DETROIT, MI — The National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Foundation has announced that eight legendary Detroit music and broadcasting icons will be honored during its 15th Annual National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Bert’s Music Theater in Detroit.
The 2026 Detroit honorees are:
- Erma Franklin — Acclaimed gospel, soul and R&B vocalist who recorded the original 1967 version of “Piece of My Heart.” She also performed and recorded background vocals with her sister, the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.
- Rev. C. L. Franklin — Nationally celebrated Detroit minister, gospel recording artist and civil-rights leader known as the man with the “Million-Dollar Voice.” He formed the C. L. Franklin Gospel Caravan and helped introduce a young Aretha Franklin to audiences across the country.
- Joe Von Battle — Pioneering Detroit record-store owner, producer and founder of J.V.B. Records. He recorded dozens of Rev. C. L. Franklin’s sermons and was the first producer to record a 14-year-old Aretha Franklin. He also played an important role in Detroit’s early blues and gospel recording history.
- Rudy Robinson — Detroit keyboardist, songwriter, arranger, producer and record-label owner who served as music director for D-Town Records and worked with numerous soul and R&B performers throughout his career.
- Ollie McLaughlin — Influential Michigan disc jockey, talent scout, producer and record-label executive who discovered and developed major artists, including Barbara Lewis and Del Shannon. He produced recordings such as “Hello Stranger,” “Baby I’m Yours,” “Love Makes the World Go Round” and “Cool Jerk.”
- Ernie “Frantic Ernie” Durham — Legendary Detroit radio personality whose energetic broadcasting style made him one of Michigan’s leading R&B disc jockeys. During his decades on Detroit radio, Durham helped introduce listeners to emerging artists, including a young Smokey Robinson.
- “The Scene” — Detroit’s groundbreaking television dance program that aired on WGPR-TV from 1975 to 1987. Hosted by Nat Morris, the show showcased Detroit dancers, musicians, fashion and emerging dance music while becoming a cultural institution for generations of Detroiters.
- WGPR-TV 62 — The first Black-owned and operated television station in the United States. Launched in Detroit in 1975, WGPR created opportunities for Black broadcasters and produced historic programming that reflected Detroit’s music, culture and community.
“This ceremony will recognize eight Detroit pioneers whose contributions helped build the foundation of gospel, rhythm and blues, soul music, radio and television,” said LaMont “ShowBoat” Robinson, Founder and Chairman of the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Foundation. “Detroit’s music history extends far beyond the performers onstage. We must also honor the producers, broadcasters, business owners and institutions that gave the artists a platform and helped their music reach the world.”
Since presenting its first induction ceremony in 2013, the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame has inducted more than 300 celebrated artists, musicians, producers, executives, broadcasters and cultural leaders.
The foundation is also engaged in discussions to establish a permanent, state-of-the-art National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame facility in Detroit. The proposed destination would preserve the complete history of R&B music while creating a major cultural and tourism attraction for the city.
EVENT INFORMATION
15th Annual National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Dinner & Dance
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Bert’s Music Theater
Detroit, Michigan
