Atlanta is set to host an unforgettable evening celebrating the people whose talent, vision and leadership have helped shape the sound and culture of Black music.
The Living Legends Foundation’s 35th Anniversary Awards Dinner & Gala takes place Friday, October 2, 2026, at Flourish Atlanta, bringing together some of the most influential names in music, radio, entertainment and culture.
This year’s celebration features two major music icons in honorary roles. 10-time Grammy Award winner Chaka Khan will serve as Honorary Ambassador, while Q Parker, founding member of the Grammy-winning R&B group 112, will serve as Honorary Gala Chair. Khan’s involvement carries special significance, as she was herself recognized by the Living Legends Foundation in 1992.
“When you cross a bridge, you don’t think about all the hands that built it,” commented Khan in the press announcement. “Some of the most important contributions are the ones we never see. Thank you, Living Legends Foundation, for seeing that every story matters and for honoring those hands and hearts that helped build the way for all of us.”
The evening will also shine a spotlight on an impressive class of 2026 honorees, including:
- Louis Carr, President of BET — Ray Harris Lifetime Achievement Award
- Black Promoters Collective — A.D. Washington Chairman’s Award
- Kenny Smoov, Vice President of Urban Programming at Cumulus — Jerry Boulding Radio Executive Award
- Greg Street, longtime V-103 Atlanta air personality — Frankie Crocker Radio Personality Award
- Juliette Jones, COO of Alamo Records — Impact Player Award
- Tim Reid, SVP of Repertoire & Marketing at BMG Recorded Music — Music Executive Award
- Phylicia Fant, Global Director, Black Music + Culture at Amazon Music — Mike Bernardo Female Executive Award
- James McMillan, Esq., CEO of ART@WAR Entertainment — Kendall Minter Entertainment Advocate Award
- Ted Lucas, Founder & CEO of Slip-N-Slide Records — Hip-Hop Visionary Award
- Ralph McDaniels, Executive Producer of Video Music Box — Entrepreneur Award
Founded in 1991, the Living Legends Foundation has spent 35 years recognizing the executives, artists, radio personalities, entrepreneurs and advocates who work behind the scenes and on the front lines to build and sustain Black music culture. The organization also supports industry professionals in need while investing in the next generation through mentorship and scholarships.
With legendary voices like Chaka Khan and Q Parker helping lead the celebration, the 35th Anniversary Gala promises to be a powerful night of music, recognition, legacy and community—giving flowers to the people who continue to make an impact.
Jazz 91.9 WCLK is proud to celebrate the Living Legends Foundation and this remarkable class of honorees.
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