Gospel recording artists Jekalyn Carr and Todd Dulaney will co-host the 2024 Impact SOAR Awards, airing on the Impact Network on June 17 at 8 p.m. ET. The show will honor four top artists in contemporary gospel music: Marvin Sapp (Icon Honoree), Ricky Dillard (Legend Honoree), Travis Greene (Luminary Honoree), and Kim Burrell (Industry Impact Honoree).

In addition to the hosts, performers include Brian Courtney Wilson, Todd Galberth, Chrystal Rucker, Ms. Anita Wilson, Jabari Johnson, Lana Byrd Miles, and Titus Showers. Tim Bowman Jr. will serve as a presenter.

The SOAR Awards are executive produced by Royal W. Jackson, executive vice president of the Impact Network. The show is presented in partnership with SOAR Radio, which originated the SOAR Awards in 2017.

“As the creator of SOAR Radio and the SOAR Awards, I am immensely proud of the incredible journey we’ve embarked on since our inaugural show in 2017,” Justin Francis, SOAR Radio and Awards founder and CEO, said in a statement. “We are thrilled to partner with the Impact Network, a collaboration that elevates the SOAR Awards to new heights.”

This is the first music honors special for the Impact Network, a Black-founded and operated cable network based in Detroit. The show will premiere two days after Juneteenth, which is celebrated on June 19, and during Black Music Month.

Black Music Month, established in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter and later formally recognized by President Barack Obama, celebrates the rich heritage and enduring legacy of African American music. This month-long observance highlights the contributions of Black musicians to various genres, including gospel, jazz, R&B, and hip-hop, and acknowledges their influence on the broader cultural landscape.

“Honoring gospel legends through heartfelt tributes not only preserves their contributions but also inspires future generations,” Wayne T. Jackson, Impact Network founder and CEO, said in a statement. “We are excited to share this moving event with our viewers and continue to champion the enduring power of gospel music.”

In addition to the SOAR Awards, the Impact Network is creating 30-second vignettes that celebrate influential Black music figures and musical moments across various genres.

The Impact Network recently aired its first tentpole special, the 5th Annual Pink Awards, which recognizes achievements in the fight against breast cancer.

About The Gospel Beat:

"The Gospel Beat" is a dedicated space within EEW Magazine Online for music lovers and faithful followers alike, where the vibrant world of Gospel music takes center stage. As the latest addition to EEW Magazine, a leading voice for Black Christian women since 2007, this column offers a rhythmic blend of news, insights, and updates from the heart of the Gospel scene. From the latest releases and interviews to behind-the-scenes stories and personal accounts, "The Gospel Beat" connects you to the pulse of the genre and the artists who uplift spirits through their music. Celebrate faith, culture, and the power of Gospel with us as we bring you closer to the sounds and souls that inspire devotion across generations.

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