Aretha Franklin remembered at Black Music Honors Show

It was originally planned only as a night to celebrate Bobby Brown, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Stephanie Mills and other African-American musicians as living "icons."

But as the third annual Black Music Honors ceremony took place just hours after the passing of Aretha Franklin, it also became a night-long remembrance and tribute to The Queen of Soul.

Those tributes came through the show-closing performance of “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman)” by Paris Bennett, Syleena Johnson and Angela Winbush, and also through speeches and spontaneous remarks made throughout the night.

BeBe Winans dedicated his honor to Franklin, and more than once, a mere mention of her name led to a standing ovation.

"I'm grateful to have had the chance — I lived in Detroit for about three years, and she befriended me and gave me so much love," Mills said from the stage. "And in the last couple of months, I was able to talk to her on the phone."

"For those of us that are still here, we must carry the torch. We must show each other love, respect and have the discipline to carry on."

This year’s six honorees spanned the musical map from hip-hop and R&B to gospel and Broadway. While Brown, the Winans and Mills stirred up the most excitement with the crowd, Faith Evans, Whodini and producer Dallas Austin each had welcome turns in the spotlight.

Brown had mortality on his mind as he took the stage at the end of the night. The crowd had just been thrilled by the sight of Bell Biv Devoe — comprised of three of Brown's New Edition bandmates — performing his biggest hits. But the energy quickly shifted: fans shouted words of encouragement to Brown as he slowly made his way through an emotional speech.

"Take your time, Bobby!" one shouted.

"It's like God gives me so many chances to be a better man," he said. "All I can say is he's still working."

"Black Music Honors" was taped and will air in syndication starting next month. For airing info, visit blackmusichonors,com. Ticket proceeds benefit the National Museum of African American Music, which is scheduled to open in Nashville in 2019.

Source: The Tennessean

Share on Google Plus

About Airplay 360

AIRPLAY 360 is a monthly published digital magazine designed to inform, empower and motivate independent inspirational musical artists by offering a soundboard of information provided by artists, producers, label executives and other industry professionals.