Blues legend Bobby Rush, Commissioner Willie Simmons, R&B legends Carla Thomas, and Eddie Floyd at R&B HOF site
(Marks, MS – Oct 3rd, 2022) - On Sept. 30th, 2022, The National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame (NRBHOF) held its Groundbreaking Ceremony in Marks, Mississippi on R&B Hall of Fame BLVD to over 500 people that were in attendance. This event was held on the 5-acre site of the future National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.
(Marks, MS – Oct 3rd, 2022) - On Sept. 30th, 2022, The National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame (NRBHOF) held its Groundbreaking Ceremony in Marks, Mississippi on R&B Hall of Fame BLVD to over 500 people that were in attendance. This event was held on the 5-acre site of the future National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.
Former R&B HOF inductees, entertainers, music fans, and politicians from MS and neighboring TN, all converged to be on hand for the momentous and historic occasion. During the ceremony, guests were invited to speak on the importance of R&B and the preservation of its legacy, the significance of Marks in the Civil Rights movement, and the need for R&B to have its OWN dedicated Hall of Fame.
During the ceremony, several music legends spoke and were inducted into the NRBHOF as the 11th class of 2022. Eddie Floyd, Carla Thomas, Bobby Rush, and Johnnie Walker were on hand to accept their induction into the NRBHOF and say a few words to the audience. Inductee Eddie Floyd spontaneously performed his classic Knock on Wood for the crowd, as he became the first artist to do so at the Holy Grail of R&B music. Ernest Withers Jr. was on hand to accept the posthumous induction award for his father, who was responsible for some of the most iconic photographs detailing all aspects of African American life.
The highlight of the day came when the shovels were handed out and the 5-acre site of the future National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame was broken in. The Founder/CEO LaMont 'ShowBoat" Robinson, was on hand and he received the key to the city of Marks, and the 2022 inductee class, notable politicians that helped the project get to this point, and other notable supporters all lined up to shovel out some dirt on the sacred grounds for R&B legends of the past, present, and future.
This Groundbreaking kicks off the major fundraising phase of this project. Architect Stewart Smith of A2H was able to update the audience at a reception later in the day about the upcoming R&B Hall of Fame structure.