What Is 1989 Soul Train Music Awards

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1989 Soul Train Music Awards was held on March 13, 1989, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, honoring achievements in R&B, soul, gospel, and hip-hop music from the previous year. Hosted by Dionne Warwick, Patti LaBelle, and Luther Vandross, the ceremony recognized artists like Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, and Bobby Brown.

Key Facts

The 1989 Soul Train Music Awards took place on March 13, 1989
It was hosted by Dionne Warwick, Patti LaBelle, and Luther Vandross
Whitney Houston won Best Female R&B/Soul Artist
Michael Jackson received the Heritage Award for Career Achievement
Bobby Brown won Best Male R&B/Soul Artist for his album 'Don't Be Cruel'

Overview

The 1989 Soul Train Music Awards celebrated the most influential artists in African American music during the 1988–1989 season. Held on March 13, 1989, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, the event honored excellence in R&B, soul, gospel, and emerging hip-hop genres. It was a pivotal moment in music history, capturing the transition of Black music into mainstream pop culture.

Founded by Don Cornelius in 1987, the Soul Train Music Awards were created to recognize Black artists who were often overlooked by mainstream award shows. The 1989 edition highlighted a golden era of soul and R&B, featuring performances and accolades that reflected the genre's cultural impact. The ceremony was broadcast nationally, increasing its reach and influence.

Whitney Houston won Best Female R&B/Soul Artist after her second album Whitney became the first by a female artist to debut at number one on the Billboard 200.
Michael Jackson received the Heritage Award for Career Achievement, acknowledging his record-breaking Bad album, which sold over 45 million copies worldwide.
Bobby Brown took home Best Male R&B/Soul Artist, thanks to the massive success of his 1988 album Don't Be Cruel, which produced five top-ten singles.
The event was co-hosted by Dionne Warwick, Patti LaBelle, and Luther Vandross, three legends whose combined careers spanned over four decades of soul music.
Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, with a capacity of over 6,000, hosted the ceremony, continuing its legacy as a premier venue for Black cultural events.

How It Works

The Soul Train Music Awards selection process combined industry input with public voting, ensuring both critical and fan-driven recognition. Nominees were determined by a panel of music executives, journalists, and past winners, with final winners selected through a hybrid voting system.

Nomination Panel: A committee of 25 music industry professionals reviewed eligible recordings released between January 1 and December 31, 1988, to determine nominees.
Public Voting: Fans could vote via mail-in ballots, with over 200,000 votes tallied in 1989, making it one of the most participatory music awards at the time.
Eligibility Period: Only music released between January 1 and December 31, 1988 qualified, ensuring timely recognition of the year’s top performers.
Category Structure: Awards were divided into 14 categories, including Best Gospel Album, Best Rap Single, and Best New Artist, reflecting genre diversity.
Winner Selection: In most categories, the winner was determined by a 60% industry panel, 40% public vote split to balance expertise and popularity.
Special Awards: The Heritage Award, like the one given to Michael Jackson, was selected entirely by the Soul Train executive board and not subject to public voting.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1989 Soul Train Music Awards can be compared to other major music ceremonies based on categories, winners, and cultural significance.

Award Show	Year	Host(s)	Top Winner	Key Difference
Soul Train Music Awards	1989	Dionne Warwick, Patti LaBelle, Luther Vandross	Whitney Houston	Focused exclusively on R&B, soul, gospel, and hip-hop artists
Grammy Awards	1989	None (pre-recorded)	Paula Abdul, Bobby Brown	Broader genre inclusion; less emphasis on Black artists in major categories
AMAs	1988	Richard Pryor, Jane Seymour	Whitney Houston	Public-voted, but with less genre-specific focus
Billboard Music Awards	1988	Not televised	George Michael	Based purely on chart performance, not artistic merit
MTV Video Music Awards	1988	Downtown Julie Brown	Peter Gabriel	Emphasis on visual creativity over musical genre

While the Grammys and AMAs had broader appeal, the Soul Train Music Awards uniquely spotlighted African American artistry during a time when representation in mainstream media was limited. Its genre-specific focus allowed deeper recognition of cultural contributions that other awards often minimized.

Why It Matters

The 1989 Soul Train Music Awards was more than an awards show—it was a cultural milestone that affirmed the value of Black music in American society. At a time when hip-hop was gaining traction and R&B was evolving, the event provided a platform for artists who shaped the sound of a generation.

Whitney Houston's win solidified her status as a global icon, following her seven Billboard #1 singles in a row, a record at the time.
Michael Jackson's Heritage Award recognized not just sales but his influence on performance, fashion, and music video production.
The inclusion of Best Rap Single highlighted hip-hop's rise, with nominees like Tone Lōc and Young MC gaining mainstream credibility.
Bobby Brown's success marked the commercial breakthrough of new jack swing, a genre blending R&B and hip-hop beats.
The event's national broadcast on syndicated television reached over 15 million viewers, amplifying its cultural footprint.
It paved the way for future Black-led award shows like the BET Awards, establishing a legacy of representation and celebration.

By honoring both established legends and rising stars, the 1989 Soul Train Music Awards played a crucial role in shaping how African American music is recognized and remembered.