Heatwave, WCIN named 2026 Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame inductees

CINCINNATI (WKRC) – The Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame announced its 2026 inductees Thursday, honoring the legendary R&B and disco group Heatwave and pioneering radio station WCIN.

Hamilton County Commission Vice President Alicia Reece, founder of the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame, made the announcement during a Black Music Month celebration at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati.

The Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame, which opened in 2021, has welcomed more than 300,000 visitors and celebrates the contributions of Black musicians, producers, songwriters and media pioneers with ties to the region.

Heatwave rose to international fame with hits including “Boogie Nights,” “Always and Forever” and “The Groove Line.” The group helped define the sound of late-1970s R&B, funk and disco, while founding member Rod Temperton later wrote songs for Michael Jackson’s landmark albums Off the Wall and Thriller.

WCIN, founded in 1953, became one of the nation’s first Black-formatted radio stations and is recognized as the oldest Black radio station east of the Mississippi River. The station played a major role in Black media and helped launch the careers of influential broadcasters and community leaders.

The organization also recognized Tyrone Dubouise, Keith Little, Vicky Vee McWorther and Marquis Davis, known professionally as M-80, as 2026 Black Music Influencers.

The 2026 induction ceremony is scheduled for July 25 at the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame and the Andrew J. Brady Music Center. The event will include a free tribute concert by Midnight Star celebrating the group’s 50th anniversary, along with performances by Shirley Murdock and Regina Belle.