THE ILLINOIS ROCK & ROLL
MUSEUM ON ROUTE 66 ANNOUNCES THE 2026 HALL OF FAME NOMINEES
The Illinois Rock &
Roll Museum on Route 66 has released the official list of nominees for
the 2026 Illinois Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing artists,
songwriters, record labels, and radio professionals whose contributions
have shaped the sound and spirit of Illinois music. Voting is now open
exclusively to museum members and will remain available through
February 28.
This year’s
Artist/Performer nominees include a diverse and influential group:
Uncle Tupelo, American Breed, The Boyzz, Naked Raygun, Survivor, Alison
Krauss, Koko Taylor, The Staple Singers / Mavis Staples, Roger McGuinn,
The Flock, Warren Zevon, Etta James, Herbie Hancock, and Local H.
Nominees in the Record
Label category are Golden Voice, Brunswick, USA, Pravda, and Cobra.
The Songwriter category
features Eddie Vedder, Kevin Cronin, Grace Slick, Kevin Chalfant,
Curtis Mayfield, Tom Morello, Jude Cole, and Tom Kelly.
Nominees for Radio
Personality include Terri Hemmert, Lin Brehmer, Herb Kent, and James
VanOsdol, while the Radio Station category recognizes WDRV (The Drive),
WERV (The River), WVON, METV‑FM, and WWCT (Peoria Rock 106).
“This year’s nominees
reflect the extraordinary depth, diversity, and influence of Illinois
music,” said Ron Romero, CEO and Founder of the Illinois Rock &
Roll Museum on Route 66. “From groundbreaking performers to iconic
radio voices and the labels that helped launch them, these nominees
represent the heartbeat of our state’s musical legacy. We’re proud to
honor their contributions and excited for our members to help choose
the 2026 inductees.” Voting is an exclusive
benefit of museum membership. Supporters who wish to participate in
selecting the 2026 inductees can join the museum online, where
membership levels and benefits are listed.
The Illinois Rock &
Roll Hall of Fame celebrates individuals and organizations with
significant connections to Illinois who have made lasting contributions
to rock and roll and related genres. Inductees are selected by museum
members, ensuring that the voices of fans and supporters remain at the
heart of the process.
Voting Deadline:
February 28
Cast your ballot: HOF Ballot
Membership information
is available at www.roadtorock.org/become-a-member.
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On February 24th at 11 a.m. ET, New York City will
officially co-name West 8th Street Jimi Hendrix Way in honor of Jimi
Hendrix, marking the storied block where his legendary Electric Lady Studios
still stands as one of the most historic and continuously operating recording
studios in the city.
The street naming kicks off a National Education
Partnership with Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. and Stevie Van Zandt’s Teach
Rock. Spearheaded by NYC District 2
Council Member Harvey Epstein and Experience Hendrix, L.L.C., the Hendrix family–owned
company led by Janie Hendrix, with guitarist and writer Jeff Slate, will
serve as the public kickoff to a new national education partnership in
collaboration with Stevie Van Zandt’s TeachRock. The partnership expands TeachRock’s library of more
than 500 free, standards-aligned lessons that use music and popular culture
to teach history, social studies, language arts, and other core subjects,
with a new, multimedia Hendrix curriculum for middle and high school
students.
Joining Council Member Epstein at the ceremony will be
TeachRock founder Stevie Van Zandt, Janie Hendrix, President and CEO of
Experience Hendrix, L.L.C., and a group of local TeachRock teachers and
students, connecting one of rock music’s most hallowed creative landmarks to
local classrooms and the national network of educators who will bring this
curriculum into their schools.
The new lesson, Jimi Hendrix: Rock’s Trailblazing
Innovator and Influential Guitarist, invites students to explore Hendrix’s
journey from his Blues and R&B roots to his revolutionary impact on rock
music, sound design, and live performance. Through video, interactive tools,
and hands-on projects, students examine how Hendrix reshaped creative
identity and why his influence continues to resonate more than 50 years
later.
“I’m proud to honor the legacy of Jimi Hendrix today,”
said Council Member Harvey Epstein. “Our district is a hub of culture, arts,
and activism, and Jimi Hendrix embodies this. Not only was he a legendary
musician, but he was also a fierce advocate for peace, racial equity and
social justice. He revolutionized music just steps away from where we are
today, and it is only fitting that these streets now carry his name.”
“Jimi Hendrix didn’t just play guitar — he reimagined
what art could be,” agrees Stevie Van Zandt. “I want TeachRock to transport
students into that same sense of possibility and discovery I felt the first
time I saw Jimi perform. His story, lyrics, and sound remind young people
that creativity has no limits.”
The lesson was co-developed with educator and musician
John Anthony and features exclusive archival footage and expert interviews
provided by Experience Hendrix, L.L.C., including Hendrix’s iconic 1967
Monterey International Pop Festival performance. TeachRock partnered with
NYU’s MusEdLab to create interactive tools that allow students to experiment
with the guitar effects and sonic innovations that defined Hendrix’s
signature sound.
“This collaboration speaks to the heart of our mission — carrying
on Jimi’s legacy through education,” said Janie Hendrix, President and CEO of
Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. “His music is a powerful gateway for young minds
to connect with history, creativity, and their own potential.”
In keeping with TeachRock’s commitment to make education
accessible in all classrooms, the free lesson, which meets guidelines of
National Standards for Music Education, National Core Arts Standards,
Social Studies standards, and Common Core State Standards, is available now
at teachrock.org/lesson/jimi-hendrix-rocks-trailblazing-innovator-and-influential-guitarist/ as part of
TeachRock's free curriculum library.
EVENT DETAILS:
What: Official West 8th Street Co-naming Ceremony
Honoring Jimi Hendrix
When: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | 11:00 a.m.
Where: The corner of W8th Street, and 6th Avenue, New
York City
Who: Council Member Harvey Epstein, Stevie Van Zandt,
Janie Hendrix, select local TeachRock educators and students
ABOUT COUNCIL MEMBER HARVEY EPSTEIN:
Council Member Epstein represents the 2nd District in the
City Council, representing Greenwich Village, the Lower East Side, the East
Village, Midtown South-Flatiron-Union Square, Gramercy, and Murray Hill-Kips
Bay. Epstein previously served as the Assembly Member for District 74,
covering much of the same district, since 2018.
Council Member Epstein has been a community leader for
almost 30 years. Before joining the Assembly in 2018, he served 14 years on
Community Board 3, including as board chair, where he tackled critical land
use issues and fought for community needs. As a public school parent, he
served as president of the District 1 President’s Council and numerous PTAs,
advocating for equity and excellence in education. His activism extends to
protecting low-wage workers, preserving local daycare centers, and championing
diversity in public school admissions. As a former Co-President of CoDA, a
strategist for progressive campaigns, as well as his earlier work with The
Legal Aid Society and the Urban Justice Center, he’s been a driving force for
change in our communities for decades.
ABOUT EXPERIENCE HENDRIX, L.L.C.
Owned and operated by members of the Hendrix family,
Experience Hendrix is the official family company charged with managing the
name, likeness, image and 100% of the music of Jimi Hendrix's legacy. Formed
in 1995 by James 'Al' Hendrix, Jimi's father, Experience Hendrix and its
affiliates oversee the daily operations of the Hendrix legacy on a worldwide
basis. The company is headed by President and CEO Janie L. Hendrix, an
educator, who works closely with organizations such as TeachRock to support music
and arts education for creatives like her brother Jimi Hendrix to expand
their abilities
ABOUT TEACHROCK
TeachRock is a free, standards-aligned curriculum that
brings core subjects to life through the power of music and popular culture.
Designed by educators and artists, TeachRock helps students engage more
deeply with Social Studies, Language Arts, STEAM, Music, and more — connecting
what they explore in their K-12 classrooms to the world around them.
Founded by Stevie Van Zandt with the support of Bono,
Jackson Browne, Martin Scorsese, and Bruce Springsteen, TeachRock was created
to help address the student dropout crisis by keeping music and the arts in
the DNA of education. What began as a mission to prevent disengagement has
evolved into a movement—one that meets a generation of students growing up
isolated, distracted, and overwhelmed, and helps them reconnect to learning
in ways that feel personal, relevant, and real.
Today, more than 80,000 educators in all 50 states have
used TeachRock to reimagine their classrooms. The curriculum has reached more
than one million students worldwide and is shown to improve attendance,
engagement, and academic outcomes. Teachers report renewed purpose in their
work, and students gain tools to understand history, reflect on their sense
of self and place in the world, and think critically — all through lessons
that begin with the universal language of music.
TeachRock is endorsed by leading education organizations
in social studies, music, and the humanities — and is helping shape what
21st-century learning can and should look like. For more information visit https://teachrock.org/ or follow @teachrock on all social media
channels.
ABOUT JOHN ANTHONY: John Anthony is a guitarist, educator, and composer whose
work bridges the stage and the classroom, touring nationally with The Vindys
while teaching rock bands, guitar, and music technology at Austintown Local
Schools in Northeast Ohio. He earned a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from
Youngstown State University and serves as an adjunct professor at Slippery
Rock University. |
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Speaking of The Monkees, Gary Strobl reminds us that February 14th was the 60th anniversary of NBC announcing that "The Monkees" television series would premier in the fall.
The Eagles' final two shows at The Sphere in Las Vegas (April
10th and 11th) will bring their total to 29 weekends
there for a total of 58 exclusive shows.
One hell of a farewell run since the fans have to come to them to see
the show, rather than traveling all over the world to perform, living in hotel
rooms in order to perform at dozens of different stadiums. Not a bad way to go out!
As Don Henley stated in that long CBS Sunday Morning
interview, “I’ve been all over the world, but I haven’t seen much of it,
because we see the airports and the hotel room and the venue and we don’t get
out much, you know?” If the band really
calls it quits this year, he’ll now have the opportunity to see the world as a
spectator rather than as “the main event.” (kk)
If you’re into The Bee Gees … and you’re into Disco … and
you’re into vinyl … have we got a treat for you!!!
Universal Music is releasing a 4-LP set of the long,
extended, disco, dance mixes of some of your all-time favorite Bee Gees Disco
Classics.
But … they’re only pressing 1000 copies … and when they’re
gone, they’re gone.
More info here …
https://theseconddisc.com/2026/02/12/bee-gees-extended-dance-mixes-box-set/
But here is the track list:
Disc 1:
A1 You Should Be Dancing – Extended Version (RSO PRO 013,
1976)
B1 Boogie Child- Extended Version (RSO PRO 013, 1976)
B2 You Stepped Into My Life – Extended Version (RSO PRO 013,
1976)
Disc 2:
A1 Stayin’ Alive – Special Disco Version (RSO PRO 033, 1977)
A2 If I Can’t Have You – Extended Version (previously
unreleased)
B1 Night Fever – Special Disco Version (RSO PRO 033, 1977)
B2 More Than A Woman – Special Disco Version (RSO PRO 033,
1977)
Disc 3:
A1 Jive Talkin’ – Extended Version (previously unreleased)
A2 Nights on Broadway- Extended Version (previously
unreleased)
B1 Tragedy – Extended Version (previously unreleased)
B2 Love You Inside Out – Extended Version (previously
unreleased)
Disc 4:
A1 More Than A Woman (SG Lewis Remix) (Paradise Edit)
(digital release, 2021; previously unreleased in physical format)
B1 Decadance – Album Mix (from Size Isn’t Everything,
Polydor CD 519 945-2, 1993)
B2 Decadance – Ben Liebrand Vocal Mix (Polydor DECA 2, 1993)
Finished the Nelson Brothers’ book … it's a long read, but
worth reading.
On a Billy Preston note, I recall seeing him at The Whisky
A Go Go back in April of 1970. He talked about George Harrison writing this
song in England. He then performed a tune called "All Things Must Pass." This was long before George put out the album
of the same name!
Caught Billy arriving for a gig at a trendy club in
Beverly Hills. This short lived joint attracted folks like Prince, Pink Floyd
and even the movie star Lana Turner.
Got to remember actor Bud Cort, R.I.P. Seen here hanging
out after a rock concert in Hollywood.
Jim Roup
“Harold And Maude” was one of my favorite “cult” movies of
the ‘70’s … probably seen it a hundred time! (lol) kk
AI has definitely taken over our lives …
Even when you Google something now, the AI synopsis pops up
first before offering links for you to investigate this topic for yourself.
So, just for fun, I wanted to see what AI had to say about
Forgotten Hits …
AI Overview
Based on available information,
Forgotten Hits (forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com), while not ranked
within the top 50 or general, high-traffic, global "top blog" lists, is
a highly regarded niche, community-driven blog that specializes in 1960s
music history, chart analysis, and reader interaction.
- Niche Authority: It is a premier, long-standing
destination for "oldies" music lovers, run by Kent Kotal, and
features in-depth analysis of 1960s Billboard, Cashbox, and regional
charts.
- Active Community: While not a "top" blog by
sheer traffic numbers, it has a loyal, consistent readership that
participates in daily surveys and discussions, often cited within niche
music circles.
- Content Focus: The blog serves as an archive for
"forgotten" music, specifically focusing on 1960s hits, 45 RPM
memories, and classic rock.
It does not compete in traffic
with general popular blogs like The Verge or Nomadic Matt, but within the
specific category of 1960s music blogs hosted on Blogger, it is considered one
of the most consistent and detailed.
I’d have to say that’s pretty accurate for an overview … I
can live with this! (kk)
And look what Chuck Buell came up with for today’s closer …
Hey Gang!
Here’s a way to start off our
day on a Fun Note today!
Hey, got a couple minutes for an
unusual Forgotten Hit rendition just for a little fun?
Her name is Anne Reburn and
she's a Cover Artist. Not just any Cover Artist! While she
sounds great singing in her own style, her presentation is so
very unique and so equally well done.
I just wanted to share one of
her productions with you today.
While within her small
"group" they "all" have their own
distinct personalities, it's her Fifth One, the one on the far right, Miss
Attitude, that just cracks me up! "She" obviously would rather be
somewhere else!
Here, recycling a Two week
Number One Song from 1956, is her/their rendition of "The
Great Pretender!"
CB 1 thru 5 ( which stands
for "Cover Boys!" )
( If I/we could even sing in the
first place! )
