1987 Soul Train Music Awards


The 1987 Soul Train Music Awards aired live on March 23, 1987, honoring the best in R&B, soul, rap, jazz, and gospel music from the previous year. The show was held at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in Los Angeles, California and was hosted by Luther Vandross and Dionne Warwick.

Special award

Heritage Award for Career Achievement

Winners and nominees

Winners are in bold text.

Album of the Year – Male

Luther Vandross – Give Me the Reason

Album of the Year – Female

Janet Jackson – Control

Album of the Year – Group, Duo, or Band

Cameo – Word Up!

Best Single – Male

Gregory Abbott – "Shake You Down"

Best Single – Female

Anita Baker – "Sweet Love"

Best Single – Group, Duo, or Band

Cameo – "Word Up"

Best Rap Single

Run–D.M.C. – "Walk This Way"

Best Music Video

Janet Jackson – "What Have You Done for Me Lately"

Best New Artist

Gregory Abbott

Best Rap Album

Run–D.M.C. – Raising Hell

Best Gospel Album – Solo

Al Green – He Is the Light

Best Gospel Album – Group, Duo, or Choir

The Winans – Let My People Go

Best Jazz Album – Solo

George Howard – Love Will Follow

Best Jazz Album – Group, Duo, or Band

Bob James and David Sanborn – Double Vision

Performers