Back by popular demand, the legendary Soul Train Awards will finally make its grand return to network television on Nov. 29.
The Don Cornelius founded franchise and awards show will bring plenty of "Love, Peace, and Soul" during its two-hour debut on the Centric network. Hosted by Academy Award nominated actors Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard, this year's show will honor the careers and musical influences of Chaka Khan, Charlie Wilson, L.A. Reid and Kenny "Baby Face" Edmonds.
Although the annual event is returning from a two year hiatus, due to 2007-2008 Writers Guild of America strike, among other things, Soul Train and Centric executives are more than optimistic in re-launching the prestigious show.
"We are pleased to re-launch the iconic Soul Train Awards on the new Centric network," said Kenard Gibbs, Co-CEO of Soul Train Holdings. "The team at Centric clearly respects the iconic history of the brand and are prepared to bring it back with the same energy, passion, and excitement that became the hallmark of the brand throughout its 38 year history."
"We are very proud to welcome the Soul Train Awards show to Centric," stated the BET-spin-off channel's General Manager and Executive Vice President, Paxton Baker.
"The Soul Train brand is part of the very fabric of African American Culture, and has played a vital role in shaping the musical framework and tastes of Centric's 25- to 54- year old audience. It is our goal for this show to become a favorite staple among Centric viewers," he continued.
The 2009 Soul Train Awards will tape at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta on November 3 and premiere simultaneously on Centric and BET on Nov. 29 at 9 pm/et. Centric went live on air Sept. 28 via digital cable and satellite cable carriers.
Show performers and nominees were not announced at press time.
Black Music Notes Oct. 7
10/7/09: Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey's new album 'Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel' debuted in #3 position on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart, selling only 167, 912 copies in its first week of release. Surprisingly, 67-year-old Barbra Streisand bagged the top spot -- selling 180,415 copies of her latest covers collection, 'Love is the Answer.' Also keeping Carey away from being numero uno; rock band Paramore, which opened at #2 with their new album 'Brand New Eyes,' with sales of 175,112.
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10/5/09: Meshell Ndegeocello
This week, Meshell Ndegeocelloreleases her latest album, 'Devil's Halo,' and officially kicks off a promotional tour at New York City hot-spot, Highline Balroom. The three week club tour will have the rock & soul wunderkind performing in major cities across the country -- including Chicago, Los Angeles and Minneapolis -- before her final show Oct. 28 in Bellingham, Washington. All tour dates will include Meshell's full band, featuring guitarist Chris Bruce, bassist Mark Kelley, keyboardist Keefus Ciancia and drummer Deantoni Parks.
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10/2/09: Mary J, Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson:
Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder, and Jennifer Hudson are among the artists featured on Rod Stewart's forthcoming project titled 'Soulbook.' The J Records release captures the Grammy Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Famer covering a collection of classic soul favorites, including the Stylistics timeless classic 'You Make Me Feel Brand New.' "This is the album I've waited my whole lifetime to record," Stewart stated. 'Soulbook' hits stores and digital retailers Oct. 27.
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10/2/09: 50 Cent/T.I.:
To capitalize off of its recent batch of 'Behind the Music' segments, VH1 has finally decided to take an introspective look at the careers of 50 Cent and T.I. The two multi-platinum rappers will be showcased in the network's long running series in the coming weeks, which will cover their rise to fame. From T.I. describing the pros and cons of being a hip-hop superstar to Fifty detailing his success as an international mogul. 'Behind the Music: T.I.' premieres Oct. 8 at 10 pm/et, while 'Behind the Music: 50 Cent' airs Oct. 13 at 8 pm/et.
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10/2/09: Bootsy Collins, Teena Marie:
Beginning Nov. 1, TV One returns with all new episodes of their critically-acclaimed original biography series, 'Unsung.' The Gary Anthony Williams-narrated show, which examines and celebrates talented artists who are under-appreciated, will showcase Teena Marie, Bootsy Collins, Roger Troutman & Zapp, and Klymaxx in its third installment. 'Unsung: Teena Marie' premieres Nov. 1 at 8 pm/et followed by an encore at 11 pm/et.
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10/2/09: Akon:
International superstar Akon is showing support for breast cancer awareness month this weekend with his headlining performance at the Think Pink Rocks concert on Oct. 3. Hosted by BET's Terrence and Rocsi, the star-studded charity benefit will also include performances by Canadian R&B songstress Melanie Fiona, Shontelle, and pop reggae trio American Yard. According to an event spokesperson, all proceeds will go to breast cancer charities and research.
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10/2/09: Pretty Ricky:
Following a controversial viral video clip from one of its most known members earlier this year, R&B group Pretty Ricky will finally release their third album, aptly titled 'Pretty Ricky.' The chart-topping group, which features Spectacular, Diamond Blue, Slick'Em, and their newest buddy/addition Lingerie, feels their Nov. 17 release is too good to explain. "The songs are too sensual to describe in words," says Diamond. "You have to hear it to fully grasp the erotic experience of the records." The group's new lead single, 'Tipsy In This Club,' received a mixed response over the summer when Spectacular debuted the track via his eye-brow raising YouTube clip.
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9/28/09: Tupac Shakur/Martin Luther King Jr.
Late rap legend Tupac Shakur may be deceased, but he's still in great company. His mother Afeni Shakur has donated a collection of his writing to the Robert W. Woodruff Library at Atlanta University Center. The library also houses The Martin Luther King Jr. Collection. More than 150 of his personal items, ranging from rough drafts of lyrics and poems to a photocopy of his contract with Suge Knight and Death Row Records were given. The records are expected to be available for research in the fall of 2010.
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9/28/09: Ruben Studdard
Former 'American Idol' winner Ruben Studdard is heating up the airwaves with his latest single, 'Don't Make 'Em Like U No More.' The single, which is described as a "sleek and soulful R&B ode to everyone's special someone," is featured on the Grammy Award-nominated crooner's current album, 'Love Is.' In addition, Studdard will join Philip Bailey (of Earth, Wind & Fire) and Deborah Cox, among others, on Oct. 21 for the "David Foster and Friends Tour." The trek kicks off in Chicago and concludes on Nov. 8 in Vancouver.
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9/28/09: Angie Stone
R&B diva Angie Stone is ready to hit fans with some surprising stuff! On Nov. 24, the brown-skin soul sister will release her second project, titled 'Unexpected,' on legendary label Stax Records. According to Stone, the album's title is a reflection of the direction that she took in recording the opus. "This album is something that no one would have anticipated coming from me," she said. "My father always encouraged me and everyone else he knew to reach out and make a leap of faith, and that's exactly what I've done." 'Unexpected' features the lead single 'I Ain't Hearin' U' and the poignant ballad 'Think Sometimes.'
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Comments: (22)
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By: "DimePiece" on 10/08/2009 3:05PM
The answer is HELL NAW! Another embarrassment and disaster about to happen! I didn't' understand why Chaka Khan during the BET Awards didn't give her condolences to Michael Jackson? Why would I see her being honored for an award? The stupid skits and over the top talk, she really thought it was all about her? I did like her at one time but now she's changed? What, BET is going to have another disrespectful Lil Wayne performance during the show, more inappropriate performances, and tacky dress? I will PASS! No people, you won't see me makin no comment on the blogs after the awards because, I won't be watchin! BET needs to clean up their act and some of these artist that be on there! That's my opnion.
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By: AfroSwirl on 10/08/2009 11:10PM
Man, I was just thining the same thing...I know Chaka just received an award a while ago. Y'all hop back in that time machine and make your way to 2009! I know the pickins might be slim, but DAYUM, Chaka and Charlie must be pushin' 80!! DON'T DO IT!!! PLEASE!!! I get tired of cringing thru every d@mn black awards show, just waiting for the next embarrassing, ghetto-fab moment. DON'T DO IT!!!
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By: Drinny on 12/05/2009 4:26AM
Don't watch them that's how I feel about most of them. Source awards and hip hop honor's are so tired.. .very low class.
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By: AfroSwirl on 10/08/2009 11:20PM
THINKING!...I meant to type thinking. I hate typos - I ain't ignant.
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By: Valentino M. on 10/09/2009 8:26AM
Chaka Khan and Charlie Wilson?! WTF. LOL. Why are they honoring persons are no longer relevant. Wait a minute: was Charlie Wilson ever relevant? Hasn't Chaka Khan received all the awards she deserves? What has she done lately. Come on, Soul Train - your hey day has passed, though I will watch to see how you pay homage to MJ's passing. After BET directed a catastrophic, angering, disrespectful, wild-but-typical-of-a-maelstrom "ode" to Michael Jackson, I want to see what Black People, with more time to properly prepare will do. You'd better not disappoint, because, so far, MTV has definately won.
Note: when you're honoring persons by whom your grandmother was inspired, you too are not relevant anymore. LOL
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By: Young Man For Real Music on 10/24/2009 5:04AM
Valentino,
While I can appreciate your honesty, your lack of knowlege and ignorance amazes me. I'm going to assume you are likely somewhere in your late teens or early twenties due to your lack of tact and knowlege. First of all, I'm in my early 30's and I can tell you with certainty that both of these artists are not only deserving, but also very relavant in the industry today. They are Black royalty and should be respected as such. Chaka Khan has been in the game since the early seventies and is one of the few artists from that time still touring, recording and earning the respect of her peers. Not to mention awards. She won 2 grammy awards last year alone bringing her total to 10. Last year her cd did very well and was one of the best classic R&B albums anyone had put out in quite a while. Mind you, that was after a nealy 8 yr absence from recording. Her name garners respect from all the new commers from Beyonce to Mary J. Blige to Eykah Badu to Jill Scott. How many Black artists do you know that get that kind of respect? Not many. Aretha, Patti, Gladys and Tina. Thats about it. Most of the so call talent you see today will not be around nearly as long as these artists have. Charlie Wilson was not only the lead vocalist for the Gap Band in the 70's and 80 he has had a successful solo career as well. Again, he is another artist who young cats like Justin Timberlake and various rappers bring into the studio to bring his style and flavor. He's Uncle Charlie to all the people you're probably playing in your iPod. He also had a very successful return after a long hiatus and he just put out another album last year that is still burning up mainstream radio to this day. So as much as I can respect your opinion, do some research before you make negative statements about respected artists and their relavance and accomplishments. It not only reflects your age, it reflects your ignorace. Repect your elders and realize that most of the people you are likely upset that you are not seeing have simply not aged or accomplished enough to recieve such awards. Lifetime achievement means just that. A lifetime. Not a season or flavor of the month. The artists you probably would like to see will have their day when its time if they are still around. For now, lets pay homage to these artists that have earned it and show some class and respect.
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By: jsloroll on 10/10/2009 1:20PM
Actually,both Chaka Khan and Charlie Wilson are both relevant. Both are extremely talented vocalists who unlike most young singers today have distinctive sounds who you know who it is when you hear them and could sing rings around every singer you put aginst them. Again, relevancy is also about philanthropic donationsm not just with money but with time. I know personally, Chaka has a Foundation for young people to help them get in college. Charlie, on the other hand has been blessed to beat prostate cancer, he has therefore, been very vocal in encouraging black men to be proactive in getting checked out. Please be careful when you accuse an individual of not being relevant. You are not the highest qualifyer to make that determination.
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By: Clarissa on 10/09/2009 11:21PM
Saying that Chaka is no longer relevent is like saying Patti and 'Retha should never sing another note. She's a bonafide icon.
Charlie Wilson, who is a former member of the GAP Band is no slouch either. I had the opportunity to see GAP in their hey day in Germany. It was a high energy performance and they turned the arena out! Charlie Wilson owned the stage during that performance.
These 2 artists, represents the end of the R&B era. We have "performers' like Keri Hilson and Ciera(sp) that cannot carry a tune in a bucket. Unfortunately, performers like them, represent this generation. They are mostly all flash and no substance.
Last, BET cannot be totally blamed for what we now have as entertainment. BET doesn't sign people to record contracts. What some of these performers do at their concerts is 10 times worst that what we see on BET. Where does the responsibility begins and ends? There is no sense of decorum or respect with a lot of the so called new school artists.
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By: "DimePiece" on 10/10/2009 12:51PM
Clarissa,
BET has a choice to decide what different artist to perform on their award shows and have respectful host's to host their shows. That's no excuse? Yeah, the Record Label is to blame but you know what the artist don't have to sign to something they don't want to do and that doesn't represent who they are either? Today it's nothin but gettin that $$$$ the hell what everybody else wants?
I also blame these so-called radio stations for puttin out such garbage on the air. For once, can we all have a descent and respectful programs PERIOD? Don't the viewers deserve that much? Bet in my eyes and I'm sure in others is so not appropriate for young youths and that's the truth. BET doesn't have to follow other networks like MTV, VH1, and ect... BET needs to change their format to something more POSITIVE and RESPECTFUL for all to watch! Aren't you tired of BET editing every inappropriate words on all their award shows and disrespecting woman by showing music videos that are so disrespectful? BET doesn't have to show those videos either? Everybody needs to clean up their act. LOL
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By: Clarissa on 10/10/2009 2:20PM
DP
One thing that I have definately taught my children is that when you're looking at or dealing with a problem, you must look at the root; the bare root and work your way up. Yes, a network has the power/responsibility to set boundaries,but what we see in entertainment right now, there is a lot blame to spread around.
Many performers feel they do not have a personal responsibility regarding what they do and say. These record company don't care what these so called artist put out as long as they can make money while the performers make pennies. Many don't even own their stage name much less the garbage they spew and try to pass off as art. Also, many performers are more into shock value and controversy to get people to notice them as oppossed to making something that can be considered valuable and meaningful. It is my opinion that A LOT of what we see in the music business is nothing more than exploitation, buffonary and burlesque. Again, where does responsibility begins and ends?
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