An Era Ends: With the Soul Train Awards on Hiatus, Who Will Fill the Void?

Silence can be deafening.

The recent news that the Soul Train Awards have been placed on indefinite hiatus, with no show planned for 2025, should send a shockwave through our industry. This isn't just the cancellation of a television special; it's the quiet departure of an institution that was once the definitive standard for excellence in Black music.

For decades, institutions like Billboard magazine were the bibles of the industry, but they failed to evolve. Their inability to create a lasting, respected awards ceremony was a missed opportunity. Now, we are witnessing the same fate befall a legacy that once seemed unshakable.

The hiatus of the Soul Train Awards confirms a fear many of us have held: the platform for celebrating Black musical artistry with dignity and prestige is crumbling.

A Legacy Worth Remembering: Why Soul Train Mattered

To understand the weight of this loss, we must remember what Soul Train built. It began as a local Chicago dance show, but under the visionary leadership of Don Cornelius, it became a national treasure.

Don was more than a host; he was a producer, a promoter, and a visionary with an unwavering code of excellence. He infused the Soul Train Music Awards with unparalleled pomp, ceremony, and elegance. It was the gold standard.

What made it iconic?

A Credible Voting Body: Winners were chosen by a jury of peers—radio programmers, retailers, and artists—who voted on genuine merit.

Star-Studded Dignity: The show attracted A-list hosts and presenters like Luther Vandross, Quincy Jones, and Elizabeth Taylor, who brought a level of class that elevated the entire event.

Tangible Impact: A win wasn't just a trophy; it was a career milestone that directly translated to sales and respect.

The Hiatus Is a Symptom, Not the Cause

The decline didn't happen overnight. In recent years, many observers felt the show had lost its way—the A-list celebrities faded, the production felt lackluster, and the connection to the wider Black music community grew thin. The vision of excellence that Don Cornelius championed became diluted.

The hiatus is the final symptom of a larger disease: a crisis of vision and investment in our cultural institutions. We are in an era where business is often mistaken for personal relationships, leading to decisions that can be emotional and short-sighted rather than strategic and legacy-building.

The global audience for Black music is larger and more influential than ever. They expect a stage that matches the brilliance of the art itself. Right now, they are being underserved.

This Isn't an End—It's a Vacancy. Who Will Step In?

The silence left by the Soul Train Awards is not just an empty time slot; it's a void in our cultural landscape. But within this void lies an incredible opportunity.

This is our chance to ask the critical questions:

 How do we build a new ceremony that honors the legacy of the past while embracing the future?

 Who has the vision and courage to invest in a platform that celebrates Black artistry with the dignity it deserves?

 How do we create an awards show that is globally competitive, culturally authentic, and commercially successful?

The blueprint for success is clear:

1.  Re-establish a Credible Academy: A diverse, respected body of professionals judging on artistic merit and cultural impact.

2.  Reclaim the Pageantry: Invest in production value that honors the innovation and elegance at the heart of Black creativity.

3.  Bridge the Generations: Create an event that venerates legends while propelling the next generation, creating a living history.

The title "The Best in Black Music and Entertainment" is now officially vacant. The question for 2025 and beyond is no longer how to fix what was broken, but who will have the courage to build what must come next?

The floor is open. The need is urgent. I welcome your boldest ideas below.

#BlackMusic #MusicIndustry #SoulTrain #AwardsShow #Culture #EntertainmentBusiness #Leadership #Innovation

Author:

Allen L. Johnston | The Music Specialist

Exploring the business and culture of music at [www.asha.com]