What Is 2014 Soul Train Music Awards

Overview

The 2014 Soul Train Music Awards celebrated the most influential artists in R&B, soul, hip-hop, and gospel music, recognizing achievements from the previous year. The ceremony took place on November 30, 2014, at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, marking a vibrant return to a live, televised format after several years of hiatus.

Hosted by actor and comedian Anthony Anderson, the event brought together top performers and industry legends for a night of music, tributes, and celebration. The show was broadcast simultaneously on Centric and BET, drawing a wide audience across multiple platforms.

• November 30, 2014 was the official air date of the 2014 Soul Train Music Awards, marking a return to regular annual broadcasts after a gap.
• The ceremony was held at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, a venue known for hosting major entertainment events and concerts.
• Anthony Anderson, known for his role in 'Black-ish', hosted the show, bringing comedic flair and star power to the evening.
• The awards were presented by Centric and BET, with live coverage and red carpet events streamed across both networks.
• This edition of the awards honored music released between October 1, 2013, and September 30, 2014, aligning with the eligibility period set by the organizers.

Major Awards and Winners

The 2014 ceremony highlighted some of the biggest names in music, with Pharrell Williams emerging as the top winner of the night. His global hit 'Happy' dominated multiple categories, reflecting its cultural impact and commercial success.

• Song of the Year went to 'Happy' by Pharrell Williams, a track that spent over ten weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.
• Album of the Year was awarded to Beyoncé for her self-titled visual album, which sold over 600,000 copies in its first week.
• Best New Artist was won by Iggy Azalea, whose single 'Fancy' became a chart-topping anthem in 2014.
• Best R&B/Soul Male Artist was awarded to Pharrell Williams, recognizing his breakout year as a solo performer.
• Best Gospel Album went to Kirk Franklin for 'Long, Live, Love', a critically acclaimed release in the gospel genre.
• Legend Award was presented to Stevie Wonder, honoring his lifetime contributions to music and social activism.

Comparison at a Glance

Award categories and winners from the 2014 Soul Train Music Awards compared to previous years highlight shifts in musical trends and audience preferences.

The 2014 awards reflected a shift toward pop and hip-hop influences, with Pharrell and Iggy Azalea representing crossover success. In contrast, earlier years favored R&B and neo-soul acts, indicating evolving genre dynamics in Black music. The inclusion of gospel and inspirational categories also emphasized the awards’ commitment to cultural breadth.

Why It Matters

The 2014 Soul Train Music Awards were significant not only for honoring top artists but also for revitalizing a historic brand in Black entertainment. By returning to television after a multi-year break, the ceremony re-established its relevance in an era dominated by digital music consumption.

• The awards helped reintroduce the Soul Train brand to a new generation, leveraging nostalgia while embracing contemporary music trends.
• Winning a Soul Train Award remains a mark of cultural legitimacy within the African American music community.
• Pharrell Williams’ triple win solidified his transition from producer to global pop icon, boosting his visibility beyond music.
• The inclusion of Stevie Wonder’s Legend Award reinforced the show’s role in honoring legacy artists and their social impact.
• Live performances by Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, and others provided memorable television moments that drove social media engagement.
• The broadcast’s success led to future annual ceremonies, ensuring the awards’ continuation into the 2020s.

The 2014 event successfully bridged past and present, celebrating both enduring icons and rising stars, and reaffirmed the Soul Train Music Awards as a vital platform for Black artistic expression.