The Living Legends Foundation, Inc. (LLF) proudly announces iconic recording artist Chaka Khan as Honorary Ambassador and Q Parker, Founding Member of R&B Group 112, as the Honorary Gala Chair for this year’s Living
Legends Foundation’s 35th Anniversary Awards Dinner & Gala, taking place Friday, October 2, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The moment holds special significance for Khan, whose history with the Living Legends
Foundation stretches back more than three decades. In 1992, Chaka was among the early
artists recognized by the organization, honoring not only her extraordinary artistry, but her
impact on the music industry and culture. Now, 34 years later, Khan returns as Honorary
Ambassador for the Foundation’s 35th Anniversary, helping turn the spotlight toward the
executives, radio personalities, entrepreneurs, advocates and cultural architects whose often
unseen contributions have helped build, sustain and shape Black music and entertainment.

“When you cross a bridge, you don’t think about all the hands that built it. Some of the most
important contributions are the ones we never see,” said Chaka Khan. “Thank you, Living
Legends Foundation, for seeing that every story matters and for honoring those hands and
hearts that helped build the way for all of us.”

“Having Chaka Khan serve as our Honorary Ambassador during this milestone year is incredibly
meaningful,” said David C. Linton, Chairman of the Living Legends Foundation. “Chaka’s
history with the Foundation reaches back to our earliest years, and her extraordinary career
represents the excellence, longevity and cultural impact we have worked to celebrate for 35
years. We are honored to welcome her back as we recognize another remarkable class of
Living Legends.”

Adding to the significance of this milestone year, the 10-time GRAMMY® Award recipient is also
entering an exciting new chapter in her legendary career with the release of Chakzilla on
September 18. Her first full-length album in seven years, the highly anticipated project marks a
bold new era for Chaka. It features collaborations with artists including Sia, Snoop Dogg and
Lenny Kravitz. The new music further underscores Khan’s enduring influence and ability to
continue evolving, creating, and connecting with audiences across generations. Together, the
release of Chakzilla and her role as Honorary Ambassador reflect both legacy and evolution,
honoring an extraordinary career while celebrating those who continue to move music and
culture forward.

Joining Khan in this milestone celebration is GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter,
entrepreneur and founding member of 112, Q Parker. As an artist whose career has spanned
nearly three decades, Parker brings a deep appreciation for the executives, creatives, mentors,
and industry professionals whose behind-the-scenes work has helped artists build lasting
careers and shape the legacy of Black music.

“Black music has given me a career, a community, and an opportunity to use my gifts to impact
people around the world, so serving as Honorary Chair for the Living Legends Foundation’s 35th
anniversary is truly an honor,” said Parker. “This organization understands that our industry is
bigger than the names we see on the marquee. There are countless people behind the scenes
who have dedicated their lives to moving our culture forward. I’m proud to stand with the Living
Legends Foundation as we give these trailblazers their flowers and continue creating
opportunities for the generations coming behind us.”

As Honorary Event Chair, Parker will help champion the Foundation’s mission, using his
platform to celebrate the individuals whose contributions have strengthened Black music and
entertainment while raising awareness of LLF’s ongoing work to honor, support, and invest in
the industry community. The role comes during an exciting creative chapter for the R&B
hitmaker, who recently released his new single, “Stare,” from his forthcoming album, Evolution
of Romance, Volume Two, arriving this fall.

Since its founding in 1991, the Living Legends Foundation has honored trailblazers and
championed the professionals who have helped bring Black music and culture to audiences
around the world. In addition to recognizing industry excellence, the nonprofit protects and
supports music industry professionals with a confirmed need, while funding the future of the
industry through mentorship, scholarships and support for emerging generations.

The 35th Anniversary Awards Dinner & Gala brings together music executives, artists,
creatives, media personalities and cultural leaders from across the country for an evening
celebrating achievement, legacy and service.

2026 LIVING LEGENDS FOUNDATION HONOREES
This year’s distinguished honorees include:
● Ray Harris Lifetime Achievement Award — Louis Carr, President of BET
● A.D. Washington Chairman’s Award — Black Promoters Collective
● Jerry Boulding Radio Executive Award — Kenny Smoov, Vice President of Urban
Programming, Cumulus
● Frankie Crocker Radio Personality Award — Greg Street, Air Personality, V-103
Atlanta
● Impact Player Award — Juliette Jones, COO, Alamo Records
● Music Executive Award — Tim Reid, SVP, Repertoire & Marketing, BMG Recorded
Music
● Mike Bernardo Female Executive Award — Phylicia Fant, Global Director Black Music Culture, Amazon Music
● Kendall Minter Entertainment Advocate Award — James McMillan, Esq., CEO,
ART@WAR Entertainment
● Hip-Hop Visionary Award — Ted Lucas, Founder & CEO, Slip-N-Slide Records
● Entrepreneur Award — Ralph McDaniels, Executive Producer, Video Music Box

The 35th Anniversary Gala continues LLF’s longstanding tradition of celebrating individuals from
music and entertainment whose leadership, innovation and dedication have shaped the
industry, while ensuring their contributions are recognized and preserved for future generations.

For more details about the Dinner and Gala hosted at Flourish Atlanta, please visit
livinglegendsfoundation.com, or to purchase tickets, click here and connect with us on
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