RHYTHM AND BLUES HALL OF FAME NOMINATES GORDY, JACKSON, WHITE, DRIFTERS, MORE FOR POSSIBLE INDUCTION

The Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame has nominated eighteen artists and businesses for possible induction in 2018.

The diverse group runs from artists like Barry White and Janet Jackson to industry executive Berry Gordy and his Motown Records, to rocker Jerry Lee Lewis, to the Apollo Theatre. Ten of the eighteen are expected to be inducted next year.

The full list:

Apollo Theater, and New Editions
Barry White
Berry Gordy
Billy Paul
Bobby "Blue" Bland
Gamble & Huff
George Clinton
Janet Jackson
Jerry Lee Lewis
Keith Sweat
Mary J. Blige
Motown Records
Nat King Cole
Patti LaBelle
Peabo Bryson
Stephanie Mills
The Dells
The Drifters
 
The Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame was established in 2010 by LaMont "Showboat" Robinson, a former player and owner for the Harlem Clowns and player for the Harlem Road Kings. His love for R&B music over the years led him to collect memorabilia and artifacts of such quantity that he wanted to share them with the world. While he donated some to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he realized that there were many artists who would never get their deserving honor in such a organization, which led him to look into an R&B specific organization.
 
A museum to house the collection and honor the inductees is expected to be built in Detroit. 
 
The previous inductees:

2013
Freddie Arrington (Master of Ceremonies at Leo's Casino Nightclub)
James Brown
Call and Post (publication)
Chi-Lites
Sam Cooke
Larry Cotton (journalist)
Dazz Band Featuring Jerry Bell
Dramatics
Dynamic Superiors
Four Tops
Hesitations
Tom Joyner (DJ)
Leo's Casino (Historic venue)
Gerald Levert
Little Jimmy Scott
Tim Marshall (DJ)
Marvelettes
Ohio Players
O'Jays
Otis Redding
Ruby & the Romantics
David Ruffin
Slick, Sly & Wicked
Sounds of Unity and Love (S.O.U.L.)
Edwin Starr
Supremes
Temptations
Martha and the Vandellas
Kim Weston
Jackie Wilson
 
2014
Clovers
Joe Jackson (Promoter, manager)
Michael Jackson
Whitney Houston
B.B. King
Gene Chandler
Whispers
Funk Brothers
Andantes
Sweet Inspirations
Marvin Gaye
Chubby Checker
Norm N. Nite (DJ)
Delfonics
Macy Gray
 
2015
Elvis Presley
Little Richard
Millie Jackson
Bobby Rush
Bar-Kays
Sam & Dave
Al Bell
Ike Turner
Mad Lads
Stax Records
Dorothy Moore
Muddy Waters
Denise LaSalle
Little Junior Parker
WDIA (Radio station)
Spinners
Miracles
Johnnie Taylor
Hank Ballard & the Midnighters
Spyder Turner
Aretha Franklin
Jerry Butler
Ray Charles
Martha Reeves
Tony Clarke
Janie Bradford (songwriter)
Pat Lewis
Fabulous Peps
Donnie Simpson (DJ, TV host)
Jimmy Ruffin
Melba Moore
20 Grand (nightclub)
Ortheia Barnes-Kennerly
 
2016
Al Abrams (Publicist)
Robert Bateman (Producer)
Bootsy Collins
Fats Domino
Falcons
Eddie Floyd
Jimi Hendrix
Eddie Holman
Cathy Hughes (Founder of Media One)
International Sweethearts of Rhythm
Little Willie John
Herb Kent (Radio)
Bettye LaVette
Miller London (Sales & Marketing)
Wilson Pickett
Prince
Sir Mack Rice
Smokey Robinson
Sugar Chile Robinson
Royal Jokers
Rena Scott
Mickey Stevenson (A&R)
Velvelettes
Dionne Warwick
 
2017
Barbara Acklin
Bert's Warehouse (Entertainment complex)
Wade Briggs (Butterball, Jr.) (DJ)
James Brown
Carl Carlton
Dennis Coffey
Carolyn Crawford
Bert Dearing (Night Club Owner)
Foody (DJ)
Fred Goree (DJ)
Isaac Hayes & Hot Butter Soul
Impressions
Jeff & the Atlantics
Gladys Knight & the Pips
Skip Mahoney & the Casuals
Manhattans
Sylvia Moy (Songwriter, Producer)
Freda Payne
Michael J. Powell
Mitch Ryder
Valadiers
Mary Wells