THE LIVING LEGENDS FOUNDATION, INC. CELEBRATES ITS 34TH ANNIVERSARY GALA IN ATLANTA HONORING ICONS WHO SHAPED THE SOUND AND BUSINESS OF BLACK MUSIC

From legendary producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis to executives, journalists, and radio pioneers, the evening was a symphony of respect, reflection, and recognition. Icons, artists, and industry leaders including Jon Platt, Anthony Hamilton, Da Brat, Polow Da Don, Q Parker, Kron Moore, Ed Lover, Kool DJ Red Alert, and many others graced the red carpet for a celebration that blended history with hip-hop soul and legacy with luxury.

By Dr. Jerome Dorn

The spirit of Black excellence, legacy, and musical brilliance filled the air as The Living Legends Foundation, Inc. (LLF) hosted its historic 34th Anniversary Awards Gala in Atlanta for the first time. The event marked a powerful moment of recognition for the innovators who have shaped the sound, culture, and business of Black music across generations.

A Historic Night in Buckhead

Held in the heart of Buckhead, the gala—led by LLF Chairman David C. Linton and President Azim Rashid—welcomed hundreds from across the nation. The night felt like a family reunion for the music industry’s finest—executives, producers, broadcasters, and cultural architects gathered to honor one another and the shoulders they stand upon.

“People often ask me, what makes a living legend?†said Chairman David C. Linton during his opening remarks. “It’s not about age or how long you’ve worked—it’s about your impact. How have you moved Black music forward? How have you changed the culture?â€

That message set the tone for an evening rooted in gratitude and grounded in the purpose of preserving the essence of Black creativity and business.

Honoring the Architects of Sound

The spotlight of the night shined brightly on Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, recipients of the Ray Harris Lifetime Achievement Award. The GRAMMY®-winning and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-inducted duo have defined R&B and pop production for over four decades, shaping the soundtracks of icons such as Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, and New Edition.

“I take a snapshot of my day to check I’m where I’m supposed to be,†said Jimmy Jam, reflecting on the honor. “Looking around this room, I know I’m exactly where I should be.â€

“We’re just two guys who love making music,†added Terry Lewis. “You all made them hits.â€

Broadcasting pioneer James L. Winston, President & CEO of NABOB, received the A.D. Washington Chairman’s Award for his unwavering advocacy of Black-owned media. Cynthia Horner, publisher and CEO of Right On! Digital, earned the Media Icon Award for her trailblazing work in music journalism and her dedication to uplifting Black artists through authentic storytelling.

Other honorees included:

• Kashon Powell, VP of Programming for iHeart Chicago — Jerry Boulding Radio Executive Award
• DeDe McGuire, host of DeDe in the Morning — Frankie Crocker Radio Personality Award
• Karla Redding-Andrews, President of the Otis Redding Foundation — Legacy Award, presented by Jon Platt
• Samantha Selolwane, Head of Promotions, RCA Music — Music Executive Award
• Carole Carper — Mike Bernardo Female Executive Award
• Louise West, CEO of West Entertainment Services — Kendall Minter Entertainment Advocate Award, presented by Anthony Hamilton
• Kevin “Coach K†Lee and Pierre “P†Thomas, Quality Control Music — Impact Award, accepted by Dazayah Walker*

A Night of Music, Culture, and Celebration

Hosted by Skip Cheatham, Program Director of The D.L. Hughley Show, the evening’s entertainment featured the mesmerizing flutist Ragan Whiteside, whose tribute medley of hits by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis captivated the crowd. Her performance blended nostalgia and innovation, echoing the night’s theme: honoring the past while inspiring the future.

On the red carpet, Da Brat and Jesseca Dupart dazzled in high style, joined by an elite lineup of cultural influencers including Polow Da Don, Q Parker (of 112), Jay Will (Tulsa King), Kron Moore (The Oval), Terrell Carter (Beauty in Black), Michael Mauldin, Dyana Williams, Ed Lover, Abdul Ra’oof (The S.O.S. Band), Kool DJ Red Alert, Michael Julian Bond, and Prophet Stiggers (Black Music Action Coalition).

Every attendee shared a common mission—honoring those who paved the way while continuing to carry the torch forward.

Corporate and Community Champions

The Foundation acknowledged the indispensable support of its partners and sponsors who helped make the evening possible. First Entertainment Credit Union, represented by Meyoung Spektor, presented LLF with the CineFi Choice Award for advancing diversity, education, and cultural preservation in entertainment.

Sponsors included:

Sony Music Group, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, 91.9 WCLK, First Entertainment Credit Union, Elite Auto Source, Rolling Out, Berry Gordy Family, OneRPM, Mays Law Group, Miles Ahead Entertainment, RCA Records, Thea Mitchem, Vernon Brown, and Cash Money Records—along with community partners such as Kaleidoscope Hair Products, Camille Rose, Atlanta Hawks, Radio One, Audacy, HBCU GO, Butun Body, SESAC, Paramount/MTV, and Mamasita Miracle Butter.

About The Living Legends Foundation, Inc.

Founded in 1991 by Ray Harris, along with Barbara Lewis, C.C. Evans, and Jerry Boulding, The Living Legends Foundation, Inc. stands as a beacon of Service, Scholarship, and Legacy Preservation. For more than three decades, LLF has honored the pioneers of Black music while empowering the next generation of industry leaders through education, mentorship, and financial support.

Its mission remains clear: to preserve the legacy of Black music and ensure that the contributions of its creators, executives, and innovators are recognized, respected, and remembered.

For more information, visit LivingLegendsFoundation.com

InDaHouseMedia salutes The Living Legends Foundation for 34 years of honoring the icons who shaped the soundtrack of our lives—and for reminding the world that legacy isn’t about time spent, but impact made