On Saturday, July 30th, at 7pm, The Lincoln Theatre will induct into its Walk of Fame two more Columbus natives who have made grand artistic contributions in their careers: Harry Edison and Hal Williams. Jazz trumpeter Harry “Sweets” Edison had a distinguished career, playing regularly with such greats as Count Basie, Billie Holiday, and Nelson Riddle. Actor Hal Williams, whose distinguished resume includes long-running roles on Sanford and Son and 227, will also be honored. Along with presentations on the inductees, the ceremony will include a performance from the 2016 Walk of Fame Band featuring Byron Stripling and Bobby Floyd, who himself was inducted in 2015, and will end with the revealing of the new stars on the Walk of Fame. Doors open at 6pm, and admission is free. Keep reading for more details from the Lincoln Theatre:
JAZZ TRUMPETER HARRY “SWEETS” EDISON AND ACTOR HAL WILLIAMS TO BE INDUCTED INTO THE LINCOLN THEATRE WALK OF FAME JULY 30
Jazz trumpeter Harry “Sweets” Edison and actor Hal Williams will take their place on the Lincoln Theatre Walk of Fame in an induction ceremony on Saturday, July 30, at 7 pm. Sponsored by State Auto Insurance Companies, the event is free and open to the public.
The Lincoln Theatre Walk of Fame, a monument which honors Columbus natives who have made outstanding contributions in their professional careers, will honor these two local trailblazers during a ceremony hosted by State Auto Community Relations Manager Stephanie Meredith, Lincoln Theatre General Manager Suzan Bradford, and Jack Marchbanks, Lincoln Theatre Association board member and co-host of WCBE’s “Jazz Sunday.” The program will also include the 2016 Walk of Fame Band, featuring jazz trumpeter Byron Stripling, Artistic Director of the Jazz Arts Group, and jazz organist Bobby Floyd, a 2015 inductee into the Lincoln Theatre Walk of Fame. The ceremony will then move outdoors to reveal the new stars on the Walk of Fame.
Harry “Sweets” Edison, Jazz Trumpeter
Columbus native Harry “Sweets” Edison was a cohort of orchestra leader Count Basie, a favorite of bandleader Nelson Riddle, and a noted backup artist for the most prominent vocalists of his time, including Billie Holiday. Edison, with his energetic yet reticent blowing style, bridged a gap between the early classic jazz sound of Louis Armstrong and modern bebop modes. Edison, who played equally well in both styles, had a special talent for sustaining his trumpet notes and injecting each single tone with expression and soul. This special quality of his playing earned him the nickname “Sweets” because of the sweetness of the tones.Hal Williams, Actor
Columbus-born actor Hal Williams is best known for his recurring role as Police Officer Smith (“Smitty”) on the television sitcom Sanford and Son (1972-77) and Lester Jenkins on 227 (1985-90). He has also appeared in movies such as Hardcore, Private Benjamin, Clint Eastwood’s The Rookie, and the Bernie Mac film Guess Who.