Alfred “Pee Wee” Ellis is an acclaimed saxophonist and composer who was the architect of James Brown’s era-defining soul classics of the late 1960s, introducing the dynamic arrangements and rhythm… Continue readingAlfred “Pee Wee” Ellis
Class of 2016
Members of the Rochester Music Hall of Fame that were inducted in 2016
Howard Hanson
Charter InducteesClass of 2016Born in Wahoo, Nebraska, Hanson was a composer, conductor, educator, music theorist, and ardent champion of American classical music. He was the Director of the Eastman School of Music from… Continue readingHoward Hanson
James Rado
Class of 2016James Rado is an actor, playwright, and composer who is best known for his groundbreaking rock-musical Hair. He won the Grammy Award in 1969 for Best Score, alongside Hair co-creator… Continue readingJames Rado
Joe Locke
Class of 2016Joe Locke is a renowned vibraphonist who is heralded internationally as one of the major voices of his instrument, earning a top spot on Jazz Week album charts, the title… Continue readingJoe Locke
The Rustix
Class of 2016The Rustix (active 1967 to 1972) was an R&B/blue-eyed soul band based in Rochester that was one of the first rock bands signed by Motown subsidiary Rare Earth Records. The… Continue readingThe Rustix
Wendy O. Williams
Class of 2016Wendy O. Williams (1949-1998) was an American singer, songwriter, and actress who was known as the “Queen of Shock Rock.” While remembered for her stage antics, she is also heralded… Continue readingWendy O. Williams