“Heatwave, WCIN Radio, Regina Belle Honored”

(Black PR Wire) CINCINNATI, OH. – The award-winning Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame celebrated its 6th Annual Induction Ceremony with a star-studded Homecoming Celebration that welcomed more than 6,000 attendees from across the country and around the world. This year's ceremony honored two extraordinary inductees whose contributions have left an indelible mark on music and broadcasting: the legendary funk, soul, and disco band Heatwave and WCIN Radio, the oldest Black-owned radio station east of the Mississippi River and one of the nation's pioneering, Black-formatted radio stations.

Heatwave remains one of the most influential bands of its generation, earning worldwide acclaim with timeless classics including "Boogie Nights," "Always and Forever,"* and "The Groove Line." The band's celebrated songwriter, Rod Temperton, penned numerous iconic hits, including Michael Jackson's legendary Thriller, widely recognized as one of the best-selling albums of all time. On the other hand, WCIN Radio has served as a powerful voice for Cincinnati's African American community for decades. As one of the first Black-formatted radio stations in the United States—and the second oldest in the nation—it provided a platform for Black voices, culture, and music while launching the careers of legendary broadcasters, including the late Jack "The Rapper" Gibson.

The Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame 2026 Induction Ceremony honored the groundbreaking achievements and enduring legacy of Cincinnati's Black music pioneers whose artistry continues to shape the soundtrack of generations around the world. Grammy Award-winning artist Regina Belle received the prestigious Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award before delivering an electrifying performance that brought the audience to its feet. The celebration also featured a special performance by Shirley Murdock, whose soulful vocals captivated the crowd. In addition, iconic R&B supergroup New Edition was honored with the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award through a special video presentation recognizing the group's decades of excellence, innovation, and lasting influence on the music industry. The ceremony also welcomed a spectacular 50th Anniversary tribute concert by legendary R&B group Midnight Star, a 2022 Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame inductee, along with unforgettable performances honoring the music and legacy of Zapp & Roger, Nancy Wilson, and other Cincinnati music icons. 

Fans, families, music lovers, and visitors gathered for an inspiring afternoon filled with music, celebration, and storytelling. The festivities began with thousands lining the streets for the HBCU style Homecoming Parade of Stars, followed by a celebration honoring the artists and trailblazers who continue to define Cincinnati's remarkable musical heritage.

"I am incredibly proud that the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame has now welcomed more than 400,000 visitors to our state-of-the-art interactive attraction," said Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece, Founder of the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame. "What began as a vision has become a world-class destination that celebrates the extraordinary contributions of African American artists through music, education, technology, and storytelling. We transformed the riverfront into an international attraction that preserves our rich musical legacy while inspiring future generations."

About the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame

The award-winning Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame is an internationally recognized, state-of-the-art, permanent outdoor interactive attraction located along Cincinnati's Ohio Riverfront. The Walk of Fame celebrates the untold stories and extraordinary accomplishments of Black musicians, songwriters, producers, broadcasters, and music industry pioneers from Southwest Ohio whose influence has shaped music around the world.

Ohio's premier music tourism destination features augmented reality experiences, interactive kiosks, an experiential drum machine, a musical waterfall, nightly jam sessions, and immersive technology that brings the stories of its inductees to life.

Located adjacent to the Andrew J. Brady Music Center and directly across from Paycor Stadium, home of the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cincinnati Music Festival, the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame is free and open to the public 365 days a year from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame Inductees:

2021:  Bootsy Collins, The Isley Brothers, Dr. Charles Fold, Otis Williams

2022: Midnight Star (featuring Reggie and Vincent Calloway), Penny Ford, Hi-Tek, Wilbert Longmire

2023: James Brown, The Deele, Philippe Wynne, Louise Shropshire

2024: Roger Troutman & Zapp, Randy Crawford, Shirley Murdock, Donald Lawrence

2025: The O'Jays, The Ohio Players, Nancy Wilson, Dottie Peoples

2026: Heatwave, WCIN Radio

Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame

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