The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame has announced its 2019 class of inductees. Six are being added: Jim Creen, Kenny Peterson, LeRoi Callwell Johnson, Every Time I Die, Nietzsche’s owner Joe Rubino and Cynthia ‘First Sister’ Moore.
Moore performed with James Brown for a decade and a half and said working with Brown was tough, but rewarding.
“He’s a very diligent person. He always wanted perfection,” she said. “He wanted the best for his band. He wanted us to be on our best as far as dress and behavior. To want to know the music, learn the music, learn the business. He did very well by us.”
Moore said many who played with Brown are still performing today. She auditioned for Brown in Augusta after talking with Niagara Falls native Ron Laster, who at the time was also a part of Brown’s band.
LeRoi Johnson managed several artists, including Rick James. Johnson said he sees merchandise he sold 40 years still to this day.
"That’s something to be very proud of,” Johnson said. “I’m also very proud to listen every day, I hear one of my artists on the radio. Which is great and everywhere I go hear something and that’s because if you do something right, it lasts.”
Johnson said it's important to recognize the people working behind the musicians.
The induction ceremony will be held on Thursday, October 3 at the Cardinal O'Hara Performing Arts Center in Tonawanda.
