CLEVELAND (TCO) — The 13th annual National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony took place on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at the Marriott Cleveland East in Warrensville Heights. The event honored 10 icons of the R&B genre and six additional artists who received Icon Awards in recognition of their contributions to Cleveland’s historic Leo’s Casino, a significant venue in the 1960s R&B scene.
“This year’s inductees showcase the depth and diversity of rhythm and blues music. We were thrilled to return to Cleveland, a city that has played a vital role in shaping the history of R&B,” said LaMont Robinson, founder of the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Foundation. “Honoring Leo’s Casino and its alumni added a special touch to this year’s ceremony.”
Honorees included Jeffrey Osborne, Kenny Lattimore, Candi Staton, and Ginuwine, among others. The recipients of the Leo’s Casino Music Icon Award included Eddie Floyd, Gene Chandler, Chuck Conway Sr., Fred Wheatt, Freddie Arrington, and The Temptations.
Honoring Cleveland’s Ken Hawkins
One of the standout inductees was Cleveland native Ken Hawkins, who made history in 1969 as the first African American appointed general manager of a Cleveland radio station. Hawkins, who managed WJMO 1490 AM, broke barriers in the media industry. He was also known for hosting The Ken Hawkins Show in the 1960s, a popular program that contributed to the rise of R&B in Cleveland.
Hawkins was honored not only for his contributions on the air but also for his leadership role in paving the way for African Americans in radio management. His induction celebrated his legacy and the ongoing influence of his work on the Cleveland R&B scene.
A Vision for the Future of Rhythm & Blues
Robinson has been advocating for a permanent national monument to honor R&B artists since 2010. After a visit to Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where he saw few exhibits dedicated to rhythm and blues, Robinson began pushing for the creation of a Hall of Fame that would pay tribute to R&B’s influence across all genres.
“The R&B format’s distinctive sound paved the way for the development of rock and roll, soul, funk, disco, and hip-hop,” Robinson said. “A major price was paid for this music.”
Since 2013, the Hall of Fame has inducted over 300 artists, songwriters, radio personalities, and music legends. Robinson’s vision for the future includes a 50,000-square-foot interactive museum featuring virtual reality and hologram exhibits to tell the story of rhythm and blues music and its legends.
For more information on the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame or to support the project, contact LaMont Robinson at (313) 669-8388 or [email protected].
2024 National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Class of Inductees:
Jeffrey Osborne, Kenny Lattimore, Regina Belle, Candi Staton, Ginuwine, Terry Stewart, Rose Marie McCoy, Buddy Miles, William Bell, Ken Hawkins (WJMO 1490 AM, WABQ 1540 AM)
2024 Leo’s Casino Music Icon Award Honorees:
Gene Chandler, Chuck Conway Sr., Fred Wheatt, Freddie Arrington, Eddie Floyd, The Temptations
