In 2015, Stellar Awards Founder and Executive Producer Don Jackson introduced the Stellar Awards Honors paying tribute to individuals who have been trailblazers and trendsetters in Gospel music. The inaugural honorees included Pastor Shirley Caesar, Byron Cage, Clifton Davis, Kirk Franklin, Vickie Winans, Dottie Peoples, Ricky Dillard, Vicki Mack Lataillade, Dr. Leonard Scott and Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones.