Induction Celebration Honoring the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Class of 2026
From Buffalo Rising
The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame is inducting its latest class of musicians. During a two-day celebration (October 7-8), the 44th Annual Induction Ceremony will take place, honoring 13 acclaimed musicians who have made their mark on Buffalo’s music landscape throughout the years.
From the ongoing legacy of The Bergholz German Band to iconic young bassist Zuri Elise Appleby, this heavy-hitting line-up is certainly deserving of the accolades.
The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Class of 2026:
Zuri Elise Appleby – An internationally acclaimed bassist, vocalist, and educator. She made history as the first and only woman of color to serve as a bassist in the United States Marine Corps Band and has toured and performed with acclaimed artists including Lizzo, Nick Jonas, Doechii, Janelle Monáe, Adam Lambert, Cynthia Erivo, Willow, Queen Latifah, Ginuwine, Snarky Puppy, Yuna, Ceelo Green, Brent Faiyaz, Joseph Wooten, and Victoria Monet.
The Bergholz German Band – Since 1843, this celebrated 30-piece ensemble has proudly represented German-American heritage with performances throughout the U.S., Canada, and Germany, including Munich’s Oktoberfest and EPCOT, the Steuben Parade, and Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
Vic Dana – One of the 1960s’ most successful pop vocalists, scored hits including “Red Roses for a Blue Lady,” “Shangri-La,” “More,” and “Red Red Wine.” He toured as lead singer of The Fleetwoods and went on to a successful television and film career.
Drea D’Nur – A soulful, dynamic vocalist, pianist, producer, community activist, and creator of the award-winning The Spirit of Nina. She has collaborated with artists including Robert Glasper, Curtis Lundy, and Conway The Machine, while contributing vocals to many Grammy-nominated recordings.
Michael Lee Jackson – An internationally acclaimed guitarist, songwriter, producer, engineer, and frontman for the Buffalo band Animal Planet. Jackson has also toured worldwide with 10,000 Maniacs and Ian Gillan of Deep Purple, collaborated with legends including Tony Iommi and Emerson, Lake and Palmer’s Greg Lake, building a distinguished four-decade career in music.
Clay Pasternack – A pioneering music executive, historian and advocate for independent artists, Clay Pasternack founded CPI Distribution, opening national and digital markets for thousands of independent record labels and recording artists.
Rick Strauss – Acclaimed guitarist, keyboardist, composer, and founding member of the jazz fusion group Spyro Gyra, Rick Strauss contributed to the Platinum-selling Morning Dance and has performed with artists including Dave Brubeck, Dianne Reeves, Don Menza and many others.
Curtis Fitzgerald Williams – A Powerhouse world-renowned multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer, who has served as Music Director for legendary funk band Kool & the Gang since 1981, performed as Music Director for KC and the Sunshine Band and co-wrote The Weeknd’s 4-billion-stream, BMI Award-winning hit “Cry For Me.”
Geri Peters (Legacy Inductee) – A legendary Western New York jazz vocalist, with an acclaimed career spanning over 50 years. She shared the stage with Al Tinney, Sam Falzone, Don Menza, Jeff Jarvis, Jimmy Durante, along with many other notable artists, and performed at the iconic Aladdin Casino in Las Vegas.
The Yankee Six (Legacy Inductee) – Founded by Harold Franklin Tapson, rose to become one of Buffalo’s premier jazz and dance bands of the 1920s and 1930s. They performed on WGR, WBEN, and WEBR and worked alongside BMHOF Inductee and Academy Award-winning composer & pianist Harold Arlen, and accompanied legendary entertainers including Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Ray Bolger.
Denny Fox (Legacy Inductee) – One of Buffalo’s most influential R&B and jazz drummers, his innovative “Buffalo Shuffle” style inspired generations of musicians and remains a defining contribution to Buffalo’s rich musical legacy.
Jim Hall (Legacy Inductee) –A Jazz guitar pioneer and 6-time Grammy nominee, he inspired generations of musicians and firmly established himself as one of the instrument’s greatest innovators of the 20th century.
John “Spider”& James “Pappy” Martin (Legacy Inductees) – John “Spider” Martin was a highly respected jazz tenor saxophonist whose distinguished career included performances and recordings with legends such as Lionel Hampton, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Wilson Pickett, and more. James “Pappy” Martin was a legendary and much-revered bassist, jazz musician, bandleader, and founder of the Love Supreme School of Music and the Masten Jazz Festival, now known as the Pappy Martin Legacy–Masten Jazz Festival.
Visit bmhof.org for more information on the musicians, as well as the ceremonies at hand.