Soul Train Awards return to Chicago

Chaka Khan accepted the Classic Soul Honor on Thursday at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. The award recognizes artists who have shaped the sound of R&B. Khan described the moment as overwhelming and cited her desire to help others as her primary motivation.

The Soul Train Awards returned to television after a two-year pause. This year, the production marked a first by taping the ceremony in Chicago, the city where the program originated. The event featured a purple carpet and drew city and state leaders to Millennium Park.

Mayor Brandon Johnson spoke at the venue regarding the city's musical influence. He called the event a remarkable testament to Chicago's contributions to music in the United States and worldwide. U.S. Sen.-elect Juliana Stratton also attended, describing the show as a part of the city's history and culture.

Rapper Common, a Chicago native, noted the impact of the original host and producer, Don Cornelius. Common stated that the program affected many artists and provided opportunities for others. The show began in 1971 and focused on music and dance for decades under Cornelius' leadership.

The broadcast will air on BET and CBS on Nov. 27. The telecast is scheduled for 7 p.m. local time.