Written by Mackenzie Manley, Content Specialist, Downtown Main Library
Four musical acts have joined the ranks of the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame: Dottie Peoples, Nancy Wilson, The O’Jays, and The Ohio Players. Founded in 2021 by Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece, this year’s inductees join 16 other honored artists.
In partnership with the Black Music Walk of Fame, the Library will soon unveil an exhibit honoring all 20 inductees. Head to the Downtown Main Library on Wednesday, June 18, for a reception from 1:15-3 p.m. hosted by Commissioner Reece.
Additionally, you can experience these artists’ music along downtown Cincinnati’s riverbanks at 190 W. Mehring Way, where the interactive attraction is located. Music genres represented include doo wop, jazz, rhythm & blues (R&B), soul, gospel, funk, pop and hip hop.
Event Details
The June 18 reception marks the addition of four original stars to the Library’s collection, accompanied by the unveiling of a supporting exhibit that celebrates the full depth and legacy of Black music with regional roots.
🎤 Event Highlights Include:
- A press conference unveiling
- Live musical performances
- Interactive activities for all ages
- A free collectible poster signing featuring Black music influencers and artists (while supplies last)
This free, family-friendly event is designed to celebrate the many Black artists whose contributions have shaped the local and national music scenes.
Keep reading to learn more about 2025’s inductees ahead of the June 18 reception.
Dottie Peoples
Dayton native Dottie Peoples has earned Stellar and Grammy awards for her gospel albums. See her 1983 debut album, Surely God is Able, exhibited at the Library. Dottie has recorded and appeared on over 30 albums. Her career has taken her on tour with the likes of famed gospel singer Dorothy Norwood and The Rolling Stones. Dottie sung at the 1996 Olympics, at the memorial service for civil rights activist and Politian John Lewis, and at the 2020 Stellar Awards.
Nancy Wilson
Born in Chillicothe, Ohio, Nancy Wilson attended Ohio Central State University before pursuing a career in music. Nancy recorded over 70 albums in a career that spread over five decades. One of the most legendary jazz singers of all time, her 1967 album Nancy – Naturally charted for 21 weeks. The late crooner has been awarded myriad accolades, including three Grammys.
Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley
The O’Jays
Rhythm & blues group The O’Jays hail from Canton, Ohio. Originally comprised of Eddie Levert, Walter Lee Williams, William Powell, Bobby Massey, and Bill Isles, the group started their career at Cincinnati’s own King Records as The Mascots. They released their first single in 1961. In the 1970s, eight of their albums reached the top 20 in the United States Billboard 200 pop album charts. The group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005, and the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2013.
Ohio Players
The Ohio Players from Dayton also have a history with King Records studio — it’s where they recorded their first release, “Trespassing,” in 1967. An American funk band, Ohio Players were most popular in the 1970s and known for their songs “Fire” and “Love Rollercoaster.”
Check out the exhibit to learn about this year's inductees to the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame – and listen to their music using your library card – on June 18.
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