As we wind down the month of October, we want to give a special shout-out in our “This Is for the Culture” series to the Living Legends Foundation, Inc., which celebrated a historic milestone on October 2nd with its 35th Anniversary Awards Dinner & Gala at Flourish by Legendary in Atlanta.
The evening brought together influential figures across music, radio, television, media, and entertainment to recognize the executives, broadcasters, entrepreneurs, and visionaries whose contributions have helped shape Black music and culture.
With music icon Chaka Khan serving as Honorary Ambassador and Q Parker as Honorary Gala Chair, the celebration honored the Foundation’s 35-year legacy of recognizing industry pioneers, supporting current professionals, and investing in the next generation of leaders.
These are the distinguished honorees, who was honored on October 2nd:
• Louis Carr, President of BET – Ray Harris Lifetime Achievement Award
• Phylicia Fant, Global Director of Black Music + Culture at Amazon Music – Mike Bernardo Female Executive Award
• Black Promoters Collective – A.D. Washington Chairman’s Award
• Greg Street – Frankie Crocker Radio Personality Award
• Kenny Smoov, former Vice President of Urban Programming for Cumulus Media – Jerry Boulding Radio Executive Award
• Juliette Jones, COO of Alamo Records – Impact Player Award
• Tim Reid, former SVP of Repertoire & Marketing at BMG Recorded Music – Music Executive Award
• Ted Lucas, founder of Slip-N-Slide Records – Hip-Hop Visionary Award
• Ralph McDaniels, creator of Video Music Box – Entrepreneur Award
• James McMillan, Esq., entertainment attorney and CEO of ART@WAR Entertainment – Kendall Minter Entertainment Advocate Award
Preserving a Legacy for Generations to Come
Living Legends Foundation Chairman David Linton reflected on the significance of dedicating 35 years to an organization committed to preserving and advancing Black music history.
“It has taken a moment to truly reflect on what it means to give 35 uninterrupted years of your life to something you believe in,” Linton shared, expressing gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve the industry and its professionals.
Founded in 1991, the Living Legends Foundation continues to recognize individuals whose contributions extend beyond the spotlight, ensuring their influence and accomplishments are acknowledged for generations to come.
As The Exclusive Press continues to spotlight the people, organizations, and moments that shape our culture, we celebrate the Living Legends Foundation for 35 years of recognizing those who have helped move the music and entertainment industries forward.
Because celebrating the culture also means recognizing the people who helped build it, preserve it, and create opportunities for those coming behind them.
