On August 23, 2014 the 18th & Vine historic Jazz District launched the annual tradition of honoring jazz artists with a grand celebration that immortalizes their names on bronze medallions in the sidewalks. The American Jazz Walk of Fame celebration begins with an unveiling ceremony that is free and open to the Public. This is followed by a spectacular jazz concert featuring national and local artists.

Visit the American Jazz Walk of Fame website.

Each year artists are selected and ceremoniously honored, with family members present and among an adoring crowd of enthusiastic fans. The honorees are:

2014 –

• William “Count” Basie
• Jay McShann
• Charlie Parker, Jr
• Pat Metheny
• Mary Lou Williams
• Bobby Watson

2015 –

• Everette DeVan
• Myra Jardine Taylor
• Coleman Hawkins
• Claude “Fiddler” Williams
• Bennie Moten
• Lester Young

2016 –

• Louis Armstrong
• Melba Liston
• George Benson
• Nina Simone
• Queen Bey
• Ben Webster
• Luqman Hamza

2017 –

• Ella Fitzgerald
• Ben Kynard
• Ramsey Lewis
• Ida McBeth
• Thelonious Monk
• Oliver Todd

2018 –

• Sonny Kenner
• Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller
• Marilyn Maye
• David Sanborn

2019 –

• Oleta Adams
• Leon Brady
• Harry Belafonte
• Dr. Nathan Davis
• Quincy Jones

2020-

Due to the COVID-19 and CDC suggested restrictions, the 2020 AJWOF event has been postponed.

The Jazzy Jamdemic program allows for continued support of our musicians during this time.

2021 –

Al Jarreau
Mutual Musicians Foundation

2022 –

Peabo Bryson
The McFadden Brothers