Chaka Khan, Q Parker join Living Legends Foundation’s 35th anniversary gala

The Living Legends Foundation will mark its 35th anniversary gala Oct. 2 in Atlanta with Chaka Khan as honorary ambassador and 112’s Q Parker as honorary gala chair. The event will honor music industry leaders, executives and advocates while spotlighting the behind-the-scenes people who help shape Black music and entertainment.

Why it matters: - The Living Legends Foundation’s 35th anniversary gala puts a national spotlight on the executives, radio personalities, entrepreneurs and advocates who shape Black music and entertainment behind the scenes. - Chaka Khan’s return underscores the Foundation’s long history of recognizing artists and industry leaders whose work has influenced music and culture for decades. - Q Parker’s role adds another high-profile voice to a nonprofit that also supports industry professionals with confirmed need and funds mentorship and scholarships.

What happened: - The Living Legends Foundation named Chaka Khan honorary ambassador for its 35th Anniversary Awards Dinner & Gala. - The Foundation named Q Parker, of 112, as honorary gala chair for the event. - The gala is set for Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, in Atlanta at Flourish Atlanta. - Khan and Parker are helping lead the Foundation’s milestone celebration.

The details: - Khan was among the artists recognized by the Foundation in 1992. - The Foundation said Khan’s history with the organization stretches back more than three decades. - Khan said the celebration should recognize the people whose work is often unseen but helped build the music industry. - David C. Linton, chairman of the Living Legends Foundation, said Khan’s career reflects the excellence, longevity and cultural impact the organization has highlighted for 35 years. - Khan will also release Chakzilla on Sept. 18. - Chakzilla is her first full-length album in seven years. - The album includes collaborations with Sia, Snoop Dogg and Lenny Kravitz. - Parker is a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and entrepreneur whose career spans nearly three decades. - Parker recently released the single “Stare” from his forthcoming album, Evolution of Romance, Volume Two, due this fall. - The Living Legends Foundation was founded in 1991. - The nonprofit honors industry legends and supports music professionals with confirmed need. - The Foundation also funds the future of the industry through mentorship, scholarships and support for emerging generations. - The gala will bring together music executives, artists, creatives, media personalities and cultural leaders from across the country.

Between the lines: - The Foundation is using two recognizable artists to broaden attention on workers who rarely get public credit but often shape careers, catalogs and cultural influence. - Khan’s new album rollout gives the 35th anniversary added visibility beyond the gala itself. - Parker’s recent release and upcoming album create a similar cross-promotion effect for the event.

What's next: - The gala will honor this year’s class of award recipients on Oct. 2. - More details and tickets are available through Living Legends Foundation. - The Foundation is also promoting the event across Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

The bottom line: - The 35th anniversary gala is both a tribute to Black music’s legacy and a push to recognize the people who keep the industry moving behind the scenes.