🎺 Introducing the Class of 2025
The Ohio Players
Formed in the late 1950s in Dayton, Ohio, The Ohio Players rose to international fame in the 1970s with funk classics like “Fire” and “Love Rollercoaster.” Though native to Dayton, the group frequently performed at Cincinnati events, including the Cincinnati Music Festival—which helped cement their regional legacy .
The O’Jays
This renowned R&B group, originally from Canton, began their recording career at Cincinnati’s King Records in the early 1960s. Under the original name The Mascots, they recorded early hits before signing with Gamble and Huff, scoring eight Top-20 albums on the Billboard 200 in the 1970s. They’ve been inducted into multiple halls of fame, including Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005 .
Nancy Wilson
Born in Chillicothe and a graduate of Central State University, Wilson became a jazz powerhouse known for her 1964 R&B hit “How Glad I Am.” Her career spanned over 70 albums and earned her multiple Grammys (1964, 2005, 2007). She was also beloved in the Cincinnati jazz scene, headlining the Cincinnati Jazz Festival .
Dottie Peoples
A gospel powerhouse from Dayton, Peoples has been called the “Songbird of the South.” Her 1994 hit “He’s an On Time God” remains a staple in gospel music. Peoples has earned Stellar and Grammy nominations, sung at the Olympics, John Lewis’s memorial, and the Stellar Awards.
📅 2025 Induction Ceremony
Date & Location: July 26, 2025, at Andrew J. Brady Music Center, The Banks. Event: A free tribute concert featuring Bigg Robb, Grammy-winner Regina Belle, and Dottie Peoples, along with a national line dance block party (all-white attire encouraged) . Mission: Founder and Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece emphasized celebrating overlooked Black artists who deserve hometown recognition.
🌟 History of the Walk
Founded: In April 2021 under Alicia Reece’s vision and approved unanimously by the Hamilton County Commissioners. First Induction (July 22, 2021): Celebrated at Andrew J. Brady Music Center. Founding inductees included Bootsy Collins, The Isley Brothers, Dr. Charles Ford, and Otis Williams of The Temptations. 2022 Class: Included Penny Ford, Midnight Star, Wilbert Longmire, and hip-hop producer Hi‑Tek; ceremony held at Hard Rock Casino with a Zapp performance. 2023 Inaugural Public Opening: Marked by inductees James Brown, Louise Shropshire, The Deele, and Philippé Wynne; marked the public debut with interactive exhibits. 2024 Inductees: Donald Lawrence, Randy Crawford, Shirley Murdock, and Zapp & Roger—applauded during a lively ceremony described as “revival‑like”.
🛠️ The Experience & Interactive Design
Situated along the Ohio River—across from Paycor Stadium and next to Andrew J. Brady Music Center—the Walk of Fame is a lively, free-access park featuring:
13 interactive kiosks with audio, haptic elements, and Braille. “Meet the Stars” terrazzo inlays featuring inductee info & QR-coded augmented reality. A “Beat Maker” drum-pad experience narrated by Hi-Tek, triggering lighting and fountain shows. Motion-sensing “dance consoles” and daily DJ/light shows.
The immersive design by JRA (now RWS Global) earned accolades like MUSE Creative’s Gold for augmented reality, excellence in diversity and inclusion, and Ohio landscape awards.
🏅 Notable Previous Inductees
A growing list of inductees showcases both local and global influence:
Founding 2021: Bootsy Collins—a Cincinnati-born funk icon known for Parliament‑Funkadelic and timeless basslines. Also inducted were The Isley Brothers, Dr. Charles Ford, and Otis Williams. 2022: Penny Ford, Midnight Star, Longmire, Hi‑Tek . 2023: James Brown (made hits at King Records in Cincinnati—“Funky Drummer”), Louise Shropshire (inspiration for “We Shall Overcome”), The Deele, Philippé Wynne, plus Commissioner Reece honored with a star . 2024: Donald Lawrence, Randy Crawford, Shirley Murdock, Zapp & Roger—celebrated with lively Motown-and-R&B-filled ceremony.
Other inductees include diverse talents like Philip Paul (legendary King Records drummer), CeCe Peniston, Sal Dali, Darwin Hobbs, Sweet Alice Hoskins, and more.
🎤 Spotlight: Bootsy Collins & Philip Paul
While not 2025 inductees, these two highlight Cincinnati’s musical breadth:
Bootsy Collins: Born in Cincinnati in 1951, he rose to prominence with James Brown, then Parliament-Funkadelic. Recognized as one of Rolling Stone’s top 5 bassists, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. Philip Paul: A studio drummer at King Records, Paul’s beats defined Cincinnati’s sound. He received Ohio and Music Hall honors before passing in 2022.
🔮 Looking Ahead
2026 Aspirations: The nomination portal is open for future inductees, continuing to elevate overlooked Black musicians. Visitor Experience: Aiming to break attendance records (250,000+), with regular exhibitions, block parties, and family events. Cultural Hub: This living, technological tribute continues to elevate Cincinnati’s legacy in funk, gospel, jazz, hip‑hop, and R&B globally.
The Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame celebrates a powerful, ongoing legacy of Black artistry rooted in Cincinnati and Western Ohio. The 2025 class—The Ohio Players, The O’Jays, Nancy Wilson, and Dottie Peoples—further cements the walk as a vibrant testament to cultural impact. With cutting-edge interactivity and deep community roots, this immersive attraction ensures these musical legends are honored, remembered, and accessible for generations.