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History of R&B

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History of the

Chitlin Circuit

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“Support the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame!”

LaMont "ShowBoat" Robinson

Founder

National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame



ABOUT US

Welcome to The National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.

No other American music genre has had the universal appeal and global impact as Rhythm & Blues. Despite its enormous influence, there is no one place that tells the comprehensive story of this uniquely American music. The National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame will celebrate Rhythm & Blues and related genres artists, plus business and political individuals, that have made major contributions to the world's music industry.

National R&B Hall of Fame

R&B Chitlin Circuit Tour

Leo's Casino Music Cafe

National R&B Walk of Fame

Music Theater

Hip-Hop Experience

Gospel Music Experience

Blues Music Experience

Lets make a big difference in preserving R&B Music History.

13th Annual Induction Ceremony

National R&B Hall of Fame

2024 National R&B Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

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OUR MISSION

Celebrate R&B Icons

The mission of the R&B HOF is to be a vital part of preserving the history of Rhythm & Blues music and the culture in America that ignited its creation.


The R&B HOF will strive to collect and safeguard artifacts as well as document the accomplishments of the many individuals that have contributed to and influenced lives through R&B music. The R&B HOF will be at the forefront of providing innovative educational programs for children by using music as a mechanism for teaching history, math, and social studies through state-of-the-art technology. In a culturally diverse world, the R&B HOF will emphasize diversity throughout its programming.


Aretha Franklin

was an American singer-songwriter and pianist. Referred to as the "Queen of Soul," she has twice been placed ninth in Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Artists of All Time." With global sales of over 75 million records, Franklin is one of the world's best-selling music artists.


Prince

was an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians of his generation, he was known for his flamboyant, androgynous persona and wide vocal range, which included a far-reaching falsetto and high-pitched screams.


Usher

is an American R&B singer. He was born in Dallas, Texas, but raised in Chattanooga, TN, until moving to Atlanta, Georgia. At the age of 12, his mother put him in local singing competitions before catching the attention of a music A&R from LaFace Records.

Urgent help needed now

In order to make this a reality we need a minimum of $5 help from you.

Raised: $0.00; Goal: $10,000,000

National R&B Hall of Fame

Videos

R&B: 80 Years of No Respect

R&B: Promo Video

2015 R&B HOF Induction Ceremony

Donnie Simpson

Cornell West

Cathy Hughes

Rev. Al Sharpton

Dennis Edwards & The Temptations

Eddie Holman

The Whispers

Smokey Robinson

The Impressions

Donnie Simpson & Dennis Edwards (The Temptations)

National R&B Hall of Fame

Past Induction Ceremonies


October 4, 2015 - Detroit, MI

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

Four Tops

2015 Inductee

August 21, 2016 - Dearborn, MI

Ford Community & Performing Arts Center

Cathy Hughes

2016 Inductee

June 3, 2018 - Detroit, MI

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

Melba Moore

2018 Inductee

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Donation Packages

You can choose how you want to donate.

Here you will find information on how to make your donation to make this special project a reality.

Fundraising Platform

We are exploring multiple platforms and avenues to raise the capital to make this project a reality. We are already off to a great start so with your help we can make a permanent home of the National R&B Hall of Fame a reality.

Donation

Brick Drive


Make your mark at the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.

Buy a custom engraved brick as a gift, as a special dedication with your name or your favorite artists' or loved ones.



Donation

Memorabilia


Memorabilia is the beating heart of our institution.We pride ourselves for not

just the high level of design and display, but also providing a platform to tell stories about the artists and in the best circumstances, so that the story told is unique, authentic, and in the voice the artist would like it communicated.


Check out what the Legends & Dignitaries have to say

"First, let me say I am honored to be included amongst the incredibly talented artists that hold the distinction of being inducted into the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame. It goes without saying, the importance of this hall of fame being established gives recognition to the bodies of music that we as artists have been able to share with many who have, and continue to support our careers."

Dionne Warwick

R&B Legend

"This is a great day in music history and for the legacy of rhythm and blues music and artists, I am a very proud member and inductee of the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame."

Marshall Thompson

The Chi-Lites

"Hi, ladies and gentlemen, for whom it may concern. I heard about what is about to take place with the R&B Hall of Fame I want to be a part of this project to preserve the icons of such great R&B men and women of the Delta and elsewhere, like Muddy Waters, Howlin, BB King, and James Brown. Just to name a few. I'm one of the oldest bluesmen standing and living in Mississippi. Not only will this educate us about R&B, but on the other hand, it will teach us about Jim Crow days and how much things have changed but yet how much things remain the same. The Civil Rights Movement with Martin L. King and others—how many legendary blues artists came out of the Mississippi Delta. Good luck, and I wish you well. See you at the groundbreaking; may God continue to bless you."

Bobby Rush

Blues Legend

"Hello LaMont, 

Thank you so much for all of your support in the 'Arts'. It is people like you who really go that step beyond. Again thank you for all you have done. I look forward to seeing you next year at the 'RHYTHM BLUES HALL OF FAME EVENT."


The Late Mary Wilson Co-Founding Member of The Supremes '

National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Inductee 

National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Board Member/Host MC  

Last Email to Me 11/3/2020

Mary Wilson

The Supremes

National R&B Hall of Fame

Upcoming Events.

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

2025 Inductees Announced

Date: February 12, 2025

Time: 12:00pm - 3:00pm

Location: TBA

Ground Breaking Ceremony

Date: TBA

Time: 12:00pm - 3:00pm

Location: TBA

2025 Nominees Announced

Date: October 31, 2024

Time: 9:00am

Location: Virtual

2025 Induction Ceremony

Date: October 5, 2025

Time: 3:00pm

Location: TBA

National R&B Hall of Fame

Latest news & articles from around the world.

Stevie Wonder inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame

R&B Hall of Fame Announces 2025 nominees

Elvis in the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame

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