CINCINNATI — At the start of Black Music Month in June, four top artists who made musical history in Cincinnati are being honored Hollywood style. 

One by one Hamilton County leaders named the newest musical artists inducted into Cincinnati’s Black Music Walk of Fame, but there was one jazz guitarist who couldn’t accept the honor. 

Wilbert Longmire died in 2018. His daughter, singer Sharon Longmire, said she sang with him since she was little. 

“Me and my dad were inseparable, as a child and even in the music business. I also performed with him professionally on all his major events, so it’s a lot,” said Longmire. 

That’s why she said seeing him being recognized brought a mix of emotions. 

“He’s also been a mentor to many major artists in Cincinnati and worldwide, so I’m elated just to be here and to acknowledge him,” said Longmire. 

Next month she’ll see his name on a Hollywood-style star along the Black Music Walk of Fame.

The tourist attraction is still under construction just outside of the Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati.

Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece got the ball rolling on the project last year. 

“We wanted to build a Black Music Walk of Fame that was a missing piece of the puzzle so that people know that these artists came from right here from our town our community, our neighborhoods our schools and encourage others to do it,” said Reece. 

She teamed up with several sponsors to pay for the project. 

The four new inductees will join last year’s inductees when the walk is revealed. Last year’s inductees are featured in the entrance of the Cincinnati airport. 

It’s a recognition that will continue.

“Just seeing his [Wilbert Longmire] face brought tears to my eyes, cause I know he’s probably smiling with me being here for him,” said Longmire. 

There will be a special induction ceremony at the site of the new Black Walk of Fame on July 23. The project is expected to be finished next summer.