Jazzy night

Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame inducts eight artists during celebration

Eight jazz artists with Natural State ties were honored during the Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Celebration, a biennial event whose 2018 incarnation took place June 18 at the Capital Hotel.

Bob Boyd, self-described “piano stylist” (and founder of Little Rock’s Boyd Music Center), drummer Brian Brown; vocalist Nan Maureen Renaud and trumpeter George “Doc” Ryan received their plaques from James Thomson, foundation president.

Posthumous awards were presented to representatives of the late saxophonist Red Holloway, songwriter Rose Marie McCoy, trombonist Lawrence “Snub” Mosley and pianist/vocalist Henry Shead. Alita Mantels, secretary for the hosting Arkansas Jazz Heritage Foundation and the hall of fame, made opening remarks.

The ceremony was followed by a jazz celebration featuring performances by special guest artists, including current and past inductees. Ryan teamed with 2000 inductee Earl Hesse on clarinet and Sim Flora on trombone for a performance, while Renaud sang a couple of numbers. Joe Vick, 2014 inductee, performed on upright bass with Julia Buckingham on piano and, later, 2016 inductee Ted Ludwig on guitar. Bryan Withers tended to the drums.

The Arkansas Jazz Heritage Foundation is an all-volunteer nonprofit established in 1992 with a mission to “educate the general public about the historical significance of jazz in Arkansas.”

Clyde Pound, Sunny Evans, Dr. George “Doc” Ryan, Georgia Pound, Earl Hesse and Jean Derby, all of Hot Springs

Bill Williams and Phyllis Brown (seated) with I.J. Routen and Charles Stewart

D.K. and Dwayne Ricks; Stephany Ricks-Fields and Shawn Ricks surround Doramae Ricks (seated), who’s holding an instrument belonging to the late inductee Snub Mosley

Bob Boyd (left) and Brian Brown (both with Arkansas Jazz and Heritage Foundation President James Thomson) are inducted into the Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame.

Sybil Ward, George Williams, Labethel Peters, Stephanie Clay and Annette Shead

Dito Morales, Gwen Terry of Pine Bluff, and Clay Hooten

Julia Buckingham and hall member Joe Vick perform.

Thomas East and Lee Anthony

Rodney Block and Sylvia Smith

New inductee Nan Maureen Renaud sings.