Starr-Gennett Walk of Fame

In September of 2007, the Starr-Gennett Foundation began to recognize the many great artists of the early 20th century whose music, recorded in the Whitewater Valley Gorge at the Starr-Gennett facilities, set the standard for jazz, roots music and other genres.

These artists have been memorialized via a medallion in the sidewalk in front of the location where the Starr-Gennett buildings once stood. We encourage you to visit the Starr-Gennett Walk of Fame and feel the music history that took place in this location.

Photos taken October 5, 2007

Sidney Bechet
In 1924 Sidney Bechet recorded for Gennett in New York with the Red Onion Jazz Babies. He is most famous for playing clarinet and soprano saxophone.

Louis Armstrong
In 1923 jazz legend Louis Armstrong made his first recordings in Richmond for the Gennett label as a member of King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band.

Lawrence Welk
Lawrence Welk is best know for the television program, The Lawrence Welk Show, but he made his first recordings in Richmond for the Gennett label in 1928.

King Oliver
In 1923 jazz pioneer King Oliver made his first records in Richmond for the Gennett label as the leader of King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band.

Jelly Roll Morton
In 1923 Jelly Roll Morton recorded in Richmond for the Gennett label with the New Orleans Rhythm Kings and on solo piano, recording many of his celebrated original songs.

Hoagy Carmichael
In 1925 native Hoosier Hoagy Carmichael made his first recording in Richmond for the Gennett label and first recorded his famous song "Stardust" for Gennett in 1927.

Georgia Tom
Thomas A. Dorsey recorded blues for the Gennett label from 1928 to 1930, using the name Georgia Tom. After 1932, he was most famous for writing and performing gospel music.

Gene Autry
Early country music star Gene Autry first recorded for the Gennett label in 1929. Many of his recordings were issued on Gennett's Champion label.

Bix Beiderbecke
In 1924 groundbreaking jazz cornetist Bix Beiderbecke made his first recordings in Richmond for the Gennett label as a member of the Wolverine Orchestra.

Big Bill Broonzy
Big Bill Broonzy recorded for the Champion label in Richmond from 1930 to 1932 and helped create the Chicago Blues sound.

Vernon Dalhart
Vernon Dalhart began recording for Starr Piano in New York. He recorded many sides for Starr Piano and Gennett and was the best selling early country artist of the 1920's.