A Look Back At Celebs Who Appeared On ‘Soul Train’
Many artists across the R&B, soul and hip hop genre have graced the Soul Train stage at some point in time--some you’d expect and some that might even catch you by surprise. On May 15, 1975, Grammy-award-winning singer-songwriter Elton John became the first white performer on Soul Train. The English star performed his hit singles “Bennie and the Jets” and “Philadelphia Freedom.”
The 2021 Soul Train Awards ceremony was a night of not only musical celebration but it was also jam-packed with guest performances and appearances from many familiar and new faces in the industry. As we reflect on a night that was, here are a few celebrities you probably didn’t know appeared on the iconic Soul Train show.
Shaquille O’Neal
The former Los Angeles Lakers star’s rap career may not have been as successful or as lucrative as his NBA career, however, it did get its moment of fame on Soul Train with former rapper Peter Gunz for a performance of the former athlete’s single “The Way It’s Going Down.”
Grace Jones
The multi-hyphenated entertainer is most famous for her work in front of the camera as a model, but Ms. Jones, a pop icon at this point, first appeared on our soul-centered television series in 1986, performing her single, “I’m Not Perfect (But I’m Perfect For You).”
Sinbad
Funnyman Sinbad was at the height of his career in the 90s thanks to several major films including, Good Burger. He also had several appearances on the musical series, often getting groovy with Mo’Que during his visits to the show in 1993. He also presented the Marvin Gaye/Curtis Mayfield Soul Train Hall of Fame Tribute on November 2, 1995.
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