‘Soul Train Awards’ 2022 Host Deon Cole Says Show Will Feel Like A Family Cookout

Many fans of Soul Train remember when they first saw the iconic animated train careening on their television sets when the music variety show debuted in 1971, created by visionary Don Cornelius, the host, and executive producer. The program filled a void for Black people who wanted to celebrate their culture and music. Many tuned in to imitate the fashionable attire of the dancers and learn the latest dance moves during the crowd-pleasing "Soul Train Line," where the crowd would break into two lines giving enough space for dancers to boogie down the queue, sometimes pairing men and women.

Cornelius, who possessed a debonair demeanor, began each episode with his famous intro, Soul Train the hippest trip in America, sixty non-stop minutes across the tracks of your mind into the exciting world of soul," before announcing the special musical guest of the week. At the close of each show, he would send off viewers with his laidback baritone voice and suave catchphrase, "Love, peace, and soul."

The syndicated telecast aired from 1971 to 2006. In 2016, BET Networks, under Paramount Global, acquired the Soul Train brand and its affiliated assets like events, cruises, and awards shows, which remains a prominent fixture of American culture.

BET Networks kicks off the 2022 Soul Train Awards Saturday, November 26 at 8 pm ET/PT, hosted by comedian and actor Deon Cole.

The Soul Train Awards Red Carpet Special pre-show will start at 7 pm ET/PT, presented by R&B singer Tank handling the Main Stage. R&B singer and actress LeToya Luckett holding down the Correspondent Stage, and Novi Brown of Tyler Perry's Sistas, providing commentary in the Walmart Lounge.

Fresh off his 2022 Netflix comedy special Deon Cole: Charleen's Boy, the comedian is honored to serve as this year's host, "It means a lot; I used to be a writer on the show and to go from a writer to hosting is a pretty big deal to me, we had a great time."

This year's show spotlight performances by J. Valentine, Ari Lennox, Muni Long, SiR, Tank, Coco Jones, and Q. Cole is looking forward to seeking a few of his favorites artists at tonight's show, "Morris Day and the Time, definitely and Xscape. They are honorees and [they] kill such a good time. They went crazy. I can't wait for everybody to see."

Musical group Morris Day and the Time will be honored with the 'Legend' award, and the hitmaking 90's R&B group Xscape will walk away with the 'Lady of Soul' distinction.

"Xscape is one of the most notable R&B supergroups of all time. Their powerful vocal harmonies laid the foundation for '90s R&B and some of today's chart-topping hits," said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming and Music Strategy. "Their sound is undeniably unique and masterful. We look forward to honoring these multi-talented artists collectively on R&B's biggest stage, Soul Train Awards."

Cole's favorite new artist he discovered this year is DVSN, but he is most looking forward to hearing Tank perform a few of his tracks at the show.

Additional presenters who will grace the Las Vegas Orleans Arena stage are JB Smoove, Lucky Daye, Mark Tallman, Michelle Mitchenor of BET+ series First Wives Club, and Queen Naija.

"The whole show is amazing; we had a good time and a great time. I've tried to provide the funny as much as possible and have a good time. That's what the whole goal was, let's have a good time and not make it an award show. Let's make it like a family cookout where we are talking about real stuff, and that's what we did. So hopefully, everybody will check it out," add Cole.

Emmy® winner Jesse Collins of Jesse Collins Entertainment executive produced the Soul Train Awards 2022 with Jeannae Rouzan–Clay and Dionne Harmon.

For additional information about the 2022 Soul Train Awards, visit here and where to watch.