Distinguished executive and current Island Def Jam CEO Antonio “L.A.” Reid will be honored this year at Soul Train’s annual award show.
The successful mogul initially began his career as an artist: first with the short-lived 70s funk band Pure Essence, and then joining Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds as a member of The Deele. That group spawned several 80s hits, including “Body Talk,” “Shoot ‘Em Up Movies,” and “Two Occasions.”
Babyface and Reid partnered in 1989 to form LaFace Records, a powerhouse imprint in Hip-Hop and R&B that brought Outkast, Goodie Mob, Usher, TLC, Toni Braxton, Pink, and Donell Jones to national prominence.
During his current Def Jam tenure, Reid has been instrumental in guiding the multi-platinum careers of Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Mariah Carey.
The award show will be hosted by Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, and also honor music icons Chaka Khan, Charlie Wilson, and Babyface with music tributes spanning their legendary careers.
At press time, the confirmed line-up of artists includes Toni Braxton, Trey Songz, Erykah Badu, Robin Thicke, Fantasia, Ryan Leslie, Chrisette Michelle, Raheem DeVaughn, Karyn White, Boyz II Men, Ledisi, Chico Debarge, Angie Stone, Brian McKnight, Ginuwine, Melanie Fiona, and Johnny Gill.
The 2009 Soul Train Awards will be taped on November 3 at Atlanta’s World Congress Center.
The event will broadcast on BET and CENTRIC on Sunday November 29 at 9PM.