Omaha Black Music Hall of Fame
Encyclopedia
The Omaha Black Music Hall of Fame, or the OBMHoF, is a nonprofit organization founded in 2005 to celebrate, document and honour the legacy of the many top vocalists and musicians whose musical careers began in the metropolitan area of Omaha
, Nebraska
. It has a particular focus on African American music
from North Omaha, and is committed to honoring Omaha's blues
tradition from the 1920s to the present day. The OBMHoF holds induction ceremonies every two years that highlight, but are not limited to, classical, rhythm & blues, big band, jazz and gospel music.
, formed the Omaha Black Music Hall of Fame in 2005. According to one local newspaper, the Hall of Fame was formed to acknowledge Omaha's own musicians. "Enough Omaha artists have impacted the industry to rival the legacy from historical music hotbeds like Kansas City, Mo. The contributions of these Omaha-bred-and-born may add up to one of black music’s largest untold stories." Omaha's significance has been better known as a venue for nationally popular African American jazz, blues and rock greats, many of whom performed at the Dreamland Ballroom.
event, which draws thousands to the Near North Omaha neighborhood to celebrate the history of the African American community in Omaha
. It's ceremonies have different locations, and there are varying numbers of inductees every biennium.
. There were 40 inductees:
. Other musical awards were made in the Gospel/Civic/Sports Awards Ceremony, and the Blues/Classical/Jazz/R&B Awards Ceremony.
"The Omaha Black Music Hall of Fame inductees are inspirational community leaders, exceptional musicians and vocalists, including gospel pioneers who left their mark on the civic and music scene. This includes top civic leaders, musicians and vocalists who started in Omaha and moved on to other cities to pursue professional and music careers."
In 2007 there were 67 total inductees into the Hall, including 23 who were deceased and 54 living. They represented a variety of music genre
s and connections to Omaha's Black music community. The categories included gospel, R&B, Jazz, Rock & Roll and Classical music.
in Omaha, Nebraska. MAN vs MAN Band's historic performance at the awards ceremony celebrated a 40 year concert reunion. Other artist performing at the event included: Maxayn, Ahnjel, Sam Singleton, and Hank Redd Jr. The 2011 inductees to the Omaha Black Music Hall of Fame were: Hank Redd Jr., Jeanne Rogers, Charles "Chuck" Miller, Red Higgins, Bertha Myers, Adrienne Higgins Brown-Norman, Preston Love, Sam Singleton, Maxayn Lewis, MAN vs MAN Band: Walter McKinney, Len Harris M.D., Donald Harris, Kevin Harris, Glenn Franklin, Lonzo Franklin, Melvin Hall, Leroi Brashears; The New Breed of Soul Band and Andre Davis.http://www.nativeomahans.com web page.
During the ceremony the Steppen Stonz were also awarded a "Showcase Legend Award".
Omaha
Omaha may refer to:*Omaha , a Native American tribe that currently resides in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Nebraska-Places:United States* Omaha, Nebraska* Omaha, Arkansas* Omaha, Georgia* Omaha, Illinois* Omaha, Texas...
, Nebraska
Nebraska
Nebraska is a state on the Great Plains of the Midwestern United States. The state's capital is Lincoln and its largest city is Omaha, on the Missouri River....
. It has a particular focus on African American music
African American music
African-American music is an umbrella term given to a range of musics and musical genres emerging from or influenced by the culture of African Americans, who have long constituted a large and significant ethnic minority of the population of the United States...
from North Omaha, and is committed to honoring Omaha's blues
Blues
Blues is the name given to both a musical form and a music genre that originated in African-American communities of primarily the "Deep South" of the United States at the end of the 19th century from spirituals, work songs, field hollers, shouts and chants, and rhymed simple narrative ballads...
tradition from the 1920s to the present day. The OBMHoF holds induction ceremonies every two years that highlight, but are not limited to, classical, rhythm & blues, big band, jazz and gospel music.
About
Vaughn Chatman, a former Omaha rhythm-and-blues player and attorney in Sacramento, CaliforniaSacramento, California
Sacramento is the capital city of the U.S. state of California and the county seat of Sacramento County. It is located at the confluence of the Sacramento River and the American River in the northern portion of California's expansive Central Valley. With a population of 466,488 at the 2010 census,...
, formed the Omaha Black Music Hall of Fame in 2005. According to one local newspaper, the Hall of Fame was formed to acknowledge Omaha's own musicians. "Enough Omaha artists have impacted the industry to rival the legacy from historical music hotbeds like Kansas City, Mo. The contributions of these Omaha-bred-and-born may add up to one of black music’s largest untold stories." Omaha's significance has been better known as a venue for nationally popular African American jazz, blues and rock greats, many of whom performed at the Dreamland Ballroom.
Ceremonies
The Omaha Black Music Hall of Fame hold ceremonies every two years to coincide with the bi-annual Native Omaha DaysNative Omaha Days
Native Omahan Days is a bi-annual event in North Omaha, Nebraska celebrating the community's historical and cultural legacies. Held since 1976, the Native Omaha Days include picnics, family reunions, class reunions and a large parade...
event, which draws thousands to the Near North Omaha neighborhood to celebrate the history of the African American community in Omaha
African Americans in Omaha, Nebraska
African Americans in Omaha, Nebraska are central to the development and growth of the 43rd largest city in the United States. The first free black settler in the city arrived in 1854, the year the city was incorporated....
. It's ceremonies have different locations, and there are varying numbers of inductees every biennium.
2005
The first inductions to the Omaha Black Music Hall of Fame were in 2005. The induction ceremony was held on 4 August 2005 at Harrah's Casino in neighboring Council Bluffs, IowaCouncil Bluffs, Iowa
Council Bluffs, known until 1852 as Kanesville, Iowathe historic starting point of the Mormon Trail and eventual northernmost anchor town of the other emigrant trailsis a city in and the county seat of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, United States and is on the east bank of the Missouri River across...
. There were 40 inductees:
2007
The 2007 Omaha Black Music Hall Of Fame inductions ceremony was held at Qwest Center, OmahaQwest Center Omaha
CenturyLink Center is an arena and convention center facility in the North Downtown neighborhood in Omaha, Nebraska. The 1.1 million ft² facility has an 18,300-seat arena, a 194,000-ft² exhibition hall and 62,000 ft² of meeting space....
. Other musical awards were made in the Gospel/Civic/Sports Awards Ceremony, and the Blues/Classical/Jazz/R&B Awards Ceremony.
"The Omaha Black Music Hall of Fame inductees are inspirational community leaders, exceptional musicians and vocalists, including gospel pioneers who left their mark on the civic and music scene. This includes top civic leaders, musicians and vocalists who started in Omaha and moved on to other cities to pursue professional and music careers."
In 2007 there were 67 total inductees into the Hall, including 23 who were deceased and 54 living. They represented a variety of music genre
Music genre
A music genre is a categorical and typological construct that identifies musical sounds as belonging to a particular category and type of music that can be distinguished from other types of music...
s and connections to Omaha's Black music community. The categories included gospel, R&B, Jazz, Rock & Roll and Classical music.
2011
The 2011 inductions to the Omaha's Black Music Hall of Fame were held on July 29, 2011 at the SlowdownSlowdown
A slowdown is an industrial action in which employees perform their duties but seek to reduce productivity or efficiency in their performance of these duties. A slowdown may be used as either a prelude or an alternative to a strike, as it is seen as less disruptive as well as less risky and...
in Omaha, Nebraska. MAN vs MAN Band's historic performance at the awards ceremony celebrated a 40 year concert reunion. Other artist performing at the event included: Maxayn, Ahnjel, Sam Singleton, and Hank Redd Jr. The 2011 inductees to the Omaha Black Music Hall of Fame were: Hank Redd Jr., Jeanne Rogers, Charles "Chuck" Miller, Red Higgins, Bertha Myers, Adrienne Higgins Brown-Norman, Preston Love, Sam Singleton, Maxayn Lewis, MAN vs MAN Band: Walter McKinney, Len Harris M.D., Donald Harris, Kevin Harris, Glenn Franklin, Lonzo Franklin, Melvin Hall, Leroi Brashears; The New Breed of Soul Band and Andre Davis.http://www.nativeomahans.com web page.
Recipients
| Inductee | Born | Died | Active from | Major Skill(s) | OBMHoF profile | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lester Abrams Lester Abrams Lester Abrams is a singer, songwriter, musician and producer who has played with such artists as B.B. King, Stevie Wonder, Peabo Bryson, Quincy Jones, Manfred Mann, Brian Auger, The Average White Band, The Doobie Brothers, Rufus and many others. Two of his co-compositions appeared on the Grammy... |
1945 | 1960s | drummer, vocalist, keyboardist, songwriter, producer | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Abrams_Lester.html | ||
| Wali Ali | 1970s | Guitarist, singer | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Ali_Wali.html | |||
| Donnie Beck | 1951 | 1970s | Drummer, bass guitar, organ, piano, singer, composer, arranger | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Beck_Donnie.html | ||
| Ron E. Beck | 1951 | 1970s | Drummer, singer, composer | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Beck_Ron.html | ||
| Larry Bell Larry Bell Larry Bell may refer to:*Lawrence Dale Bell , American industrialist and founder of Bell Aircraft Corporation*Larry Bell , contemporary artist based in Los Angeles, California and Taos, New Mexico*Larry Bell, founder of Bell's Brewery... |
1941 | 2004 | 1960s | Guitar, piano, drums, saxophone | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Bell_Larry.html | |
| Percy Le'Roy Chatman | 1990 | 1950s | Singer | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Chatman_Percy.html | ||
| Wesley Devereaux | 1950s | Singer | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Devereaux_Wesley.html | |||
| Joe Leslie Edmonson | 1947 | 2002 | 1960s | Organist | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Edmonson_Joe.html | |
| Glenn Franklin | 1970's | Drummer, Percussionist, Vocalist | http://www.commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Man_vs_Man_Hall_of_Fame_2011.jpg http://www.commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Man_vs_Man_Historic_Roots.jpg | 2011 Inductee OBMHoF | ||
| Lonzo Franklin | 2009 | 1970's | Vocalist, Songwriter | http://www.commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Man_vs_Man_Hall_of_Fame_2011.jpg http://www.commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Man_vs_Man_Historic_Roots.jpg | 2011 Inductee OBMHoF | |
| King Richard Gardner | 1932 | 1950s | Guitar | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Gardner_KingRichard.html | ||
| Vernon Garrett | 1960s | Singer | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Garrett_Vernon.html | |||
| Melvin Hall. | 1970's | Bass Guitar, Acoustic Bass, Vocalist | http://www.commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Man_vs_Man_Hall_of_Fame_2011.jpg http://www.commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Man_vs_Man_Historic_Roots.jpg | 2011 Inductee OBMHoF | ||
| Donald Harris. | 1970's | Tenor, Alto and Soprano Sax, Vocalist, Songwriter, Producer | http://www.commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Man_vs_Man_Hall_of_Fame_2011.jpg http://www.commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Man_vs_Man_Historic_Roots.jpg | 2011 Inductee OBMHoF | ||
| Kevin Harris. | 1970's | Trombone, Vocalist, Drummer, Songwriter | http://www.commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Man_vs_Man_Hall_of_Fame_2011.jpg http://www.commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Man_vs_Man_Historic_Roots.jpg | 2011 Inductee OBMHoF | ||
| Len Harris. | 1960s | Keyboardist, Organist, Songwriter, Producer, Recording Engineer | http://www.commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Man_vs_Man_Hall_of_Fame_2011.jpg http://www.commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Man_vs_Man_Historic_Roots.jpg | Recording profile aka "The Duke" http://www.reverbnation.com/thedukester, also known for his Perfect Pitch note recognition abilities. 2011 Inductee OBMHoF | ||
| Wynonie Harris Wynonie Harris Wynonie Harris , born in Omaha, Nebraska, was an American blues shouter and rhythm and blues singer of upbeat songs, featuring humorous, often ribald lyrics. With fifteen Top 10 hits between 1946 and 1952, Harris is generally considered one of rock and roll's forerunners, influencing Elvis Presley... , aka "Mr. Blues" |
1920 | 1969 | 1940s | Singer | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Harris_Wynonie.html | |
| Lloyd Hunter Lloyd Hunter Lloyd Hunter was a trumpeter and big band leader from North Omaha, Nebraska. He led band across the Midwest from 1923 until his death. Hunter had also worked with Jessie Stone in Kansas City, Missouri.-Biography:... |
1961 | 1920s | Trumpeter, Band Leader | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Hunter_Lloyd.html | ||
| Stemsy Hunter (Stemziel Hunter) | 1960s | Saxophone | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Hunter_Stemsy.html | |||
| Sylvester (Syl) Johnson (deceased) | 1948 | 1970s | Singer | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Johnson_Sylvester.html | ||
| Helen Jones Woods Helen Jones Helen Mary Jones is a British Labour Party politician, who has been the Member of Parliament for Warrington North since 1997... |
1925 | 1940s | Trombone | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Woods_Helen.html | ||
| Calvin Keys Calvin Keys Calvin Keys is an American jazz guitarist, known for the several albums he released for Black Jazz Records.The Bay Area virtuoso guitarist is well known for his performances and recordings with greats such as Ray Charles, John Handy, Bobby Hutcherson, Eddie Marshall, Sonny Stitt, Pharaoh Sanders,... |
1942 | 1960s | jazz guitarist | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Keys_Calvin.html | ||
| Michael Andre Lewis | 1960s | Singer, keyboards, synthesizers, band leader, composer, producer | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Lewis_MichaelAndre.html | |||
| Merle Lewis | 1970s | Singer | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Lewis_Merle.html | |||
| Victor Lewis Victor Lewis Victor Lewis is an American jazz drummer, a major force in the genre since the 1980s.-As leader:*1992: Family Portrait - with John Stubblefield, Edward Simon, Cecil McBee, Don Alias, Jumma Santos... |
1950 | 1960s | Drummer | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Lewis_Victor.html | ||
| Preston Love Preston Love Preston Haines Love was a renowned alto saxophonist, bandleader and songwriter from Omaha, Nebraska.-Biography:Preston Love grew up in North Omaha and graduated from North High.... |
1921 | 2004 | 1940s | Alto sax, Band Leader | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Love_Preston.html | |
| Arno Lucas | 1970s | Singer, songwriter | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Lucas_Arno.html | |||
| Eugene "Booker" McDaniels | 1950s | Songwriter, producer | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/McDaniels_Eugene.html | |||
| Walter McKinney | 1960's | Guitarist, Songwriter, Vocalist, Studio Musician | http://www.commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Man_vs_Man_Hall_of_Fame_2011.jpg http://www.commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Man_vs_Man_Historic_Roots.jpg | 2011 Inductee OBMHoF; Performed and recorded with many artists including Rose Royce | ||
| Lois “Lady Mac” McMorris | 1970s | Lead guitar, rhythm guitar, upright bass, electric bass, keyboards, drum programmer, arranger, vocalist, composer | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Mac_Lady.html | |||
| Ernest "Curly" Martin | 1960s | Drummer/percussionist | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Martin_Curly.html | |||
| Buddy Miles Buddy Miles George Allen Miles, Jr. , known as Buddy Miles, was an American rock and funk drummer, most known as a founding member of The Electric Flag in 1967, then as a member of Jimi Hendrix's Band of Gypsys from 1969 through to January 1970.-Early life:George Allen Miles was born in Omaha, Nebraska on... (George Miles) |
1945 | 2008 | 1960s | Drums, vocals, band leader | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Miles_Buddy.html | |
| Professor Charles Miller | 1970s | Trumpeter, conductor | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Miller_Charles.html | |||
| Ruth Norman Ruth Norman Ruth E. Norman was the co-founder of the Unarius Academy of Science.The group was founded in February 1954 in Los Angeles, California by Norman and her husband Ernest L. Norman . The two met after he gave a lecture in Glendale, California. She took over operations following his death... |
1950s | Composer, pianist | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Norman_Ruth.html | |||
| Mason Prince | 1950s | Trumpet | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Prince_Mason.html | |||
| Billy Rich | 1950s | Electric Bass Guitar | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Rich_Billy.html | |||
| Carolyn Rich | 1960s | Vocalist | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Rich_Carolyn.html | |||
| Herbie Rich | 2004 | 1950s | Keyboards, saxophone, singer | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Rich_Herbie.html | ||
| Billy Rogers Billy Rogers Billy Rogers is an Australian former association football player.-Club career:After playing junior football for Sunshine City in Victoria, Rogers moved to New South Wales to play for APIA... |
1950 | 1987 | 1970s | Guitarist | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Rogers_Billy.html | |
| Carol Jean Rogers | 1954 | 1970s | Singer | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Rogers_Carol.html | ||
| Jeanne Rogers | 1934 | 1960s | Pianist, singer | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Rogers_Jeanne.html | ||
| Keith Rogers Keith Rogers Keith Sinclair Rogers , was a Canadian radio pioneer and founder of CFCY radio in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Rogers began his radio interest as a boy in his father's home experimenting with wireless devices he had built at age 15... |
1954 | 1980s | Producer | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Rogers_Keith.html | ||
| Sam Singleton. | 1943 | 1960s | Promoter, Producer, Vocalist | http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:SamSingletonPDF.jpg | 2011 Inductee OBMHoF | |
| Leslie Orlando Smith | 1949 | 1970s | Singer | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Smith_Leslie.html | ||
| Steppen Stonz | 1972 | 1970s | Three vocalists supported by two musicians (drums and keyboards) | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/SteppenStonz.html | ||
| Luigi Waites Luigi Waites Luigi Waites was a jazz drummer and vibraphonist from Omaha, Nebraska. He performed weekly gigs in the Omaha area both solo and with ensembles such as Luigi, Inc. He served the Omaha music community for over 60 years. He toured Europe twice and performed with jazz legends such as Sarah Vaughan,... |
1950s | percussionist | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Waites_Luigi.html | |||
| Lalomie (Lomie) Washburn | 2004 | 1960s | Singer, songwriter | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Washburn_Lalomie.html | ||
| Richetta (Lewis) Wilson | 1950s | Singer | http://www.omahablackmusic.org/inductees/Wilson_Richetta.html |
During the ceremony the Steppen Stonz were also awarded a "Showcase Legend Award".
External links
- Omaha Black Music Hall of Fame website