Submitted by kpaul.mallasch on Sat, 07/14/2007 - 9:28pm.
Cities: RichmondCounties: Wayne CountyMFP Tags: Gennett, Gennett Records, Gennett Recording Studio, Gennett RichmondTopics: MusicTypes: News
Cities: RichmondCounties: Wayne CountyMFP Tags: Gennett, Gennett Records, Gennett Recording Studio, Gennett RichmondTopics: MusicTypes: News
Inaugural Gennett Records Walk of Fame
RICHMOND, IN - September 8, 2007 will see Richmond establish itself in the history of recorded music in the U.S. through the inaugural of the Gennett Walk of Fame. In this event, 10 prominent artists who recorded at Gennett Recording Studio will be honored as 10 mosaic emblems depicting each of them will be unveiled. The Gennett Walk of Fame will be located along South First Street at the former site of the Starr Piano Co.
This project by the Starr-Gennett Foundation will mark the beginning of the foundation’s ongoing effort to establish a total of 80 mosaics to honor musicians who have worked with the Gennett studios in the past. The Walk will also serve as a witness to Gennett’s important place in the American music industry. Gennett Records was one of the few recording companies which opened their door to a wide variety of artists, including black artists. Musicians to be honored in the Gennett Walk of Fame debut this year include, among others, jazz great Louis Armstrong, country music legend Gene Autry, Hoosier musician Hoagy Carmichael and band leader Lawrence Welk.
The ten musicians to be commemorated at the unveiling of the Gennett Walk of Fame are:
- Louis Armstrong
- Gene Autry
- Bix Beiderbecke
- “Big Bill” Broonzy
- Hoagy Carmichael
- Vernon Dalhart
- Georgia Tom (Thomas A. Dorsey)
- “Jelly Roll” Morton
- Joe “King” Oliver
- Lawrence Welk
The markers will be three-dimensional, cast bronze and colored tile mosaic emblems in the form of 78 rpm phonograph records. Each marker will feature the classic Gennett label design and an artistic mosaic rendering of the represented musician. A smaller, bronze plaque will be installed next to each record to recognize the accomplishments of the inductee(s).
Â
Several other events will also accompany the festivity of the completion of the Gennett Walk of Fame.
- There will be music-themed activities such as making your own rubber band banjo.       Â
- Sculpture of Hoagy Carmichael at a piano.
- Musical entertainment which will showcase the variety of genres that was recorded when the Gennett Company was in business.
- Gallery in the Gorge, family activities, bike events, food vendors and more.
Events start at 11:00 A.M. with the formal induction and unveiling ceremony at 2 p.m. Â
The Gennett Walk of Fame commemoration represents an important step that Richmond is taking in its effort to preserve the city’s historical and cultural heritage. The public is invited to attend both the induction ceremony and the accompanying events.
Â
About the Starr Gennett Foundation:
The Starr-Gennett Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of Gennett Records and its parent organization, the Starr Piano Company. The foundation is working to save this important legacy and foster worldwide appreciation for this remarkable piece of American popular music history.Â
Source: Richmond~Wayne County Convention & Tourism Bureau
Technorati Tags: News Gennett Gennett Recording Studio Gennett Records Gennett Richmond Music Richmond Wayne County- ‹ previous
- 2089 of 3858
- next ›
- Email this Story
- 280 reads
Post new comment