Soul Train Awards Dances Its Way to Famed Apollo Theater for First Time

By ShaCamree Gowdy Published: October 19, 2021

Soul Train Awards Dances Its Way to Famed Apollo Theater for First Time

FILE - People line up at the Apollo Theater, the venue for the U2 SiriusXM concert in New York on June 11, 2018. BET announced that the 33rd annual Soul Train Awards, which honors the best in soul, hip hop and rhythm and blues music, will be taped at the Apollo and premiere on BET and BET Her on Sunday, Nov. 28. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

In Summary

BET announced Monday that the 2021 Soul Train Music Awards will take place at Harlem’s Apollo Theater for the first time ever.

In honor of its 50^th anniversary, Soul Train is dancing its way to the Black mecca of the world.

The 2021 Soul Train Awards, which will broadcast on BET, will be taking place at the world-famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York, per BET. Simply put, the best in soul, R&B and hip-hop will be honored this year with the perfect fusion of three of the most enduring brands in Black entertainment culture.

“The Apollo has long been a center of Black cultural and creative innovation for Harlem, the city of New York, and the world. It has provided a platform for Black artists at all stages of their careers, and a gathering place for audiences to express themselves freely,” said Apollo executive producer Kamilah Forbes, per BET. “The Apollo is thrilled to partner with BET to host the Soul Train Awards, bringing together three iconic brands that represent Black culture and excellence under one roof.”

Don Cornelius created Soul Train, which was the first music variety television show to feature African American musical groups and dancers, per Brittanica. It was one of the longest-running syndicated series in American television history, airing nationally from 1971 until 2006.

Cornelius had ownership of the brand until his death in 2012, producing a number of successful annual specials, including the still-running Soul Train Music Awards. Since its launch in 1987, the awards show has graced venues in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Las Vegas, opting for a virtual presentation in 2020 due to COVID-19.

“Don Cornelius’ brilliant vision created a revolutionary show that became a cornerstone in American culture. Fifty years later, the Soul Train Awards continues to amplify his powerful message of Love, Peace & Soul to a global audience,” said BET executive vice president Connie Orlando. “We are honored to be a part of the Soul Train legacy and partner with the national treasure that is the Apollo to celebrate Black excellence and culture.”

The awards will premiere Sunday, November 28, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and BET Her.