*The first 50 plaques honoring notable New Orleans figures, from music legends like Fats Domino, Percy “Master P” Miller, Bryan “Birdman” Williams, and Ronald “Slim” Wiliam to cultural icons like Tyler Perry, Big Freeda, and Ellen DeGeneres, are scheduled for installation by February 6, 2025.
This new Walk of Fame plagues were created by local artist Brandan “BMIKE” Odums, and will highlight a diverse array of New Orleanians, celebrating musicians, restauranteurs, and other influential locals. The project is spearheaded by Master P, who was appointed by Mayor LaToya Cantrell as New Orleans’ official Entertainment Ambassador in August.
The Completion of the Walk of Fame will come just in time for Super Bowl LIX, which will take place Sept. 9 at the Caesars Superdome.
“As we continue preparations to host Super Bowl LIX, it is of huge importance that we honor and recognize the diverse group of notable individuals who make up the beautiful fabric of our city,” said Cantrell in a statement, per the news release.
“Their global influence is a source of pride for our community and a testament to the city’s reach on the world stage. Thank you to the city’s entertainment ambassador, Percy ‘Master P’ Miller, the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, Operation Restoration and all other partners for helping embrace our culture and ensuring a bright future for our city and its cultural heritage,” she added.
“At Operation Restoration, our work is rooted in our commitment to creating pathways to success through education and fostering deep connections with the communities we support, prioritizing impact over profit,” said Syrita Steib, founder, president and CEO of Operation Restoration.
“We are proud to serve as the fiscal sponsor for the NOLA Walk of Fame and its goal to not only preserve and promote the city’s dynamic history but also foster improved educational learning and expand community engagement,” Steib said.
“Where Percy decided to take it a step further is that he wants to teach future generations about individuals who will be enshrined on the Walk of Fame by adding it to curriculums in the city’s schools,” Steib said.
Here are the first 50 New Orleanians set to appear on the city’s Walk of Fame:
- Aaron Neville, Musician
- A.P. Tureaud, Attorney
- Al Copeland, Restauranteur
- Allen Toussaint, Musician
- Allison “Tootie” Montana, Mardi Gras Indian
- Anthony Mackie, Actor
- Archie Manning, Athlete
- Avery Johnson, Athlete
- Big Freedia, Musician
- Blaine Kern “Mr. Mardi Gras,” Businessman
- Bryan “Birdman” Williams and Ronald “Slim” Wiliams, Musicians
- Bryant Gumbel, Journalist
- Carl Weathers, Actor
- Cedric Richmond, Politician
- Clyde Drexler, Athlete
- Khaled Mohammed Khaled “DJ Khaled,” Musician
- Drew Christopher Brees (Honorary Inductee), Athlete
- Eli Manning, Athlete
- Ella Brennan, Restauranteur
- Ellen Degeneres, Comedian
- Ernest Dutch Morial, Politician
- Fats Domino, Musician
- Gayle Benson, Businesswoman
- Harry Connick, Jr., Musician
- Irma Thomas, Musician
- Jon Batiste, Musician
- John Georges, Businessman
- Leah Chase, Restauranteur
- Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. “Lil Wayne,” Musician
- Louis Armstrong, Musician
- LaToya Cantrell (Honorary Inductee), Politician
- Malcolm “Dr. John” Rebennack, Jr., Musician
- Marc Morial, Politician
- Marshall Faulk, Athlete
- Mahalia Jackson, Singer
- Mia Young “Mia X,” Musician
- Moon Landrieu, Politician
- Norman Francis, Educator
- Oretha Castle Haley, Activist
- Percy “Master P” Miller, Musician
- Pete Fountain, Musician
- Peyton Manning, Athlete
- Reese Witherspoon, Actress
- Revius Ortique, Jr., Judge
- Sidney Torres, Businessman
- Trombone Shorty, Musician
- Troy Carter, Politician
- Todd Graves, Businessman
- Tom Benson, Businessman
- Tyler Perry, Filmmaker
- Wendell Pierce, Actor
- William Goldring, Philanthropist
- Wynton Marsalis, Musician
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