« KIERRA SHEARD HONORED WITH THE BMI IMPACT AWARD AT THE 2026 BMI TRAILBLAZERS OF GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS 
MUSIC ICON CHAKA KHAN AND 112’S Q PARKER TAKE CENTER STAGE AS LIVING LEGENDS FOUNDATION CELEBRATES UNSUNG INDUSTRY HEROES DURING ITS MILESTONE 35TH ANNIVERSARY GALA IN ATL
The Living Legends Foundation, Inc. (LLF) proudly announces iconic recording artist Chaka Khan as Honorary Ambassador, and Q Parker from R&B Group 112 as the Honorary Gala Chair for this year’s Living Legends Foundation’s 35th Anniversary Awards Dinner & Gala, taking place Friday, October 2, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
The moment holds special significance for Khan, whose history with the Living Legends Foundation stretches back more than three decades. In 1992, Chaka was among the early artists recognized by the organization, honoring not only her extraordinary artistry, but her impact on the music industry and culture. Now, 34 years later, Khan returns as Honorary Ambassador for the Foundation’s 35th Anniversary, helping turn the spotlight toward the executives, radio personalities, entrepreneurs, advocates and cultural architects whose often unseen contributions have helped build, sustain and shape Black music and entertainment.
“When you cross a bridge, you don’t think about all the hands that built it. Some of the most important contributions are the ones we never see,” said Chaka Khan. “Thank you, Living Legends Foundation, for seeing that every story matters and for honoring those hands and hearts that helped build the way for all of us.”
“Having Chaka Khan serve as our Honorary Ambassador during this milestone year is incredibly meaningful,” said David C. Linton, Chairman of the Living Legends Foundation. “Chaka’s history with the Foundation reaches back to our earliest years, and her extraordinary career represents the excellence, longevity and cultural impact we have worked to celebrate for 35 years. We are honored to welcome her back as we recognize another remarkable class of Living Legends.”
Adding to the significance of this milestone year, the 10-time GRAMMY® Award recipient is also entering an exciting new chapter in her legendary career with the release of Chakzilla on September 18. Her first full-length album in seven years, the highly anticipated project marks a bold new era for Chaka and features collaborations with artists including Sia, Snoop Dogg, and Lenny Kravitz. The new music further underscores Khan’s enduring influence and ability to continue evolving, creating, and connecting with audiences across generations. Together, the release of Chakzilla and her role as Honorary Ambassador reflect both legacy and evolution, honoring an extraordinary career while celebrating those who continue to move music and culture forward.
Joining Khan in this milestone celebration is GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, and member of the acclaimed R&B group 112, Q Parker. As an artist whose career has spanned nearly three decades, Parker brings a deep appreciation for the executives, creatives, mentors, and industry professionals whose work behind the scenes has helped artists build lasting careers and shape the legacy of Black music.
“Black music has given me a career, a community, and an opportunity to use my gifts to impact people around the world, so serving as Honorary Chair for the Living Legends Foundation’s 35th anniversary is truly an honor,” said Parker. “This organization understands that our industry is bigger than the names we see on the marquee. There are countless people behind the scenes who have dedicated their lives to moving our culture forward. I’m proud to stand with the Living Legends Foundation as we give these trailblazers their flowers and continue creating opportunities for the generations coming behind us.”
As Honorary Event Chair, Parker will help champion the Foundation’s mission, using his platform to celebrate the individuals whose contributions have strengthened Black music and entertainment while bringing greater awareness to LLF’s ongoing work of honoring, supporting and investing in the industry community. The role comes during an exciting creative chapter for the R&B hitmaker, who recently released his new single, “Stare,” from his forthcoming album, Evolution of Romance, Volume Two, arriving this fall.
Since its founding in 1991, the Living Legends Foundation has been dedicated to honoring our legends and championing the professionals who have helped bring Black music and culture to audiences around the world. In addition to recognizing industry excellence, the nonprofit protects and provides assistance to music industry professionals with a confirmable need while funding the future of the industry through mentorship, scholarships and support for emerging generations.
The 35th Anniversary Awards Dinner & Gala will bring together music executives, artists, creatives, media personalities and cultural leaders from across the country for an evening celebrating achievement, legacy and service.
2026 LIVING LEGENDS FOUNDATION HONOREES
This year’s distinguished honorees include:
- Ray Harris Lifetime Achievement Award — Louis Carr, President of BET
- A.D. Washington Chairman’s Award — Black Promoters Collective
- Jerry Boulding Radio Executive Award — Kenny Smoov, Vice President of Urban Programming, Cumulus
- Frankie Crocker Radio Personality Award — Greg Street, Air Personality, V-103 Atlanta
- Impact Player Award — Juliette Jones, COO, Alamo Records
- Music Executive Award — Tim Reid, SVP, Repertoire & Marketing, BMG Recorded Music
- Mike Bernardo Female Executive Award — Phylicia Fant, Global Director Black Music + Culture, Amazon Music
- Kendall Minter Entertainment Advocate Award — James McMillan, Esq., CEO, ART@WAR Entertainment
- Hip-Hop Visionary Award — Ted Lucas, Founder & CEO, Slip-N-Slide Records
- Entrepreneur Award — Ralph McDaniels, Executive Producer, Video Music Box
The 35th Anniversary Gala continues LLF’s longstanding tradition of bringing the music and entertainment community together to honor the individuals whose leadership, innovation and dedication have shaped the industry while ensuring their contributions are recognized and preserved for future generations.
For more details about the Dinner and Gala, please visit livinglegendsfoundation.com or to purchase tickets, click here; and connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, Threads, Bluesky and YouTube.
« KIERRA SHEARD HONORED WITH THE BMI IMPACT AWARD AT THE 2026 BMI TRAILBLAZERS OF GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS 
