Anita Baker, Mavis Staples, Wanda Jackson and Ledisi Added to “VH1 Divas”

VH1‘s beloved, popular franchise, “VH1 Divas,” announced today additional performers to join this year’s tribute to soul music including: Anita Baker, Mavis Staples, Wanda Jackson and Ledisi. In addition, Dolly Parton, Queen Latifah, Terrence Howard, Nas, Common and La La Anthony will participate as presenters in paying homage to these cities and soul music’s timeless classics at New York City ‘s Hammerstein Ballroom. “VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul” premieres Monday, December 19 at 9 PM /8c on VH1.

In addition, for the first time, the “VH1 Divas” red carpet will be livestreamed on VH1.com on Sunday, December 18 from 5-7pm ET (#VH1DIVAS). Sponsored by Samsung and hosted by VH1 personality La La Anthony, the livestream will provide fans an unfiltered front-row seat to all the red carpet action and will feature real time interviews with entertainment’s biggest stars. Beginning Monday, December 19 , fans can view a curated red carpet highlights video on VH1.com.

“VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul” will bring together some of the best singers across the globe, men and women alike, to honor the soulful cities that inspired these divas and their art. The headlining “divas” were announced at an earlier date including: Mary J. Blige , Kelly Clarkson, Florence + The Machine Jennifer Hudson, Jessie J. and Jill Scott . Previously announced performers include: Chaka Khan, Erykah Badu, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Boyz II Men, Estelle, Marsha Ambrosius and Travie McCoy.

The cities honored include: Chicago , Detroit , London , Memphis and Philadelphia. Accompanied by one of the most exciting groups of modern soul, The Roots, with Questlove and Adam Blackstone as musical directors, each ‘diva’ will pay tribute through not only their own soul-inspired songs, but some of the greatest classics that have shaped a genre.

As in previous years, this edition of “VH1 Divas” will benefit the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of music education in a child’s life.