Soul Train Awards Set For Chicago Debut

The Soul Train Awards will be staged in Chicago for the first time in the ceremony's history, taking place Nov. 5 at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in a partnership with the city. The broadcast airs at 8 p.m. EST on Nov. 27 on BET and CBS.

Don Cornelius launched the "Soul Train" television program in Chicago in 1971, but the awards show has been taped in Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York and Las Vegas since it began in 1987. The program "Soul Train" aired until 2006.

Actor Anthony Anderson will host the ceremony, and Chicago musician Chaka Khan will receive the Classic Soul Honor. BET President Louis Carr said in a release, "Chicago is where the 'Soul Train' story began, and bringing the awards back to my hometown is a full-circle moment."

Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement that bringing the awards to Chicago offers a chance to "celebrate that legacy while creating new opportunities for local artists and entertainment professionals, supporting our small businesses and strengthening Chicago's creative economy." The awards return after a two-year break with a new format that includes fan voting categories and a partnership with Spotify.

Performers and award recipients will be announced later. The "Soul Train" program became known for its lineup of Black performers, dancers and the "Soul Train" line.