This past weekend, the Living Legends Foundation (LLF) marked a significant milestone by hosting its 34th Anniversary Awards Gala in Atlanta, Georgia, for the first time in the organization’s history. The star-studded event brought together a wide array of music executives, artists, radio personalities, and industry pioneers to honor the trailblazers who have shaped Black music culture.
The gala, held in the heart of Buckhead, served as both a reunion and a moment of reflection for the music community. The evening’s festivities celebrated the enduring impact of those whose contributions continue to influence generations. LLF Chairman David C. Linton and LLF President Azim Rashid guided the evening, welcoming hundreds of guests from across the nation for an unforgettable night of recognition, connection, and celebration.
In his opening remarks, Chairman David C. Linton addressed the essence of being a living legend: “People often ask me, what makes a living legend? Well, the first part is obvious — but the second part isn’t about age or how many years you’ve worked. It’s about your impact on the culture. How have you moved Black music forward? How have you impacted the lives of those who make the music or those who bring it to the world?”
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One of the evening’s most celebrated moments was the presentation of the Ray Harris Lifetime Achievement Award to Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. The legendary producers, who have won multiple GRAMMY Awards and are inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, were honored for their decades-long legacy of crafting timeless hits for iconic artists like Janet Jackson, New Edition, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, and Boyz II Men.
Jimmy Jam shared a reflective moment: “When I look around this room, I know I am right where I’m supposed to be.” Terry Lewis humbly added, “We are just two guys who like to make music. You all are the ones who made them hits.”
Other notable honorees included broadcasting icon James L. Winston, who received the A.D. Washington Chairman’s Award for his leadership and advocacy for Black-owned media, and Cynthia Horner, the publisher and CEO of Right On! Digital, who was awarded the Media Icon Award for her significant contributions as a journalist and cultural historian.
The evening also saw the presentation of the Jerry Boulding Radio Executive Award to Kashon Powell, Vice President of Programming for iHeart Chicago, who was honored for her leadership in radio and support for emerging talent. DeDe McGuire, host of the nationally syndicated DeDe in the Morning show, received the Frankie Crocker Radio Personality Award for her authenticity and connection with listeners across the country.
Karla Redding-Andrews, President of the Otis Redding Foundation, accepted the Legacy Award on behalf of her mother, Zelma Redding, honoring their efforts to preserve Otis Redding’s legacy through music education. The Music Executive Award was presented to Samantha Selolwane, Head of Promotions at RCA Music, for her groundbreaking work in artist promotion.
Carole Carper, an esteemed broadcast and music industry executive, received the Mike Bernardo Female Executive Award for her mentorship of women in media. Louise West, CEO of West Entertainment Services, was honored with the Kendall Minter Entertainment Advocate Award, presented by GRAMMY-winning artist Anthony Hamilton, recognizing her career in representing influential artists and advocating for creative rights.
The CineFi Choice Award was presented to LLF by First Entertainment Credit Union’s Meyoung Spektor, recognizing the Foundation’s leadership in advancing diversity and legacy preservation in entertainment. Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Pierre “P” Thomas of Quality Control Music were honored with the Impact Award for their pioneering work in modern hip-hop and entrepreneurship.
The evening’s entertainment included a soulful performance by flutist Ragan Whiteside, who performed a medley of hits by honorees Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, along with songs from Atlanta-based artists such as Brick, TLC, Usher, and Outkast. The red carpet was filled with notable personalities like Da Brat, Jesseca Dupart, and Michael Mauldin, all showing support for the honorees.
Corporate sponsors, including Sony Music Group, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and others, played a vital role in making the event possible, showcasing the power of collaboration in preserving creativity, community, and cultural history.
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