Bob Billington Op-Ed: Rhode Island joins 19 other states in creating a Music Hall of Fame

History was made on February 26, 2012, the night Rhode Islanders celebrated their musical heritage and cut the ribbon on what will grow to become a permanent collection of displays and exhibits honoring the Ocean State's amazing legacy of musical talent. If there was ever any doubt that our state has a disproportionate high number of musical artists, it has been removed.

The Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame (RIMHOF), organized last spring to honor the musical talent that has come out of our state, inducted eight great musicians and entities in its first-ever ceremony. Inducted were 19th century composer Oliver Shaw, late jazz pianist Dave McKenna, blues artist Ken Lyon, early rock and roll artist and record producer Gerry Granahan, the late opera singer Eileen Farrell, singers-songwriters-producers Anders and Poncia, R&B band Roomful of Blues, and rockers John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band. These musical greats spent their lives bringing fame to themselves, Rhode Island and their art. They not only survived in a very difficult business but they excelled and became known nationally as well.

All were honored at a sold-out event held at The Met in Pawtucket. The night was filled with superlative musicianship, overwhelming camaraderie, and a tearful remembrance of those who have passed. It included a rare performance of past and present Roomful of Blues members and a Beaver Brown concert dedicated to departed piano player Bobby Cotoia and guitarist Thom Enright, who passed away a few days before his induction into the Hall of Fame. Inductees that have played a thousand and one Saturday nights, found that Rhode Islanders truly love their musicians, their talent, and the recognition they have brought to their state.

Rhode Island will now have a permanent museum and repository to recognize its musical heritage due to an outpouring of financial support from the community. Efforts will continue throughout the year to add to the displays.

Congratulations have been received from Rhode Island musicians working out-of-state and from music halls of fame from all over the country. The Hall of Fame's Board of Directors is currently planning for its 2013 Inductees, raising money for additional exhibits, and working at electronically archiving our state's musical story.

The Hall of Fame at 999 Main St Pawtucket, Hope Artiste Village, is open every day free of charge. Biographies and discographies for this year's inductees as well as dozens of other Rhode Island musicians can be found at this website.

Thank you Rhode Island, for providing a creative environment which encourages your sons and daughters to follow their dreams into the world, and then welcomes them home to celebrate their achievements.

Robert Billington, Ed.D, Chair
Rhode Island Music Hall Of Fame Board of Directors
March 5, 2012