Leah LaBelle, who died tragically this week, at the 2012 Soul Train Music Awards

Kim's Kronicles — By Kim Webster on February 1, 2018 at 8:26 am

Cover Photo and Inside photo- Leah Labelle. Leah LaBelle, and her husband, former NBA star Rasual Butler, were killed in a tragic accident this week in Studio City. Both photos by Kim Webster.

We were saddened to hear this week of the deaths of Leah LaBelle and her husband, former NBA star Rasual Butler, in an accident in Studio City, California. We are sending our wishes to their families and re-running this article in her memory. They were taken too soon. God Bless both of them. Publisher, Buddy Sampson

By Kim Webster

LAS VEGAS NV – The Soul Train Music Awards was taped live at Planet Hollywood with our favorite host Cedric “The Entertainer.” Tamar Braxton and Tony Rock also hosted a pre-show packed with celebrity interviews. This awards show was dedicated as a tribute to its creator Don Cornelius. Don’s son Tony spoke about his father’s genius and singer, songwriter, dancer Jody Watley gave thanks to Don Cornelius and Soul Train for her career success. Vintage footage of the hit series Soul Train bought back happy memories. Visual tributes were filtered during the show honoring artists who had passed away.

After receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring their 30-year career, New Edition performed a medley of their songs. Eddie Levert, from the OJAYS, was joined by Cedric “The Entertainer” performing “Casanova” in tribute to the group LEVERT. Fantasia sung “Don’t Play That Song For Me” as a tribute to Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder’s finale rocked the house. Encore presentations will air on BET, December 6 and CENTRIC Channel December 8 and 14.

Awards were presented to: John Legend f/Ludacris – The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter’s Award for “Tonight (Best You Ever Had),” Elle Varner – Best New Artist, Leah Labelle – CENTRIC Award, Whitney Houston & Jordin Sparks – Best Gospel/Inspirational Performance for “Celebrate,” Kanye West f/Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz – Best Hip Hop Song of the Year for “Mercy,” Beyonce’ – Best R&B Soul Female Artist and Best Dance Performance for “Love on Top,” Miguel –Best R&B Soul Male Artist, Frank Ocean’s “Channel Orange” – Album of the Year, Tyrese – Song of the Year for “Stay.” CENTRICTV.com awards were given for: Best Caribbean Performance/Sean Paul-“Tomahawk Technique,” Best International Performance/Estelle – “Thank You,” Best Independent R&B Soul Artist or Group – Eric Roberson, Best Traditional Jazz Artist/Group – for both The Robert Glasper Experiment –“Black Radio” and Tony Bennett-“Isn’t it Romantic,” Esperanza Spalding – Best Contemporary Jazz Artist/Group – “Radio Music Society.”