[DetroitSky]

Director says Flint could be right home for Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame

FLINT, MI -- After years of looking for a home for the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, LaMont Robinson thinks he may have found it in Flint.

Robinson, the founder and executive director of the foundation that’s pushing to build the proposed hall, is asking Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley to consider helping him bring the project to Flint. Neeley said Thursday, Nov. 14, that he hasn’t been briefed on the proposal, but is willing to listen.

Robinson promoted the idea of Flint as the permanent home of the hall in a news release Wednesday, Nov. 13.

“Flint has a history like no other,” Robinson said. “It would definitely give Flint a boost.”

A virtual hall has existed for years, and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Foundation has inducted more than 200 performers, publications, venues and radio stations at annual ceremonies -- most recently in June in Detroit -- while continuing to search for a home.

Past inductees include Michael Jackson, James Brown, B.B. King, Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston, and Robinson said he wants to honor those who have been recognized in a state-of-the-art institution with a 2,500-seat theater, restaurant, gift shop and after-school music academy.

Flint does seem like an odd location for this. The boost to local tourism and the local economy would be great, though.