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HALL OF FAME HONORS AFRICAN-AMERICANS

Saturday, February 14, 2009 11:39 PM CST

SPECIAL TO THE COMMERCIAL

In recognition of Black History month, the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame honors several African-Americans who have been inducted into the hall of fame and who contributed significantly and made a difference in the entertainment industry. The hall of fame is in the Pine Bluff Convention Center.

Art Porter Sr., inducted in 1996, was a legendary jazz pianist born in Little Rock. Porter, the Arkansas jazz statesman, never officially worked as a touring musician, choosing instead to perform, teach, and contribute to his church as well as to other charitable causes in his hometown and state.

Louis Jordan, known as “the father of rhythm and blues,” was inducted into the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame in 1998. Jordan was born in Brinkley, and made his first professional appearance at Hot Springs Green Gables Club at age 15.

In 2000, William War-field, Art Porter Jr., and Pharoah Sanders were inducted into the hall of fame. Warfield, a native of West Helena, is a Grammy award-winning baritone. He is known for such career-making roles as Joe in the film “Showboat” where he sings the memorable “Ol' Man River,” and the role of Porgy in “Porgy and Bess.”

Art Porter Jr., the legendary saxophonist, was born and raised in Little Rock. Although Porter is best known for his saxophone playing, he originally played the drums in his father's jazz trio at age nine.

Also born and raised in Little Rock, Sanders became well-known in the local jazz scene in the early 1960s. Sanders is known for a distinctive sound, including a split reed technique. While primarily playing the tenor sax, he has also recorded playing the soprano sax, flutes and percussion.

Barbara Hendricks and William Grant Still were inducted into the hall of fame in 2003. Hendricks, an opera star born in Stephens, received her musical training and Bachelor of Music at the Juilliard School of Music in New York.

She made her American and European operatic debuts in 1974, and went on to appear at all major opera houses worldwide.

William Grant Still, a Little Rock native, was a violinist and composer of ballets, symphonies, operas and other musical works.

His compositions were the first works by an African-American composer to be performed by major orchestras, earning him the title, “Dean of Afro-American Composers.”

Inducted in 2005, John Weston, a Brink-ley native and singer/songwriter, combined fine songwriting with a deep Delta Blues style. Weston’s lyrics, which grew from his personal experience, reflect the humor and irony of daily life. He became a popular festival performer in the Delta and all over the world.

Lawrence Hamilton, also inducted in 2005, was born in Foreman, Arkansas.

The career of Lawrence Hamilton has been paved with bold and creative achievements worldwide. Hamilton has served as musical director for opera star Jessye Norman, performed at the White House, for Pope Paul II at the Vatican, and in concert with the legendary Lena Horne.

At the most recent induction ceremony of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame in 2008, Sonny Boy Williamson was honored for his masterful songwriting and performances. Williamson was one of the most influential blues performers of his generation, and was one of the first electric blues acts in the Delta.

Visit the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame, located in the Pine Bluff Convention Center, to learn more about these and other famous Arkansans.

For more information regarding the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame, call 536-7600.

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