*(Detroit, MI) – The 12th annual R&B Hall of Fame Weekend (NRBHOF) kicked off in Detroit on Friday, Sept. 22, with the announcement of the fifteen inaugural inductees into the National R&B Walk of Fame, followed by the White Party Gala on Saturday, Sept. 23.
This all led to a historic 12th Annual Induction Ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 24. This year marked the first live in-person ceremony since 2019.
The standout highlights of the historic Induction Ceremony on Sunday were when R&B Princess Aaliyah’s and New Edition’s fans packed The Hawk Theatre in Farmington Hills, Michigan, to show their love.
Aaliyah (who died in a plane crash in 2001) and New Edition garnered the highest vote totals in a poll conducted by the NRBHOF to decide the Inductees for the 2023 class. In total, there have been over 300 artists and contributors to R&B, inducted by the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame (NRBHOF).
The fans of Aaliyah came out in force, as they traveled from far and wide to witness history. Aaliyah’s memory was kept alive, as local artist Charity, performed a tribute to her. Accepting Aaliyah’s induction award on her behalf was Albert Tsibu, who spearheaded the campaign for Aaliyah’s induction into the R&B and Rock & Roll HOF.
Not to be outdone, New Edition’s fans were probably the most numerous and vocal participants of the night. Although New Edition couldn’t be there in person due to a scheduling conflict, their fans were elated that the group sent a personalized video accepting their award, specifically thanking the NRBHOF Founder and CEO, LaMont Robinson, who invited over 50 New Edition fans to the stage to share the honor. Some fans even received replicas of the group’s induction award as a token of appreciation.
Before the Induction Ceremony, there was the R&B Honors, with various outstanding legends being honored for their years of service, including the “Ice Man” Jerry Butler, Billy Davis, Joe Billingslea of the Contours, and the enigmatic Dionne Warwick. Miss Warwick was on hand to accept her award, as well as to receive her sister, Dee Dee Warwick’s induction award, later that night.
The Induction Ceremony was action-packed from beginning to end, as tributes were conducted by living legends as well as admirers of legends, that have passed on. Hall & Oates were inducted, with John Oates sending a video thanking the R&B HOF and the fans that voted them in for the prestigious honor. A large portion of Brook Benton’s family was on hand to accept his posthumous induction award. Mr. “Knock on Wood” Eddie Floyd, was inducted and surprised the crowd by performing his classic song one last time, before retiring as a performer. Clyde McPhatter of The Platters was inducted by his daughter. Original member, Maurice Jackson of The Independents was on hand to not only be inducted but to also sing a rousing rendition of their million-selling hit, “Leaving Me.” Dee Dee Sharp was also there to perform her 1962 smash hit, “Mashed Potato Time” before officially being inducted.
One of Atlanta’s biggest music moguls, Jermaine Dupri sent in a video to receive his induction award. Linda Jones’ daughter, Terry Jones, was on hand to not only receive her mother’s induction award but to also perform her mother’s 1967 hit ballad, “Hypnotized.” G.C. Cameron of The Spinners was there to receive his induction award, but not before bringing down the house with a spirited performance of his signature song and The Spinners’ classic, “It’s A Shame.” The legendary group Raydio, with three original members, closed out the ceremony by performing a medley of their hits, before receiving their induction award. It may be hard to believe, but there were other inductees that were honored. The Duke of Earl, Gene Chandler, came up to receive an award on behalf of his good friend Jerry Butler, who couldn’t be there in person. The daughters of R&B Hall-of-Famers and legends Sam Cooke, David Ruffin, and Jackie Wilson were in attendance, giving their support for the NRBHOF. Sept. 24, 2023, will go down in history, in terms of the sheer number of R&B legends that were on hand and being honored posthumously. The eclectic range of artists inducted was mind-shattering and incredible. That’s what R&B music represents; change and continuity. But one thing that will always remain constant with R&B is TALENT, and the NRBHOF will always be there to honor those talented and gifted ones. Website: www.rbhof.com
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