’Andria Johnson; Gospel award-winning singer-songwriter Zacardi Cortez; member of the multi-platinum R&B group Xscape and inspirational artist Latocha Scott; raspy-tone Gospel singer and composer Melvin Williams; retro R&B/Soul trio The Shindellas; New Orleans rapper Juvenile; Gospel viral sensation and songster Kelontae Gavin; and dynamic gospel chorale ensemble Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling.
Black Music Honors is an annual two-hour event that acknowledges the legendary African-American artists who have influenced and made significant musical contributions to African-American culture and American music worldwide. The celebration of Black musical excellence first began as "Celebrate the Soul of American Music" from 1990 to 1993, a TV show that featured some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. In 2016, it was revived under the new title of Black Music Honors to commemorate Black Music Month. Black Music Honors is produced by Chicago-based production company Central City Productions (CCP).
“As we come together to celebrate the rich cultural milestone that is Black Music Month, we get the unique opportunity to showcase the depth and breadth of talent within the Black music community,” says Founder and Executive Producer Don Jackson. “The vibrant future of Black music will be epitomized by captivating performances while spotlighting the unforgettable legacies of musical greats and their diverse contributions.”
Founded in 1970 by Don Jackson, Chicago-based Central City Productions, Inc. is a national broadcast television producer and syndicator of its exclusively owned African-American programming. Celebrating 52 years of broadcasting Black excellence with uplifting and entertaining original television content, CCP’s award-winning television programs include the Stellar Gospel Music Awards (www.stellarawards.com), Stellar Tribute to the Holidays, Black College Quiz Show Series (www.blackcollegequiz.com), America’s Black Forum (www.americasblackforum.com), Mentoring Kings (www.mentoringking.com), Mentoring Queens (www.mentoringqueen.com), among many others.
The late Bobby Caldwell will be recognized with a special salute for his over 25-year career as an acclaimed in-demand songwriter and soul performer. Other honors for the celebration include Music Innovator Icon tapped to be received by Hi
p-Hop superstar Missy Elliott; Urban Music Icon to be presented to girl group SWV; R&B Music Icon awarded to singer-songwriter Evelyn "Champagne" King; Legends Award snagged by R&B/Soul crooner Jeffrey Osborne; and Gospel Music Icon set to be received by gospel trailblazers The Hawkins Family.
The dynamic duo of Grammy-winning artist LeToya Luckett and acclaimed comedian DeRay Davis return as co-hosts with their infectious charisma and electric energy. The televised tribute will debut on the Stellar Network TV June 3 with national broadcast syndication starting June 10 - July 2 and an airing on Bounce TV June 19. The 8th Annual Black Music Honors is presented by Procter and Gamble. Sponsors include AT&T, General Motors, Johnson & Johnson, State Farm, Verizon and Walmart. The 8th Annual Black Music Honors show is Executive Produced by Don Jackson with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as Producer and Executive in Charge of Production; and Michael A. Johnson as Producer and Director.
Tickets for the live-taping event are available at www.blackmusichonors.com or you can purchase tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.
For over 50 years in television programming targeted to Black audiences, Central City Productions has become the most recognized and respected company in the Faith-based community. Their continued success includes the launch of Stellar Network TV that fills the void for a family-friendly, entertainment, lifestyle network targeting Black audiences. Stellar Network TV is the first in uplifting content with positive, inspirational and entertainment programming. Stellar’s goal is to be the most preferred network to Black audiences in the country.