Rochester, N.Y. – The second class of inductees to The Rochester Music Hall of Fame includes the city’s most prominent philanthropist, a classic rocker and the man who had Rochester and the whole country “singing along” with him.
The Rochester Music Hall of Fame recognizes talents with ties to Rochester who have contributed to the “creation of music excellence.”
2013 marks the second year its inducted new members. This year they are:
George Eastman – the philanthropist and industrialist credited by the Hall as “the greatest music enthusiast in Rochester’s history.” He established the Eastman Theatre, Eastman School of Music, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and more.
Lou Gramm – the legendary voice of Foreigner, one of the most successful classic rock acts of all time.
Son House -- the blues legend from the 1930s who was rediscovered here in 1964. (real name: Eddie James House, Jr.)
Bat McGrath – the singer/songwriter/guitarist, who wrote music for many Nashville stars.
Don Potter – singer/songwriter/guitarist/producer who is also credited with creating “the Judds sound” and has worked with many other hit makers.
(McGrath and Potter recorded as partners, but will be inducted separately)
Mitch Miller – the musician/producer/TV star who worked with many top recording stars and hosted the hit TV show “Sing Along With Mitch.”
Nick Nickson – the Rochester disc jockey who helped “usher in the age of rock and roll” and had the highest ratings of any other Rochester D.J.
Jack Palvino – the Rochester disc jockey also known as “Smiling Jack”, who hosted a top rated morning show for twenty years and went on to become an important radio executive.
They will be inducted at a ceremony at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre on April 28th. 13WHAM’s Doug Emblidge will be the emcee for the evening. Performances by many inductees are expected. Tickets are on sale for the general public at the Eastman Theatre Box Office.
