Always and Forever
Cincinnati’s music legacy takes center stage this Saturday, July 25.
The Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame holds its 2026 Induction Ceremony at noon, outside the Andrew J Brady Music Center at 190 W. Mehring Way.
The free “Homecoming Edition” ceremony honors funk and disco group Heatwave and historic Cincinnati radio station WCIN.
Heatwave was formed in the early ‘70s by a group of U.S. servicemen stationed in Germany. Its most popular line-up featured Johnnie Wilder Jr. and Keith Wilder (vocals) from Dayton, Ohio. The brothers were joined by musicians Rod Temperton (keyboards) and Roy Carter (guitar) (UK), Mario Mantese (bass) (Switzerland); Ernest “Bilbo” Berger (drums) (then Czechoslovakia); and Eric Johns (guitar) (Jamaica) – becoming the first true international dance group.
In Europe, the a lead single from their 1976 album “Too Hot to Handle,” became an international #1 hit, with “Boogie Nights,” going on to become and one of the definitive songs of the disco era. They followed it with the ballad, “Always and Forever,” which continues to be a popular wedding song.
In 1979, Temperton began a decade-long role as a songwriter for Quincy Jones, creating hits like “Off The Wall” and “Thriller” for Michael Jackson, “Stomp” for the Brothers Johnson. and “Give Me The Night” for George Benson. Though this caused him to stop performing with Heatwave, he continued writing for the group.
Launched in October 1953, WCIN served as a primary voice, news source, and cultural hub for the African American community in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Over the years, the station helped launch R&B, soul, and gospel performers, including James Brown, Bootsy Collins, and Al Green.
WCIN’s mission extended beyond entertainment. The station sought to inform, educate, and empower listeners. Its slogan, “News You Can Use,” reflected its commitment to providing practical information that addressed the concerns of everyday people.
Local broadcast legend Lincoln Ware got his start at the station, along with Buggs Scruggs, Jack ‘The Rapper’ Gibson and Everett Cork.
Guests to Saturday’s ceremony are encouraged to wear all white for a celebration featuring free live performances from Regina Belle, Shirley Murdock and Midnight Star.
The induction creates a fitting bridge between the city’s musical history and the artists taking the stage during CMF weekend. The ceremony is free and open to the public.
The Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame’s immersive experience connects this legacy to the future. We invite you to listen, learn, dance, sing, and feel the energy and soul of these amazing artists. While exploring Cincy’s music scene, you will find QR codes printed on the informational kiosks along the walkways. Scan any of these QR codes to take a deeper dive into an artist’s history and legacy—you’ll also be able to view an augmented reality experience that brings the artist’s work to life.