Memphis blues legend Toni Green was overwhelmed with emotion when she received the call informing her that she would be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the W.C. Handy Heritage Awards.

“I thought… I thought nobody cared anymore,” said Green, her voice trembling as she took the stage to accept the award. “God is good. He keeps waking me up, and He keeps turning another chapter for me. Every time I think it’s over with,He gives me another chance.”

Green has graced stages across the globe, carrying the soul of Memphis blues with her wherever she performs. And on Nov. 24, she stood among a distinguished group of honorees at the Halloran Centre at the W.C. Handy Heritage Awards.

A Tribute from One Queen to Another

Carla Thomas, known herself as the Queen of Memphis Soul, introduced Green with a heartfelt tribute, describing her as a musical icon whose influence has touched fans worldwide.

“When you say Toni Green, I not only think of France but also Italy,” Thomas said, recounting how a European venue once enshrined one of Green’s rhinestone shoes as a tribute to her unforgettable performances. “Just to let her know that I respect her, I love her, and she has kept the music industry—the Memphis music legacy—alive. People just love her wherever she walks in. You know, there’s Toni.”

The heartfelt introduction set the stage for a night of joy and nostalgia. As Green accepted her award with humility and gratitude, her remarks were punctuated by applause and cheers from an appreciative crowd.

“God has been good to me all the years I’ve been here,” she said. “I’ve moved recently. I live in Indiana now, but I’m still a part of you. You’re in my DNA forever.”

A Show-Stopping Performance

After her acceptance speech, Green brought down the house with a soul-stirring performance that showcased her powerful voice and captivating stage presence. 

“Can we do something for you?” Green asked the audience before launching into her set. “Now, if you don’t talk back to me, I’m going to go off the stage!” The crowd responded with raucous enthusiasm, and Green delivered an electrifying performance that had everyone on their feet.

Backed by an exceptional band, she performed a medley of blues standards and original songs, including a stirring performance of “Simply Beautiful,” made famous by another music legend, the Rev. Al Green. The 15-minute set demonstrated why Green remains one of Memphis’ most cherished musical ambassadors.

A Bluesman’s Salute

The evening also featured a performance by Earl “The Pearl” Banks, a Beale Street legend who has been playing the blues for more than 60 years. 

“Earl is the embodiment of the blues on Beale Street,” an announcer said as Banks took the stage. “For six decades, he’s carried his guitar and amp down Beale to play for Memphians and visitors alike, never once complaining.” 

Known for his weekly sets at Blues City Cafe, Banks brought his authentic Memphis blues sound to the Halloran Centre stage, performing a rousing rendition of his song “I Pay the Cost to Be the Boss.”

Star Power: The honorees joined Elaine Turner and others on the stage at the 2024 Handy Awards. Among them (from left): Earl “The Pearl” Banks, rapper Al Kapone, Alvin Green, Diane Swiney, Toni Green and Deanie Parker.
Elaine Turner of Heritage Blues Tours makes opening remarks for the 2024 W.C. Handy Heritage Awards on Nov. 24. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
Memphis Queens: Toni Green received the Lifetime Achievement Award during the festivities, and was introduced by none other than The Queen of Memphis Soul, Carla Thomas. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
Earl “The Pearl” Banks has been performing on Beale Street for more than 60 years. On Nov. 24, he joined the band on stage for a star-studded night of Memphis music. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
Handy Music Director Award: Mark Anthony Lee (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
Diane Swiney took home an award for Authentic Beale Street Musician. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
Rev. Alvin Green accepts the Gospel Pioneer Award.
Al Kapone receives the Rap Pioneer Award. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
“God is good. He keeps waking me up, and He keeps turning another chapter for me. Every time I think it’s over with, He gives me another chance.” — Toni Green (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)

Honoring Memphis’ Musical Legacy

The W.C. Handy Heritage Awards, presented by Heritage Tours and the W.C. Handy Museum, celebrated Handy’s groundbreaking contributions to music and the artists who continue to build on his legacy. Alongside Toni Green, other luminaries included:

  • The Handy Legacy Award: Deanie Parker
  • Handy Music Director Award: Mark Anthony Lee
  • Pioneer Honorees:
    • Al Kapone (Rap Pioneer)
    • Deborah Swiney (Jazz Entertainer and Background Vocalist)
    • Alvin Green (Gospel Pioneer) 
    • Gerard Harris (Jazz Guitarist)

Live music from the African Jazz Ensemble added to the magic of the evening, paying homage to Handy’s enduring influence on blues, jazz and contemporary music.

A Night to Remember

As the applause echoed through the Halloran Centre, the 2024 W.C. Handy Heritage Awards reaffirmed Memphis’ place as a global capital of music and culture. For Toni Green, the honor was a testament to a lifetime of artistry and an enduring connection to her Memphis roots.

“Memphis is one of the greatest music towns in the whole wide world!” Green exclaimed. “Every time I go overseas or perform here in America, I hope I do you proud.”