November 26, 2020

By Saybin Roberson

Contributing Writer

 

Saturday, November 21, 2020, was a great day for Black music as the nation watched and celebrated legendary music icons En Vogue, Fred Hammond, Deborah Cox, and the National Museum of African American Music at the 5th Annual Black Music Honors.

The star-studded event was produced by Chicago-based production company, Central City Productions and will be syndicated and aired on Bounce TV until December 13, 2020.

Hosted by TV and radio personality, Rickey Smiley the event went without a hitch as attendees and viewers lived within the light of Black excellence for two full hours.

 

Starting with a history lesson on how Central City Productions was founded by Don Jackson, the show emerged as a relaunch to his company and now stands as a staple for the culture. Full of laughs, memories, and music, the show prides itself on being just as unpredictable as it’s been consistent.

 

The first honoree for the night, musician and producer Fred Hammond received the Gospel Music Icon Award for his contributions to the genre and music industry.

 

 

Born in Texas, but found “built-in Detroit” as Hammond would say, he found his footing at Mumford High School where he met and began singing with some of the most prominent names in gospel.

 

 

After a fateful mall encounter, he began working with the Winans dynasty which inspired his next endeavor, Commissioned. “What we added to the whole gospel music industry was youth, Commissioned made music cool,” he’d say.

His ability to connect with listeners and spread praise throughout led to a long career of sold-out concerts and fans who love praise and worship. “Work hard for the foundation of success, not for the moment of success.

 

 

 

 

It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” Brought on to celebrate his success and music, Marvin Sapp and Brian Courtney Wilson performed some of his most famed songs with such power and force.

Another honoree, the National Museum of African American Music was recognized for its future ability to withhold the sacredness of Black music. Soon to open in Nashville, Tennessee, the museum will also be one of the first establishments of its kind to celebrate and honor hip-hop. Along with the awards, the show also included a moment to honor and share the story of the late Bill Withers with performances by Leon Timbo and MAJOR.

 

After a few more performances and throwback highlights of the past shows, Deborah Cox received her award for the Entertainer Icon Award. Born in Toronto; Cox was inspired by Whitney Houston at a young age. Though she started afraid of her strength, she faced her fears and became what we know now as the entertainer of entertainers. “My feeling, when I got into this industry, was to be the consummate entertainer, the triple threat.”

 

After years of theater, each show pushing her closer to the top ranks, she debuted one of the world-renowned songs “Nobody’s Supposed To Be Here” which broke records and skyrocketed her career beyond her imagination.

 

 

To honor Cox’s artistry with performances of some of her hits were Evvie, RL, and Sheléa.

Lastly, En Vogue was honored with the Urban Music Icon Award for their contributions over the past three decades. Coming in strong with their first single “Hold On” the group took off the first chance they got.

Though they made music for the masses, they hold close to their hearts, the connection they had with women across the world. “Our music was well received by a lot of people, but we were especially proud of the way it was received by young ladies.

 

It gave them a sense of pride about themselves, it’s okay to write your story, to sing your story.” The women of En Vogue chose not to separate themselves, with each singing lead on their albums and choosing topics that they found most important.

Also iconic in its own, their fashion sense birthed what we now know as “the little black dress.” To celebrate the funky divas, was the soulful June’s Diary.

Other performances included Musiq Soulchild, Tweet, D Smoke, and Raheem DeVaughn. To catch reshowings of the Black Music Awards, visit blackmusichonors.com to check for air dates and times.

Category: Arts & Culture