NASHVILLE, TN (November 5, 2026) – Legendary music producer Teddy Riley, widely recognized as the architect of New Jack Swing, will take center stage Thursday evening as Fisk University celebrates his extraordinary contributions to music and culture during the 2026 Gold & Blue Jubilee Honors Celebration at the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville.
Hosted by the Fisk University Alumni Association and the Fisk Jubilee Singers Alumni Association, the annual celebration recognizes influential figures whose work has helped shape music, culture, and their communities. This year’s theme, “The Architect of Sound, Strategy & Legacy,” pays tribute to Riley’s groundbreaking career and the lasting influence of his signature sound.
Few producers have left a mark on contemporary R&B and hip-hop quite like Riley. By blending the rhythms of hip-hop with the melodies and harmonies of R&B, he helped create New Jack Swing, a genre that dominated the late 1980s and early 1990s and continues to influence today’s music. His work with artists including Michael Jackson, Bobby Brown, Keith Sweat, and his own groups Guy and Blackstreet helped define an era of popular music.
For Riley, receiving recognition from an institution with such a rich musical history carries special significance. Speaking about the honor, he expressed his appreciation for Fisk University’s legacy and the historic contributions of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, describing the recognition as something he would proudly display and cherish.
The evening will feature performances by the world renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers and other musical guests celebrating Riley’s contributions to the industry. The event also serves as a meaningful part of Fisk University’s Homecoming festivities, bringing together alumni, music lovers, and supporters of the historic institution.
Beyond celebrating musical excellence, the Gold & Blue Jubilee Honors Celebration supports a larger mission. Proceeds benefit Fisk University students and the Fisk Jubilee Singers Endowment Fund, helping preserve the university’s musical heritage while creating opportunities for future generations.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a cocktail reception and food, followed by the Honors Celebration at 7:30 p.m. An official after-party will conclude the evening.
For Riley, whose career has influenced generations of performers and producers, the honor represents another milestone in a legacy that extends far beyond the recording studio.