National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame
Formation2010|01|30
FounderLaMont D. Robinson | Executive Director Russell M. Johnson | Creative Director
FocusPreserving and honoring the historical, cultural legacy, and contributions of R&B music.
Location
  • United States
Key people
Lamont "ShowBoat" Robinson, Founder/CEO[1] and executive Director[2][3] Russell Johnson, Creative Director
Websitehttps://rbhof.com

The National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame is an independent organization whose mission is to educate and to celebrate, preserve, promote, and present rhythm and blues music globally.[4]

History[edit]

The National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame was founded in 2010. Its name was originally the Official Rhythm & Blues Music Hall of Fame. It was founded and developed by American professional basketball player LaMont "ShowBoat" Robinson, who is also an R&B activist and an entrepreneur.[4][5] Robinson is also the founder and owner/player of the comedy basketball team the Harlem Clowns.[6]

Robinson's love for R&B and soul music began at an early age. He would often attend music practice sessions with his musician uncle, a house band member at Leo's Casino,[1] a night club in Cleveland, Ohio. It was one of the premier clubs in the Midwest during the 1960s for R&B, jazz, and African American comedians such as Redd Foxx, Flip Wilson, Richard Pryor and Moms Mabley. This love for R&B inspired Robinson to start collecting memorabilia and artifacts that reflect the history of the rhythm and blues era. Robinson collected many of these exclusive and rare items while traveling all over the world to play basketball with the Globetrotters and other teams.[7]

Realizing that his collection had grown to a size worthy of a museum, Robinson wanted to share or donate some of his collection to an officially recognized location. However, he was unable to locate a place that exclusively displayed, celebrated, and collected information about the great accomplishments of R&B artists besides the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in his hometown Cleveland. While donating some items to the Rock Hall, he realized that this would never give a lot of well-deserving R&B artists the type of recognition or honor that they deserve. He then decided to pursue creating such a place, acquiring the support of friends, some of which are Rhythm & Blues and Jazz musicians.

After many years of planning, a mobile museum debuted in February 2012.[8] An annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony followed honoring artists, non-musical individuals, venues, events, and anything that has influenced the world of R&B music. A permanent physical museum was ultimately planned.

National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame weekend, induction ceremony[edit]

The Inaugural Official Rhythm & Blues Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was held on August 17, 2013 at the Waetjen Auditorium at Cleveland State University in Cleveland.[9] The first class of inductees included recording acts The Supremes, The Temptations, The Marvelettes, The O'Jays,[8] Martha & The Vandellas (Martha Reeves, Rosalind Holmes, and Annette Helton), The Dramatics, Ruby & The Romantics, and The Dazz Band Featuring Jerry Bell and Little Jimmy Scott; historic venue Leo's Casino; international journalist Larry Cotton; and radio hosts Tom Joyner[8] and Tim Marshall.[10] On December 20, 2017, 17 names were added to the list of inductees as 20th Century Early Music Influences such as Sammy Davis, Jr, Ruth Brown, Bill Haley, Louis Armstrong and others. On February 17, 2018, the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame founder LaMont "ShowBoat" Robinson lifelong Temptations fan and collector gave a tribute concert for the late great Dennis Edwards, called The Dennis Edwards Tribute to honor him for all his musical work and for his family and fans in Detroit, MI at Bert's Entertainment Complex to a packed house. Edwards was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2013 with The Temptations and in 2015 with his own group The Temptations Review feat Dennis Edwards. The National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame has announced it will forgo its live induction ceremony honoring its 2020 class due to the coronavirus pandemic. In a statement, released by the Founder/CEO LaMont Robinson he said, "Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame will replace the live annual induction ceremony with a special online salute honoring the class of 2020 Inductees on its official website @ www.rbhof.com The National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame induction committee group will combine the 2020 and the 2021 class together, and will have a special class of 16 inductees this year called the 2020 Posthumously Class of Pioneers. The National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame also added that the 2021 Music Hall of Fame Weekend will resume next August 2022. The 2021 10th annual induction ceremony was originally scheduled for this past August @ the Charles H. Wright Museum in Detroit, Michigan. Over the years, the National Rhythm & Blues of Fame inductions have taken place at the following locations.

Date Venue Location
August 17, 2013 Waetjen Auditorium Cleveland St. University Cleveland, OH
August 24, 2014 Palace Theatre Canton, OH
June 6, 2015 Clarksdale Civic Auditorium Clarksdale, MS
October 4, 2015 Charles H. Wright Museum Of African American History Detroit, MI
August 21, 2016 Ford Community & Performing Arts Center Dearborn, MI
June 11, 2017 Detroit Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts Detroit, MI
June 3, 2018 Charles H. Wright Museum Of African American History Detroit, MI
June 23, 2019 Charles H. Wright Museum Of African American History Detroit, MI
August 29, 2020 Online Announcement Due To COVID-19 Detroit, MI
August 10, 2021 Online Announcement Due To COVID-19 Detroit, MI
September 30, 2022 R&B Hall Of Fame Ground Site Marks, MS
September 24, 2023 The Hawk Center in Farmington Hills Detroit, MI

Hall of Fame[edit]

The main purpose of developing the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame is to collect and preserve artifacts and to document the accomplishments of individuals involved in R&B and Hip-Hop music.

The location for the Hall of Fame has not been decided even though many cities have expressed interest. Once built the museum will house a collection of historical artifacts and interactive presentations. It will also provide an educational wing that will contain a library and research department, a gift shop, and possibly a juke joint style soul food restaurant. A 1,500-seat theater will allow for small concerts, lectures, and the showing of documentaries. The Hall of Fame section of the facility will be a dynamic area that honors the legends and individuals who have been inducted. The Museum section will display historical and present-day artifacts that have been and are still being collected.

The National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame will exhibit present-day music contributions and the history of Rhythm & Blues, Blues, Hip-Hop, Gospel, and Jazz music from the early days originating in the 1940s when "urban-based music with a heavy insistent beat" was becoming more popular. It will explore the Chitlin' Circuit where black-only clubs existed and supported black musicians. The museum plans to provide information about well-known as well as unknown artists, and non-artist who have had a major influence on all-black music. Plans "include an African American Music Research Center, Gospel Music & Preachers Experience and the Hip Hop of America".[1]

Mobile Exhibit[edit]

The National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame will be an innovative traveling exhibit housing memorabilia spanning the era of R&B/Hip-Hop and other music Jazz and the Blues is designed to travel throughout the country setting up at various locations such as libraries, schools, churches, community centers and special events. The mobile museum is an educational approach to present historical artifacts to areas of the country that would not have heard about the museum and would pique the interest of potential tourist that may visit the actual museum. The museum has collected and is still in the process of collecting thousands of rare treasures. Among its present collection are rare photos, original documents, and many items from artists whose contributions helped shape an important era of the music industry. The collection will be an unparalleled representation of any music memorabilia collection. These original items which mostly have been donated by the artist and non-artist or their estates, cover the beginnings of R&B and Black Music from its early days in the 1930s to the present day.

Members[edit]

Name Contribution Year inducted
James Brown Musician, singer, dancer 2013[8]
Call and Post Publication 2013
The Chi-Lites Vocal group 2013
The Clovers Vocal group 2013[8]
Sam Cooke Singer, songwriter, record label executive 2013
Larry Cotton Journalist 2013
Dazz Band Band 2013
The Dramatics Vocal group 2013[11]
The Dynamic Superiors Vocal group 2013
Enchantment Vocal group 2013
The Four Tops Vocal group 2013[11]
Aretha Franklin Vocalist/Musician 2013
The Hesitations Vocal group 2013
Jerry Bell Singer 2013
Tom Joyner Radio host 2013
Leo's Casino Historic Venue (Cleveland, Ohio) 2013[8]
Gerald Levert Singer 2013[12]
Little Jimmy Scott Jazz artist 2013
Tim Marshall Radio host, educator 2013
The Marvelettes Vocal group 2013
The Ohio Players Band 2013[8]
The O'Jays Vocal group 2013
Otis Redding Singer 2013[8]
Ruby & The Romantics Vocal group 2013
David Ruffin Singer 2013
Sly, Slick & Wicked Vocal group 2013
Sounds of Unity and Love (S.O.U.L.) Band 2013
Edwin Starr Singer 2013
Barrett Strong Songwriter 2013
The Supremes Vocal group 2013
The Temptations Vocal group 2013[8][11]
Upbeat TV show 2013
Martha and the Vandellas Vocal group 2013[8]
Kim Weston Singer 2013
Jackie Wilson Singer 2013[11]
The Andantes Vocal group 2014[2]
Gene Chandler Singer 2014[2][11]
Chubby Checker Singer 2014[2][13][14]
The Delfonics Vocal group 2014[2][13]
The Fantastic Four Vocal group 2014
The Funk Brothers Musicians 2014[2][11][13]
Marvin Gaye Singer 2014[2][11][13]
Macy Gray Singer 2014[2][3]
Whitney Houston Singer 2014[1][2][11][13]
Joe Jackson Promoter, manager 2014[2][11]
Michael Jackson Singer & Songwriter 2014[1][2][11][13]
B.B. King Singer 2014[2]
Norm N. Nite Author, Radio Host 2014[2][13]
Sweet Inspirations Vocal group 2014[2][11][13]
The Whispers Vocal group 2014[11][13][15]
Jazzi Anderson Radio Host 2015*
The Bar-Kays Band 2015*
Al Bell Songwriter 2015*
Millie Jackson Singer 2015*
Denise LaSalle Singer 2015*
Little Richard Singer 2015*
The Mad Lads Vocal Group 2015*
Dorothy Moore Singer 2015*
Little Junior Parker Singer 2015*
Elvis Presley Singer 2015*
Bobby Rush Singer 2015*
Stax Records Record Company 2015*
Ike Turner Singer/Songwriter/Musician 2015*
Muddy Waters Singer/Musician 2015*
WDIA Radio Station 2015*
Hank Ballard & The Midnighters Vocal group 2015**
JJ Barnes Singer 2015**
Ortheia Barnes-Kennerly Singer 2015**
Janie Bradford Songwriter 2015**
Jay Butler Radio Host 2015**
Jerry Butler Singer/songwriter 2015**
Ray Charles Musician, bandleader 2015**
Tony Clarke Singer 2015**
L.C. Cooke Singer 2015**
Sam Cooke Songwriter 2015**
The Contours Vocal Group 2015**
Melvin Davis Singer 2015**
Detroit Emeralds Vocal Group 2015**
The Fabulous Peps Vocal group 2015**[16][17]
Aretha Franklin Singer 2015**
Chuck Jackson Singer 2015**
Laura Lee Singer 2015**
Pat Lewis Singer 2015**
Johnnie Mae Matthews Singer, songwriter, producer 2015**
The Miracles Vocal group 2015**
Melba Moore Singer 2015**
Martha Reeves Singer 2015**
Jimmy Ruffin Singer 2015**
Shades Of Blue Vocal Group 2015**
Donnie Simpson Radio Host, TV music host 2015**
The Spinners Vocal group 2015**[13]
Johnnie Taylor Singer 2015**
Temptations Review Featuring Dennis Edwards Vocal Group 2015**
Spyder Turner Singer 2015**
The 20 Grand Night club, concert venue 2015**
Henry Tyler Radio Host 2015**
The Undisputed Truth Vocal Group 2015**
RJ Watkins Radio Host 2015**
Gino Washington Singer 2015**
Al Abrams Public Relations 2016
Robert Bateman Song Producer 2016
Bootsy Collins Funk Legend 2016
Fats Domino Singer & Songwriter 2016
The Falcons Vocal Group 2016
Eddie Floyd Singer & Songwriter 2016
Jimi Hendrix Rock Legend 2016
Eddie Holman Singer & Songwriter 2016
Cathy Hughes Entertainment Mogul 2016
International Sweethearts Of Rhythm Band 2016
Little Willie John Songwriter 2016
Herb Kent Radio Legend 2016
Bettye LaVette Singer & Songwriter 2016
Miller London Sales & Marketing Mogul 2016
Wilson Pickett Singer & Songwriter 2016
Prince Singer & Songwriter 2016
Sir Mack Rice Singer & producer 2016
Smokey Robinson Singer & Songwriter 2016
Sugar Chile Robinson Child Prodigy 2016
The Royal Jokers Vocal Group 2016
Rena Scott Singer & Songwriter 2016
Mickey Stevenson A&R Director 2016
The Velvelettes Vocal Group 2016
Dionne Warwick Singer & Songwriter 2016
Barbara Acklin Singer & Songwriter 2017
Bert's Warehouse Entertainment Complex 2017
Wade Briggs (Butterball Jr.) Radio Personality 2017
Carl Carlton Singer 2017
Dennis Coffey Studio Musician 2017
Carolyn Crawford Singer 2017
Bert Dearing Nite Club Owner 2017
Charles Evers Civil Rights Activist, Politician 2017
Foody Radio Personality 2017
Fred Goree Radio Personality 2017
Isaac Hayes & Hot Buttered Soul Singer & Group 2017
The Impressions Vocal Group 2017
Jeff & The Atlantics Band 2017
Gladys Knight & The Pips Vocal Group 2017
Skip Mahoney & The Casuals Vocal Group 2017
The Manhattans Vocal Group 2017
Sylvia Moy Songwriter & producer 2017
Freda Payne Singer 2017
Michael J. Powell Producer & Musician 2017
Mitch Ryder Singer 2017
The Valadiers Vocal Group 2017
Mary Wells Singer 2017
Louis Armstrong Musician, Band Leader 2017***
Al Benson Radio Host, Promoter, Civil Rights Activist 2017***
Ruth Brown Singer 2017***
Sammy Davis Jr. Singer 2017***
Bo Diddley Singer 2017***
Ernie Durham Radio Host 2017***
Ahmet Ertegun Record Label Executive 2017***
Alan Freed Radio Host 2017***
Bill Haley Singer, Band Leader 2017***
Billie Holiday Singer 2017***
Robert Johnson Singer 2017***
Louis Jordan Bandleader, musician, Singer 2017***
Johnny Otis Bandleader, musician, Singer 2017***
Della Reese Singer, actress 2017***
Martha Jean "The Queen" Steinberg Radio Host, Minister 2017***
Jerry Wexler Record Label Executive 2017***
Nat D. Williams Radio Host 2017***
Marcus Belgrave Musician 2018
Ken Bell Radio Personality 2018
The Drifters Vocal Group 2018
The Elgins Vocal Group 2018
Brenda Holloway Singer 2018
Ivy Jo Hunter Songwriter & producer 2018
Little Anthony & The Imperials Vocal Group 2018
Clay McMurray Producer & engineer 2018
Motown Records Record Company 2018
Peaches & Herb Vocal Group 2018
Sam & Dave Vocal Group 2018
Henry Washington Promoter 2018
Richard "Popcorn" Wylie Producer, songwriter, Singer 2018
Band Of Gypsys Band 2019
Robert "Bumps" Blackwell Producer 2019
Henry Cosby Songwriter/Producer 2019
Don Davis Producer 2019
Aretha Franklin Songwriter 2019
Guy Vocal Group 2019
H-Town Vocal Group 2019
Eddie Kendricks Singer 2019
Lady Champagne Singer 2019
Mary Jane Girls Vocal Group 2019
Stephanie Mills Singer 2019
Ray Parker Jr. Singer 2019
Phil Perry Singer 2019
Lloyd Price Singer 2019
The Righteous Brothers Vocal Group 2019
Jimmy Roach Producer/Songwriter 2019
The Rude Boys Vocal Group 2019
The Tymes Vocal Group 2019
David Washington Radio Personality 2019
Keith Washington Singer 2019
Stevie Wonder Singer 2019
Otis Williams and the Charms Vocal Group 2019
LaVern Baker Singer 2020
Thomas "Beans" Bowles Band Leader, Musician, Songwriter 2020
Nat King Cole Band Leader, Singer 2020
Cab Calloway Band Leader, Dancer, Singer 2020
Billy Eckstine Singer 2020
The Famous Flames Vocal group 2020
Ella Fitzgerald Singer 2020
Harvey Fuqua Songwriter, Record Producer, Singer 2020
Jack "The Rapper" Gibson Radio Personality 2020
Hal Jackson Radio Personality 2020
Mahalia Jackson Gospel Singer 2020
Etta James Singer 2020
Big Jay McNeely Rhythm & Blues Saxophonist 2020
Lee Morgan Jazz Trumpeter 2020
Charlie Parker Jazz Saxophonist 2020
Royal Theatre Music Venue 2020
Ed Sullivan Variety Show Host 2020
Sister Rosetta Tharpe Singer, guitarist 2020
Bobby Bland Singer 2021
Natalie Cole Singer 2021
Dobie Gray Singer 2021
Donny Hathaway Singer 2021
John Lee Hooker Blues Musician 2021
Ben E. King Singer 2021
Harold Leonard Radio Personality 2021
Little Walter Blues Musician 2021
Teddy Pendergrass Singer 2021
Dewey Phillips Radio Personality 2021
Lou Rawls Singer 2021
Danny Ray MC 2021
Nina Simone Singer 2021
Percy Sledge Singer 2021
Billy Stewart Singer 2021
Donna Summer Singer 2021
Big Joe Turner Singer 2021
Luther Vandross Singer 2021
Johnny Watson Singer 2021
Barry White Singer 2021
Norman Whitfield Songwriter, Producer 2021
Jerry Blavat Radio Host 2022
The Dells Vocal Group 2022
Eddie Floyd Songwriter 2022
John Lee Hooker Songwriter 2022
George W. Johnson Singer 2022
Willie Mitchell Singer, Bandleader 2022
Bobby Rush Songwriter 2022
Carla Thomas Singer 2022
Johnnie Walker Music Executive 2022
Ernest Withers Photojournalist 2022
Aaliyah Singer 2023
Ruby Andrews Musician 2023
King Arthur Radio Personality 2023
Brook Benton Singer 2023
G.C. Cameron Singer 2023
The Debonaires Vocal Group 2023
Jermaine Dupri Music Executive, Producer 2023
Gwen Foxx Radio Personality 2023
Hall and Oates Vocal Group 2023
The Independents Vocal Group 2023
Linda Jones Singer, Songwriter 2023
Clyde McPhatter Singer 2023
Ronnie Nelson Musician 2023
New Edition Vocal Group 2023
Brooke Payne Manager 2023
Mike Payne Radio Personality 2023
Priscilla Price Singer 2023
Raydio Vocal Group 2023
Dee Dee Sharp Singer 2023
Dusty Springfield Singer 2023
The Stubbs Girls Vocal Group 2023
Sweet Boogie Productions Music Production, Venue 2023
WABQ Radio Station 2023
Dee Dee Warwick Singer 2023
Georgie Woods Radio Personality 2023

* 2015 Induction ceremony in Clarksdale MI
** 2015 Induction ceremony in Detroit
*** Inducted as a 20th Century Early Music Influence

Special awards and honors[edit]

Name Contribution Type Of Award Year presented
Ron Banks Singer Rhythm & Blues Music Lifetime Achievement Award 2013
Joe Jackson Promoter, Manager Rhythm & Blues Music Lifetime Achievement Award 2014
Jazzii Anderson Radio Personality Nat D. Williams Radio Personality of the Year Award 2015*
Morgan Freeman Actor Rhythm & Blues Music Lifetime Achievement Award 2015*
Christone "Kingfish" Ingram Singer Robert Johnson Rising Star Award 2015*
Ground Zero Blues Club Juke Joint of the Year Award 2015*
Joe Jackson Promoter, Manager Rhythm & Blues Humanitarian Award 2015*
John Conyers, Jr. U.S. Congressman Rhythm & Blues Music Lifetime Achievement Award 2015**
Abdul "Duke" Fakir Singer Rhythm & Blues Living Legends Award 2015**
Elliott S. Hall Attorney Rhythm & Blues Humanitarian Award 2015**
Brenda Jones Detroit Councilwoman Ortheia Barnes Rhythm & Blues Visionary Award 2015**
David Washington Radio Personality "Frantic" Ernie Durham & Martha Jean "The Queen" Steinberg Radio Personality of the Year Award 2015**
Gene Chandler Singer Rhythm & Blues Music Pioneer Award 2016
Mildred Gaddis Journalist Rhythm & Blues Broadcast Journalist of the Year Award 2016
Cathy Hughes Entertainment Mogul Rhythm & Blues Living Legends Award 2016
John Mason Radio Host Rhythm & Blues Music Radio Personality of the Year Award 2016
The Supremes Vocal Group Rhythm & Blues Music Group of the 20th Century Award 2016
Foody Radio Personality "Frantic" Ernie Durham Radio Icon Award 2017
Joe Jackson Promoter, Manager Rhythm & Blues Hall Of Fame Music Business Pioneer Award 2017
Ziggy Johnson Show Producer Rhythm & Blues Hall Of Fame Legacy Award 2017
Brenda Lawrence U.S. Congresswoman Lamont D. Robinson Visionary Award 2017
Martha Reeves Singer Rhythm & Blues Hall Of Fame Icon Award 2017
Rev. Al Sharpton Minister, Civil Rights Activist Rhythm & Blues Hall Of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award 2017
The Temptations Vocal Group R&B Male Group of the 20th Century 2017
Marshall Thompson Singer Rhythm & Blues Hall Of Fame Living Legend Award 2017
The Chi-Lites Vocal Group Rhythm & Blues Group of the 21st Century 2018
Dennis Edwards Singer Rhythm & Blues Hall Of Fame Legends Award 2018
Aretha Franklin Singer Rhythm & Blues Hall Of Fame Icon Award 2018
Cornel West Philosopher Rhythm & Blues Hall Of Fame Living Legend Award 2018
Lloyd Price Singer National Rhythm & Blues Hall Of Fame Jackie Wilson Icon Legend Award 2019
Martha Reeves Singer National Rhythm & Blues Hall Of Fame Martha Reeves Music Ambassador Award 2019
Keith Rogers Radio Personality National Rhythm & Blues Hall Of Fame Tom Joyner Radio Personality Award 2019
Mary Wilson Singer National Rhythm & Blues Hall Of Fame Aretha Franklin Lifetime Achievement Award 2019
Bobby Rush Songwriter National Rhythm & Blues Hall Of Fame Blues Groundbreaking Legends 2022
Nen Bailey Radio Personality National Rhythm & Blues Hall Of Fame Tom Joyner Radio Personality Award 2023
Joe Billingslea Singer, Songwriter National Rhythm & Blues Hall Of Fame Living Legend Award 2023
Jerry Butler Songwriter National Rhythm & Blues Hall Of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award 2023
Billy Davis Singer National Rhythm & Blues Hall Of Fame Jackie Wilson Music Globe Award 2023
Dionne Warwick Singer National Rhythm & Blues Hall Of Fame Mary Wilson Icon Award 2023
Donna Wheelwright Radio Personality National Rhythm & Blues Hall Of Fame Tom Joyner Radio Personality Award 2023

* 2015 Induction ceremony in Clarksdale, MS
** 2015 Induction ceremony in Detroit

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e Essex, Myeisha (October 18, 2012). "Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson Lead R&B Music Hall of Fame Inductees". Essence.com. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved August 19, 2015.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Yarborough, Chuck (August 19, 2014). "R&B Music Hall of Fame sets big weekend to induct sophomore class featuring Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Marvin Gaye, Norm N. Nite and more". The Plain Dealer. Archived from the original on July 27, 2015. Retrieved August 19, 2015.
  3. ^ a b Byer, Kelly (August 25, 2014). "R&B greats honored at HOF induction in Canton". Canton Repository. Canton, Ohio. Archived from the original on September 23, 2015. Retrieved August 19, 2015.
  4. ^ a b "About Us | R&B HOF".
  5. ^ "Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson Lead R&B Music Hall of Fame Inductees". Essence.com. Archived from the original on November 22, 2015. Retrieved November 21, 2015.
  6. ^ "Official Site Of "Showboat" Robinson's Fabulous Harlem Clowns". Harlemclowns.net. Archived from the original on November 20, 2015. Retrieved November 21, 2015.
  7. ^ Abram, Malcolm X (August 16, 2013). "R&B Music Hall of Fame in Cleveland to induct first class". Ohio.com. Archived from the original on October 6, 2013. Retrieved August 19, 2015.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Organizers aim to build R&B HOF Museum in Cleveland". WKYC.com. WKYC TV. August 27, 2013. Retrieved August 19, 2015.
  9. ^ Eur Publisher (August 2, 2013). "The Temptations Accept Early Induction into R&B Music Hall of Fame". Eurweb.com. Archived from the original on July 26, 2015. Retrieved August 19, 2015.
  10. ^ "The official R&B Music Hall of Fame inaugural induction ceremony 2013 : official program – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum | Catalog". Catalog.rockhall.com. August 17, 2013. Archived from the original on September 9, 2013. Retrieved November 21, 2015.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l EURWeb (August 21, 2014). "New R&B Hall of Fame Inductees: Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston". BlackAmericaWeb.com. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 19, 2015.
  12. ^ Brown, Kiki (November 10, 2012). "Gerald LeVert Inducted in R&B Hall Of Fame On Six Year Anniversary of Death". 92Q.com. Archived from the original on November 28, 2015. Retrieved August 19, 2015.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Pratt, Caroline (September 4, 2014). "The Sweet Inspirations Inducted into The Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame". ElvisPresleyFansofNashville.com. Archived from the original on September 23, 2015. Retrieved August 19, 2015.
  14. ^ Abram, Malcolm X (August 28, 2014). "Chubby Checker still twisting away despite Rock Hall snub". The Akron Beacon Journal. TNS Regional News. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 19, 2015.
  15. ^ "Whispers Early Induction to 2014 Class" – via YouTube.
  16. ^ Jason Ankeny. "Fabulous Peps | Biography & History". AllMusic. Archived from the original on November 28, 2015. Retrieved November 21, 2015.
  17. ^ "The Fabulous Peps Discography at Discogs". discogs. Archived from the original on March 10, 2016. Retrieved November 21, 2015.