Jacksonville has emerged as a top contender to become the permanent home of the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, a move that would bring a prestigious national museum to the city.
The city is currently being evaluated alongside four other finalists across the country: Jackson, Mississippi; Gary, Indiana; Detroit, Michigan; and Augusta, Georgia.
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The Hall of Fame is currently based in Detroit, but organizers are looking to establish a long-term, dedicated footprint. According to organization founder Lamont “Showboat” Robinson, Jacksonville’s deep-seated musical heritage makes it an exceptionally strong candidate for the project.
“Why we picked Jacksonville as a possible potential home is because of its history in Jacksonville as well as the history of Florida,” Robinson said, noting the region’s historic ties to legendary R&B figures such as Ray Charles and Jackie Moore…