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.(2005) "Omaha Black Music Hall of Fame." The Blues Society of Omaha. Retrieved 2 March 2007. 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.(2005) About the Omaha Black Music Hall of Fame . Retrieved 25 June 2007.
About Vaughn Chatman, a former Omaha rhythm-and-blues player and attorney in Sacramento, California, 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."(2005) "A Rich Music History Long Untold",The Omaha Reader, 3 Sept 2005. 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 Days 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.
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, Iowa. There were 40 inductees:OBMHoF 2005 Inductees web page.
2007
The 2007 Omaha Black Music Hall Of Fame inductions ceremony was held at Qwest Center, Omaha.Qwest Center Omaha . 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."OBMHoF 2007 Inductees web page.
In 2007 there were 67 total inductees into the Hall, including 23 who were deceased and 54 living. They represented a variety of music genres 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 Slowdown 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, & Nils Anders Erickson; The New Breed of Soul Band and Andre Davis. web page.
Recipients Inductee Born Died Active from Major Skill(s) OBMHoF profile Notes Lester Abrams 1945 1960s drummer, vocalist, keyboardist, songwriter, producer Official Lester Abrams web site . Bring it on . Wali Ali 1970s Guitarist, singer Official Wali Ali web site. Not accessible 1 July 2007. Donnie Beck 1951 Drummer, bass guitar, organ, piano, singer, composer, arranger Ron E. Beck 1951 Drummer, singer, composer Official Ron E. Beck web site. Retrieved 1 July 2007. Larry Bell 1941 2004 1960s Guitar, piano, drums, saxophone Percy Le'Roy Chatman 1990 1950s Singer Wesley Devereaux19332025 Singer Joe Leslie Edmonson 1947 2002 1960s Organist Glenn Franklin 1970's Drummer, Percussionist, Vocalist 2011 Inductee OBMHoFLonzo Franklin 2009 Vocalist, Songwriter 2011 Inductee OBMHoF King Richard Gardner 19322016 1950s Guitar Vernon Garrett 1960s Singer Melvin Hall. 1970's Bass Guitar, Acoustic Bass, Vocalist 2011 Inductee OBMHoFDonald Harris. Tenor, Alto and Soprano Sax, Vocalist, Songwriter, Producer 2011 Inductee OBMHoFKevin Harris. Trombone, Vocalist, Drummer, Songwriter 2011 Inductee OBMHoF Len Harris. 1960s Keyboardist, Organist, Songwriter, Producer, Recording Engineer Recording profile aka "The Duke" , also known for his Perfect Pitch note recognition abilities. 2011 Inductee OBMHoF Wynonie Harris, aka "Mr. Blues" 1915 1969 1940s Singer Lloyd Hunter 1961 1920s Trumpeter, Band Leader Stemsy Hunter (Stemziel Hunter) 1960s Saxophone Sylvester (Syl) Johnson (deceased) 1948 1970s Singer Helen Jones Woods 1925 1940s Trombone Calvin Keys 1942 1960s jazz guitarist Michael Andre Lewis Singer, keyboards, synthesizers, band leader, composer, producer Merle Lewis 1970s Singer Victor Lewis 1950 1960s Drummer Preston Love 1921 2004 1940s Alto sax, Band Leader Arno Lucas 1970s Singer, songwriter Eugene "Booker" McDaniels 1950s Songwriter, producer Walter McKinney 1960's Guitarist, Songwriter, Vocalist, Studio Musician 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 Ernest "Curly" Martin 1960s Drummer/percussionist (nd) "Curly" Martin receives award . JazzPolice.com. Retrieved 20 May 2007. Buddy Miles (George Miles) 1945 2008 Drums, vocals, band leader Professor Charles Miller 1970s Trumpeter, conductor Ruth Norman 1950s Composer, pianist Mason Prince Trumpet Billy Rich Electric Bass Guitar Official Billy Rich web site. Retrieved 1 July 2007. Carolyn Rich 1960s Vocalist Herbie Rich 2004 1950s Keyboards, saxophone, singer Billy Rogers 1950 1987 1970s Guitarist Carol Jean Rogers 1954 Singer Jeanne Rogers 1934 1960s Pianist, singer Keith Rogers 1954 1980s Producer Sam Singleton. 1943 1960s Promoter, Producer, Vocalist 2011 Inductee OBMHoF Leslie Orlando Smith 1949 1970s Singer Steppen Stonz 1972 Three vocalists supported by two musicians (drums and keyboards) Official Steppen Stonz web site. Retrieved 20 May 2007. Luigi Waites 1950s percussionist Lalomie (Lomie) Washburn 2004 1960s Singer, songwriter Richetta (Lewis) Wilson 1950s Singer
During the ceremony the Steppen Stonz were also awarded a "Showcase Legend Award".(2005) Awards Steppen Stonz website. Retrieved 20 May 2007.
See also Culture of North Omaha, Nebraska Music of Omaha List of music museums
Notes
References
External links Omaha Black Music Hall of Fame website