Detroit, MI– National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Foundation is proud to announce the official recognition of December 30 as Louis Jordan Rhythm & Blues Day. This historic day will commemorate the creation of rhythm and blues music and honor Louis Jordan, the Father of Rhythm & Blues, for his groundbreaking contributions to the genre. While Rhythm & Blues was officially coined as a term in Billboard Magazine on June 17, 1949, by Jerry Waxler, and prior to 1949, the genre was often referred to as “race music”, its roots trace back to earlier pioneers like Jordan, whose work shaped the genre before it gained widespread recognition.
On December 30, 1938, Jordan recorded his first song, “Honey in the Bee Ball,” which marked the birth of a new musical genre that would influence generations of artists and modern music worldwide. With his band, the Tympany Five, Jordan blended jazz, blues, and swing, creating a distinctive sound that would later define rhythm & blues (R&B).
In recognition of this pivotal moment in music history, December 30 will now be celebrated annually as Louis Jordan Rhythm & Blues Day, honoring the artist whose innovative approach helped lay the foundation for the explosive growth of R&B music. This day will serve as a time to reflect on the enduring legacy of Louis Jordan and celebrate the ongoing contributions of rhythm & blues artists to the music industry and global culture.
“Louis Jordan’s vision, talent, and innovative approach to music made him a trailblazer in the development of rhythm & blues,” said LaMont Robinson, founder of the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. “His influence is still felt today, and we are proud to recognize him as the Father of Rhythm & Blues on this historic day.” Jordan was officially inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2017.
Louis Jordan’s legacy is a testament to the transformative power of music, which transcends boundaries and brings people together. His distinctive style paved the way for legendary R&B artists such as Ray Charles, James Brown, and Aretha Franklin, who followed in his footsteps and further shaped the genre.
On December 30, 2024, the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Foundation will host a special ceremony to commemorate Louis Jordan’s monumental contributions to music. This will mark the first official celebration of Louis Jordan Rhythm & Blues Day, 87 years after the recording of his seminal song.
The National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame
The National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame was established to honor the artists who have shaped the history and culture of rhythm and blues music. Since its founding, the Hall of Fame has inducted over 300 legendary musicians, celebrating their enduring contributions to the genre.
For more information about the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, the celebration of Louis Jordan, and the events on December 30, 2024, please visit www.rbhof.com.
