What Is 1987 Soul Train Music Awards

Overview

The 1987 Soul Train Music Awards marked the beginning of an annual tradition celebrating African American music and culture. Held on March 16, 1987, the ceremony honored top achievements in R&B, soul, gospel, and emerging hip-hop genres from the previous year.

Created by Don Cornelius, the founder of the iconic Soul Train television series, the awards were designed to spotlight Black artists who were often underrepresented at mainstream award shows. The inaugural event set the tone for future ceremonies with high-energy performances and recognition of groundbreaking talent.

• March 16, 1987 was the official date of the first Soul Train Music Awards, establishing a new milestone in Black music history.
• Don Cornelius served as host and executive producer, bringing his signature smooth delivery to the ceremony.
• The event recognized artists across 12 award categories, including Best New Artist, Best R&B/Soul Album, and Best Gospel Album.
• Whitney Houston won Best Female Artist, cementing her status as a dominant force in pop and R&B music following her debut album's success.
• Prince took home the award for Best Male Artist, reflecting his immense influence and creative output in the mid-1980s.

Major Categories and Winners

The 1987 awards spotlighted a transformative era in Black music, blending traditional soul with new wave, funk, and early hip-hop. Categories were carefully structured to reflect the diversity of African American musical expression.

• Best New Artist: A young Jody Watley won this category, recognizing her transition from Shalamar member to solo pop-R&B star.
• Best R&B/Soul Single – Male:"Kiss" by Prince won, showcasing his genre-defying style and innovative production.
• Best R&B/Soul Single – Female:"How Will I Know" by Whitney Houston earned the award, a global chart-topping hit.
• Best R&B/Soul Album – Male:"King of Rock" by Atlantic Starr won, highlighting smooth R&B and crossover appeal.
• Best Rap Single:"Rappers Delight" by The Sugarhill Gang was honored, acknowledging hip-hop’s cultural breakthrough.
• Best Gospel Album:"The Lord’s Prayer" by The Clark Sisters received the award, affirming gospel music’s foundational role.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key categories and winners from the 1987 Soul Train Music Awards with industry recognition at the time:

This inaugural ceremony highlighted how the Soul Train Awards uniquely celebrated Black artistry at a time when mainstream platforms offered limited recognition. By honoring both established stars and rising talent, the event validated diverse genres within African American music.

Why It Matters

The 1987 Soul Train Music Awards laid the foundation for a culturally significant event that would spotlight Black excellence in music for decades. It provided visibility and validation for artists shaping the sound of a generation.

• Historic platform: The awards gave Black artists a dedicated space for recognition during an era of underrepresentation on mainstream shows.
• Cultural validation: By honoring hip-hop early, the ceremony helped legitimize rap music as a vital art form.
• Industry influence: Winning a Soul Train Award became a career milestone, often boosting album sales and concert bookings.
• Television legacy: The broadcast reached millions via syndication, extending Soul Train’s cultural reach beyond dance performances.
• Artist empowerment: Performers like Prince and Houston used the stage to showcase innovation and artistry without compromise.
• Foundation for future shows: The 1987 format inspired future ceremonies, evolving into the Soul Train Lady of Soul and later BET Awards.

The inaugural 1987 ceremony remains a landmark moment in music history, symbolizing pride, creativity, and the enduring power of Black musical expression.