(Detroit, MI)-The National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Foundation has announced it will forego its live induction ceremony honoring its 2021 class due to the coronavirus pandemic. In a statement, Founder/CEO LaMont Robinson said, "Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, for the Class of 2021 Inductees, the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame will replace the live annual induction ceremony with an special online salute posthumously honoring 21 R&B Music Icons, on its official website @ www.rbhof.com.
The National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Foundation has also announced that the month of August will be the permanent month to host the induction ceremonies going forward. The board of directors for the foundation has also chosen the month of August to be R&B Music Month, which has started this August 2021, to honor the music and legends of R&B. The live ceremony will resume in 2022.
The National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame 21 Inductees For The Class of 2021:
- Luther Vandross-Singer
- Natalie Cole-Singer
- Barry White-Singer
- Bobby "Blue" Bland-Blues Singer
- Ben E. King-Singer
- Teddy Pendergrass-Singer
- Billy Stewart-Singer
- Percy Sledge-Singer
- Norman Whitfield-Songwriter Producer
- Danny Ray-MC
- Johnny Lee Hooker-Blues Singer
- Lou Rawls-Singer
- Nina Simone-Singer
- Dobie Gray-Singer
- Donny Hathaway-Singer
- Big Joe Turner-Singer
- Little Walter-Blues Musician
- Johnny "Guitar" Watson-Singer
- Donna Summer-Singer
- Dewey Phillips-Radio Personality
- Harold Leonard-Radio Personality