Chicago Blues Hall of Fame ® Artists inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame ® on August 4th. 2024 includes: Brandon Johnson Mayor of Chicago Ambassador & Blues Music Supporter :

Influential Chicago soul and R&B musician Willie Henderson began his career playing baritone saxophone for blues greats like Otis Rush before becoming a key creative force as a bandleader and arranger for Brunswick Records in 1968. During his time at Brunswick, he arranged and produced major hits for iconic acts such as The Chi-Lites, Jackie Wilson, and Tyrone Davis, while also charting nationally with his own funk track "Funky Chicken" under Willie Henderson and the Soul Explosions. After leaving the label in 1974, he continued his legacy as an independent producer, founding the NowSound label and the Chicago Music Organization to support the local music community.

Melvia Chick Rodgers Legendary Blues Artist 8-16-2026

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. . . . . Photo Credits: Bernard Dean Moten

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. . . . . Photo Credits: Bernard Dean Moten

Photo Credits: Bernard Dean Moten

Award-winning powerhouse vocalist Melvia “Chick” Rodgers began her career singing in church before touring internationally with the USO. After making Chicago her home in 1989, she built a celebrated career sharing stages with legends like B.B. King and Patti LaBelle, starring in theater productions, and recording music produced by Koko Taylor. Honored with awards like Chicago's Queen of Soul and the Jus Blues Willie Mitchell Lifetime Artist Award, she continues to captivate global audiences with her bold and powerful voice.

Boney Fields Legendary Blues Artist 8-16-2026

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. . . . . Photo Credits: Bernard Dean Moten

Chicago-born trumpet player and vocalist Boney Fields is a relentless showman who masterfully merges blues and brass funk into a high-energy, retro-futuristic sound. Throughout his illustrious career, he has toured and recorded with legendary artists like Lucky Peterson, James Cotton, Buddy Guy, and Maceo Parker, while also arranging complex brass sections reminiscent of Earth, Wind & Fire. Today, he channels this wealth of global stage experience into his own explosive seven-piece band, performing a vibrant catalog of albums for audiences at prestigious international festivals worldwide.

Osee Anderson Legendary Blues Artist 8-16-2026

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. . . . . Photo Credits: Bernard Dean Moten

Photo Credits: Bernard Dean Moten

Posthumous Award
Accomplished blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter Osee Anderson began his professional career at age 13 and later spent years touring internationally with the Lonnie Brooks Blues Band. A holder of a music degree from Grambling State University, he has also mentored under Willie Dixon, taught at the Guitar Institute of Technology, and collaborated with legends like James Cotton and Koko Taylor. As a bandleader of The Hit Squad and a solo artist, Anderson boasts a diverse discography and a rich career spanning blues, funk, and orchestral performance.

Dave Weld Legendary Blues Artist 8-16-2026

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. . . . . Photo Credits: Bernard Dean Moten

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. . . . . Photo Credits: Bernard Dean Moten

Photo Credits: Bernard Dean Moten

Chicago bluesman and Delmark recording artist Dave Weld has spent over 45 years performing with legends like J.B. Hutto, Buddy Guy, and Howlin' Wolf's band. After co-founding Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials, he formed his own group, Dave Weld & The Imperial Flames, in 1988. Throughout his ten-album career, Weld has toured globally and earned a Grammy nomination for his acclaimed release, Nightwalk.

Mike Dangeroux Master Blues Artist 8-16-2026

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. . . . . Photo Credits: Bernard Dean Moten

Photo Credits: Bernard Dean Moten

Chicago native and Berklee graduate Mike Dangeroux is a world-class guitarist who has performed with blues legends like Koko Taylor and Buddy Guy. With a versatile repertoire of over 500 songs spanning multiple genres, he leads an elite ensemble that delivers unforgettable live music. Today, the Mike Dangeroux Band is a premier choice for weddings, high-profile corporate galas, and exclusive private events across Chicagoland.

Howard Greenblatt Master Blues Photo Journalist 8-16-2026

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Photo Credits: Bernard Dean Moten

Renowned Chicago music photographer Howard Greenblatt launched his career in 1972 by accidentally photographing John Lennon, later using those iconic shots to secure a house photographer role at the legendary club TUTS in 1980. At TUTS, he captured Chicago blues royalty like Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, and Tomiko Dixon before enjoying a celebrated 18-year award-winning career as a videographer and staff photographer at the Brookfield Zoo. Today, Greenblatt has returned to his roots, traveling full circle to celebrate and document contemporary blues artists on their birthdays.

 Izola "Lady Z" Wright Master Blues Radio Personality 8-16-2026

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. . . . . Photo Credits: Bernard Dean Moten

Photo Credits: Bernard Dean Moten

Prominent Chicago radio host and community advocate Izola Wright, known as Lady Z, preserves local music heritage by hosting The 95th Street Blues Show on WCSU. Through in-depth interviews and her work with the Chicago Southside Blues Coalition, she bridges the gap between classic blues legends and modern audiences. Additionally, she actively promotes live music events and supports youth music education to keep the genre alive.

Howard Smith Blues Supporter Sponsor and Ambassador 8-16-2026

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. . . . . Photo Credits: Bernard Dean Moten

Photo Credits: Bernard Dean Moten

Howard Smith owns the East Odyssey Lounge, a celebrated South Side Chicago blues venue purchased in 2011 from the husband of Koko Taylor. The club serves as a vital cultural sanctuary, anchored by renowned Sunday night live music. Today, this neighborhood staple bridges local roots and global acclaim, drawing diverse crowds that include international enthusiasts, artists, and public figures.

Darryl Johnson Blues Supporter Sponsor and Ambassador 8-16-2026

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. . . . . Photo Credits: Bernard Dean Moten

Darryl "DJ" Johnson is a premier Chicago blues ambassador, MC, and agent for MarMax Entertainment. Operating from iconic venues like Buddy Guy's Legends, he champions legendary and contemporary talent—from Buddy Guy to Bobby Rush—while producing major showcases such as the BGL Blues Fest.

Jesse White Blues Supporter Sponsor and Ambassador 8-16-2026

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Jesse White is a pioneering American politician, Former Secretary of State and educator who served as the first African American and longest-running Secretary of State of Illinois from 1999 to 2023. A longtime public servant and former teacher, he is also widely known for founding the Jesse White Tumbling Team in 1959 to mentor inner-city youth. His historic political career was defined by major technological upgrades, strict anti-corruption reforms, and enhanced traffic safety laws.

Johnny Blues Supporter Sponsor and Ambassador 8-16-2026

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Johnny is a worldwide ambassador of the blues , master of ceremonies, and event promoter. Heavily tied to Chicago's iconic Buddy Guy's Legends , he serves as an event coordinator, host, and advocate dedicated to spotlighting talent, organizing live music, and preserving the rich history of the blues.

Ron Onesti Blues Supporter Sponsor and Ambassador 8-16-2026

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Chicagoland entertainment executive and Onesti Entertainment CEO Ron Onesti is renowned for revitalizing historic Midwest venues like the Arcada Theatre and Des Plaines Theatre while integrating themed dining and speakeasy concepts. Deeply rooted in his working-class Chicago upbringing, he is also a prominent civic leader who heads the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame and the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. A prolific weekly columnist, author, and award-winning producer, Onesti has earned widespread acclaim—including Italy's Cavaliere Ufficiale honor and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor—for his lasting impact on local culture, tourism, and community philanthropy.

Govenor J.B. Pritzker Blues Supporter Sponsor and Ambassador 8-16-2026

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J.B. Pritzker is a businessman, philanthropist, and the Democratic Governor of Illinois focused on progressive reforms, infrastructure, and education. Before his political career, he co-founded venture capital firms and the Chicago startup incubator 1871. His administration also actively supports Illinois's cultural heritage by promoting youth blues education, honoring legendary artists, and hosting major events at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

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Waukegon & Northern Chicago, Illinois

Rockford, Illinois

Chicago, Illinois

Aurora & Western Chicago, Illinois

Joliet & Southern, Chicago, Illinois

Rock Island & Quad Cities Area

Champaign Urbana & Central, Illinois

Springfield & Western, Illinois

East St. Louis & Southern, Illinois

Carbondale & Southern, Illinois

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Chicago Blues Hall of Fame ® Artists inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame ® on September 15th. 2019 includes:: Johnny Rawls Mary Lane Tyrone Davis Joe Barr Verne " Sticks" Taylor Dion Payton Charles Wilson Vino Louden LV Johnson Calvin "Skip" Gaskin Paul Richmond Leo Graham Ora-Nelle Label Bernard Abrams Owner Vee-Jay Records Greg Easterling Frank Robinson AKA "Scrap Iron" Art Norman