Love Train

Whether you’re ready to hop on the “Love Train” or more in the mood for a “Love Rollercoaster,” you definitely won’t want to miss this year’s Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame Induction ceremony!

Though the official event isn’t until July, Alicia Reece, Hamilton County Commission President, kicked off the celebration with the announcement of this year’s class at Hard Rock Casino on Wednesday, June 4.

Begun in 2021, the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame honors the best Black musicians from the state of Ohio. This year’s class includes greats from funk, gospel, and jazz.

The Ohio Players

First formed in Dayton in the late 1950s and early ‘60s, this pioneering funk group is known for hits like “Fire” and “Love Rollercoaster.” The Ohio Players have performed at the Cincinnati Music Festival multiple

The O’Jays

Hailing from Canton, The O’Jays got their first taste of success in Cincinnati. The band released their first hit “Miracles,” on the King Records label.

Nancy Wilson

Nancy Wilson was a legendary jazz vocalist. The Chillicothe-born singer recorded many albums throughout her decades-spanning career, winning Grammys in 2005 and 2007.

Dottie Peoples

Dubbed as the “Songbird of the South,” Dottie Peoples made a name for herself in the gospel music scene after moving to Atlanta from her hometown of Dayton.

This year’s class will officially join the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame at the annual induction ceremony July 26 at the Andrew J. Brady Center at The Banks. The ceremony will include a free tribute concert featuring Cincinnati-born singer Bigg Robb, Grammy winner Regina Belle, and 2025 inductee Dottie Peoples.

The Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame is a free, family-friendly tourist attraction that is located in The Banks district next to the Andrew J. Brady Music Center and overlooking the Ohio River. Visitors can walk among the stars and be fully immersed in Cincinnati’s musical history complete with LED screens, artist kiosks, and interactive augmented reality experiences.