The Ohio Players (1959-1980)

The Ohio Players who first called themselves the Ohio Untouchables, was a pioneering vocal and instrumental funk ensemble out of Dayton, Ohio. Established in 1959, the group comprised its organizer, pianist/principal vocalist Walter Morrison, trumpeters Bruce Napier and Marvin Pierce, vocalist/bass player Marshall Jones, saxophonist/guitarist … Read MoreThe Ohio Players (1959-1980)

Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes (1954-1972)

On June 25, 1939, lyricist, arranger, and choreographer Harold Melvin was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A self-taught pianist, as a teenager in 1953, Melvin began singing doo-wop with a vocal ensemble called the Charlemagnes. The following year, 1954, he established a quintet, the Blue Notes … Read MoreHarold Melvin & the Blue Notes (1954-1972)

William Leonard Roberts II/ Rick Ross (1976- )

William Leonard Roberts II, also known as Rick Ross, is a rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur. Roberts was born on January 28, 1976, to William Leonard Roberts Sr. and Tommie Roberts in Clarksdale, Mississippi but the family relocated to Miami, Florida, when Ross was young. He … Read MoreWilliam Leonard Roberts II/ Rick Ross (1976- )

Nicki Minaj/Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty (1982- )

Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, known professionally as Nicki Minaj, is an influential award-winning and record-breaking rapper and songwriter who has sold over a 100 million records. Music critics and members of the public alike have named Minaj the Queen of Rap due to her punchy flow … Read MoreNicki Minaj/Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty (1982- )