RHODE ISLAND MUSIC HALL OF FAME (RIMHOF)
Mission Statement
Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame is a 501-c-3 non-profit organization, incorporated in the State of Rhode Island, which is dedicated to celebrating, honoring and preserving the legacies of Rhode Island musicians, educators and industry professionals who have made significant contributions to Rhode Island’s musical heritage. The Hall carries out its mission through the election of inductees, the creation of a museum of artist- and music-related exhibits honoring inductees and commemorating the state’s musical history, and maintaining an online archive of information about and audio recordings by those who have contributed to Rhode Island’s musical history.
The Historical Archive is central to the mission of Rhode island Music Hall of Fame. The Archive Committee collects and preserves any recordings (as well as related memorabilia and ephemera) on which a native Rhode Islander or Rhode Island-based musician had a role including contributions as a performer (vocalist or instrumentalist), composer (or co-composer), producer (including associate or co-producer and executive producer), engineer, or record executive.
In addition, the Committee curates RIMHOF’s collection of artifacts. It maintains and updates the Historical Archive website by posting articles about Rhode Island musicians of note (not just those elevated to Hall of Fame status) which include biographies, photographs and discographies. It also provides the content for the exhibits in the Hall of Fame Museum for the enjoyment and education of the general public.
The Archive Committee is in the early stages of digitizing the collection in a permanent manner for historical and research purposes and plans to create a searchable database containing all of the digitally preserved information which will be made available to the public via partnerships with existing libraries, preservation societies, other museums, and/or the creation of a RIMHOF library.
Creation and History of the Hall of Fame
Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame is the result of the merger of two separate Hall of Fame initiatives. The first involved inclusion of a Hall of Fame with the Rhode Island Popular Music Archive, a project designed to preserve, promote and celebrate Rhode Island’s great musical legacy through the creation of a musical archive to include information, recordings, memorabilia and ephemera from musicians, composers, and producers, in addition to presenting retrospective concerts. Three members were elected to this Hall of Fame between 2007 and 2011. The second effort, begun in 2011, involved creation of a more traditional Music Hall of Fame that would encompass all Rhode Island music and participants in the state’s music industry, and include the creation of a physical museum space in Pawtucket.
In 2006, Mederick “Rick” Bellaire, now Vice Chair of the newly formed Hall, organized the Rhode Island Popular Music Archive in which he was joined by Don “D.C.” Culp, Allan “Big Al” Pavlow, Marc O. Perry, Pete Silva, Russell Gusetti and Steve Grace. Their initial efforts culminated in a sold-out retrospective concert honoring Ken Lyon held at The Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket in April, 2007. A DVD release of the concert footage and a “Best Of” compilation CD gathering together Mr. Lyon’s most important out-of-print recordings were then released. In 2009, the Archive began organizing discographies and songographies of the output of Rhode Island musicians and assigning projects to the Archive volunteers. Importantly, the Archive accepted the donation of the personal archives of Anders & Poncia (Peter Andreoli and Vincent Poncia, Jr.), two of the most successful musicians in Rhode Island history. This material included demo recordings, hand-written lyrics, newspaper clippings and other memorabilia. At this time, the Rhode Island Popular Music Archive website began posting content on the internet. In 2010, the Hall presented a sold-out retrospective concert celebrating the 50th anniversary of Anders & Poncia in show business at the Park Theatre in Cranston. In 2011, a third ceremony honoring producer-songwriter-performer Gerry Granahan took place during an all-star Rhythm & Blues and Rock ’n’ Roll oldies revue featuring 1950s performers also held at the Park Theatre.
In 2010, the Popular Music Archive gained the use of the name “Rhode Island Music Hall Of Fame” by combining their resources with those of earlier efforts spearheaded by Al Gomes and Bob Giusti.
In mid-2011, the Hall and Archive was made aware by Russell Gusetti of another group of individuals led by Bob Billington of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council which included Rich Lupo, Josh Cournoyer, Jonathan Flynn, Dave Goldstein, Mike Gadzacko and Gusetti to form a Rhode Island music hall of fame and a more traditional brick and mortar hall of fame in Pawtucket, encompassing all genres of music and participants in the state’s music industry. Things coalesced quickly and it was agreed to merge all efforts and entities into an incorporated Hall of Fame with a physical museum component and an on-line web based archive.
The three artists incorporated into the original Hall of Fame were inducted into the new Hall as part of the first induction class in 2012.
Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame Exhibit Space
The museum exhibit space is located in the public hallways of the Hope Artiste Village, 999 Main Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, 02860. Admission is free and it’s open 9-5 daily for self-guided tours. As of 2025 it features 83 displays depicting the background and history of the inductees as well as QR codes linking to their music.
Jack McKenna, official Graphic Designer for Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame has created a unique style for the Hall’s exhibits which provides visual continuity for visitors as they explore Rhode Island’s 200 year musical history, moving through different eras and genres. The RIMHOF Board of Directors sincerely thanks Hope Artiste Village for providing the exhibit space, as well as graphic designer Kelly Convery for creating the RIMHOF logo.
How are inductees chosen?
A list of nominees is submitted by the organization’s Induction Nominating Committee and final names are approved by the Board Of Directors. The actual election is conducted by a Board vote. The number of inductees, criteria, categories, procedures and nomination and election dates will be determined by vote of the Board. The initial induction list was chosen by the Board of Directors and the first induction concert event was presented on February 26, 2012. As part of RIMHOF’s mission, induction ceremonies take place at different times and various locations around Rhode Island.
Criteria for induction into Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame
1. CANDIDATE MUST HAVE A SIGNIFICANT CONNECTION TO THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
A) Candidate was born in Rhode Island
B) Candidate pursued career from Rhode Island
C) Candidate identifies and/or is perceived as a Rhode Islander
2. CANDIDATE MUST HAVE A CAREER CLOSELY TIED TO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
A) Performer
B) Producer
C) Composer
D) Educator
E) Behind-the-scenes (manager, executive, venue owner, writer, etc.)
3. CANDIDATE WILL HAVE MADE AN EXCEPTIONAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE FIELD OF MUSIC
Candidates must have a verifiable career of outstanding accomplishments and extraordinary achievements in the field of music and will have made a significant contribution to Rhode Island’s musical heritage.
4. CANDIDATE MUST HAVE A CAREER OF SIGNIFICANT LENGTH DEMONSTRATING PAST ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Minimum 10 years or longer as a professional in the field.
If you have a suggestion for a future Hall of Fame candidate, send their name and a brief description of their accomplishments as prescribed by the foregoing criteria to:
Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame
Hope Artiste Village, Suite 100
999 Main Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860
or
via Facebook Messenger at our official Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandMusicHallofFame/
RIMHOF Board of Directors
As of October, 2025, the RIMHOF board consists of 15 board members, with bylaws calling for 7-19 elected board members for 3-year terms or as long they are actively serving. Officers include: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. Current board members consist of some RIMHOF founding members and others.
CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS (2025)
Dr. Robert Billington, Chair
Mederick “Rick” Bellaire, Vice Chair
Keith Fayan, Secretary
Marc Perry, Treasurer
Donald “D.C.” Culp
David Goldstein
Russell Gusetti
Gerry Heroux
Christine Lilley
Richard Lupo
Bruce “Rudy Cheeks” McCrae
Jack McKenna
Allen Olsen
Mary Ann Rossoni
James Toomey
DIRECTORS EMERITI
Jeff Keithline
Terrence Moran
Allan “Big Al” Pavlow
FOUNDING MEMBERS
Mederick “Rick” Bellaire
Dr. Robert Billington
John Chan
Joshua Cournoyer
Donald “D.C.” Culp
Jonathan Flynn
Michael Gazdacko
David Goldstein
Russell Gusetti
Richard Lupo
Bruce “Rudy Cheeks” McCrae
Allan “Big Al” Pavlow
Marc Perry
James Toomey
Dr. John Worsley
FORMER DIRECTORS
Kate Burt
John Chan
Joshua Cournoyer
Jonathan Flynn
Michael Gazdacko
Consuelo Sherba
Herb Weiss
Dr. John Worsley
Does RIMHOF Utilize Committees?
Committees dictated by the Hall’s bylaws include the following:
Nominating Committee (for officers and directors)
Induction Nominating Committee (for future inductees)
Production Committee (for organizing, producing and presenting events)
Publicity Committee
Special Events Committee
Historical Archive Committee (for curating the physical collection and maintaining this website)
Finance Committee (including fundraising)
Other committees are formed if the board determines there is a specific need.
How does RIMHOF raise funds? What will they be used for?
RIMHOF may raise funds via a number of resources and activities:
Induction ceremonies, concerts and related events
Individual donations
Corporate sponsorships
Web sponsorships and advertising
Grants
Fundraising concerts and other events
Sales of products via direct sales and options
Funds will be used to carry out the day-to-day activities of RIMHOF, creation and upkeep of exhibits, and maintaining and adding to the historical archive.
THE RHODE ISLAND MUSIC HALL OF FAME HISTORICAL ARCHIVE
The Historical Archive of the Rhode Island Music Hall Of Fame is a volunteer-staffed committee whose primary mission is to preserve and promote the rich legacy of all genres of music originating from or pertaining to the State of Rhode Island.
From the early years of the 19th century to the present, Rhode Island has consistently produced musicians, singers, composers, producers and educators of statewide, regional, national and international importance. Our goal is to preserve, promote and celebrate their accomplishments.
Much of the aforementioned music has gone out-of-print and is preserved only by outdated media (LP, 45 and 78 records and audio tapes) and the related memorabilia (photos, posters, sheet music, etc.) is mostly on paper.
The first goal of the Archive is to continue adding content to the website making all of this material available to the general public for research and enjoyment.
The second goal is to digitize and catalogue in a database the available materials beginning with collections of the current volunteers and, in the future, expanding that collection with already-committed materials from other sources and sources yet to be discovered or acquired. This will allow for permanent digital storage of our musical legacy for future generations to study and enjoy.
Our third goal will be to eventually install the physical collection in the The Rhode Island Music Hall Of Fame Museum making the materials available for research and to display the artifacts on a rotating focus schedule (such as a particular artist, a specific genre such as Rock ‘n’ Roll or R&B, or a defined era such as the Jazz Age) alongside the Hall Of Fame inductees’ exhibits.
RIMHOF Historical Archive Committee
Mederick “Rick” Bellaire
Vice-Chair Rhode Island Music Hall Of Fame, Archive Committee Chair
Biographer, discographer, musicologist, record collector, musician, songwriter, producer.
Jack McKenna
Official Graphic Designer, Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame Museum
Graphic designer, musician. Jack has designed all of the Museum exhibits (as well as the entrance and foyer) and supervised their installation.
Christine Lilley
Audio Engineer, Recording Arts Instructor
After training at Normandy Sound Recording Studios in Warren, Rhode Island and the Recording Workshop in Chillicothe, Ohio, Chris was employed for 21 years at Rhode Island’s Celebration Sound working in all aspects of audio production including recording, mixing, editing, mastering and sound reinforcement for live performances. She has extensive experience transferring outdated, analog media (vinyl records and magnetic tape) to digital formats for preservation purposes.
Rick Farrell
Official Photographer, Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame
Rick is the owner and principal photographer at Mojo Photography. He originally took up photography as a hobby to compliment his deep interest in music and In 2007, he turned professional forming Mojo Photography. He quickly became known as one of the finest concert photographers in New England and Mojo has since has documented hundreds of musical events in all musical genres. Since 2014, he has served as official event photographer for the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, concerts, press conferences and other events.
Allan “Big Al” Pavlow (1938-2016)
RIMHOF Board of Directors, author
Mr. Pavlow was a noted record collector, record producer and internationally known author of books on Rhythm & Blues, (The R&B Book: A Disc-History of Rhythm & Blues), the Brill Building music scene of the 1950s and ‘60s (Pro-Files: Discographies Vol. 1), and the history of record sales charting with his ongoing series of Hot Charts publications. Big Al was one of the principal biographers/discographers for the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame Historical Archive and was a founding Director of the Hall of Fame.
Musician, composer, teacher
Gerry is the Coordinator of Music Resource Center and Music Facilities at the University of Rhode Island and formerly an adjunct faculty at Brown University in French horn. He is a published composer and arranger and an instructor/performer of French horn, trumpet, and bass guitar. A music director for several area theaters, he was formerly publicity director for the music department and a conducting assistant for the URI Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Gerry is one of the RIMHOF Archive’s principal biographers/discographers specializing in classical music and early 20th century music.
Allen Olsen
Music journalist, music historian, musician
Mr. Olsen is a guitarist and vocalist with more than forty years of experience playing in New York, Texas and Rhode Island. He is also an historian with a graduate degree that focuses on preserving the oral histories of popular and ethnic musicians.
Andy Smith
Journalist, music and entertainment writer
Mr. Smith is a long-time journalist, mostly for The Providence Journal (1988-2018) but also for the Binghamton Press and the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, both in upstate New York. He has written free-lance pieces for The Boston Globe and Rhode Island Monthly. For much of his journalism career he has written about music and the performing arts.
Steve Grace (1964-2024)
Musician, songwriter, audio engineer
Steve Grace began his musical career in 1974 and studied music composition at the Community College of Rhode Island. He has worked as a recording studio and live sound engineer for more than 25 years. For the past 10 years, Steve has served as District Sales Manager with inMusic Brands, which keeps him in the forefront of the latest audio technology representing top pro audio brands such as Alesis, AKAI Professional, Denon Professional and Numark.
Dr. Tom Shaker
Music historian, music documentarian
Dr. Shaker is an independent scholar and filmmaker. He retired from teaching after thirty years, directing the Communications Dept. at Dean College in Franklin, MA and lecturing at Northeastern University in Boston and WPI in Worcester, MA. His research interests include music history, pop culture and film and television. Tom has been hosting “The Soul Serenade” on WICN for over a decade, keeping classic soul, funk and R&B music alive on the airwaves. He is co-author of A Treasury of Rhode Island Jazz & Swing Musicians (2015) and co-producer of the award-winning documentary Do It Man! The Story of The Celebrity Club (2018).
RIMHOF Historical Archive Volunteers
VINCENT PASTERNAK
Vincent is a Providence-based musician, video producer and editor, and a digital photograph restorer.
RENEE L’ABBE PHOTOGRAPHER
Renee L’Abbe, 2014 official RIMHOF Photographer, induction ceremony for Francis Madeira, founder/conductor emeritus, Rhode Philharmonic Orchestra
BRITTANY WILKES PHOTOGRAPHY
Brittany Wilkes, 2013 official RIMHOF photographer
TJS PHOTOGRAPHIC
Tim Siekiera, 2012 official RIMHOF photograher
KEITH FAYAN
RIMHOF board member, RIMHOF photographer-at large
DALE ABBOTT
Well-known Rhode Island disc jockey who spins oldies, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Rhythm & Blues on WOON (1240-AM from Woonsocket, Rhode Island) and online. Dale is a renowned record collector with a specialty in the music of Rhode Island and southern New England.
NICK DiBIASIO
Radio host (NPR affiliate WICN-FM, Worcester, MA) and concert promoter for Music In Harmony
PETE SILVA
Radio host (WHJY-FM, Providence, RI), musician, author, and teacher
JOHN PECK a/k/a “THE MAD PECK” (1942-2025)
Nationally known cartoonist, record collector, radio personality, and archivist at Brown University Library
DR. OLDIE
Musical Director for Mad Peck Studios
MARC PERRY
RIMHOF board member, Software Specialist, musician and songwriter
BOB GIUSTI
Musician, concert promoter
MIKE EDWARDS
Record collector, music historian, reissue producer for Rare Rockin’ Records, Australia
RUSSELL GUSETTI
RIMHOF board member, musician, Executive Director Blackstone River Theatre
DON “D.C.” CULP
RIMHOF board member, musician, music educator, Shihan of Kenpo karate, concert promoter
BOB BOVI (1943-2018)
For thirty-two years, Bob Bovi was a presence on the Rhode Island music scene. He owned several record stores in downtown Providence (Bovi’s Records, Rainbow Records); acted as the talent booker for Bovi’s Tavern in East Providence; ran a successful independent record label (Bovi Records); owned and operated G. Flagg’s, a popular nightspot in Riverside; and performed as a bassist with his own band, The Bob Bovi Trio along with pianist Mark Taber and drummer Denny Dow. He is happily retired.
STANT ADVERTISING
Stephen W. Gardner, Bob DeSimone, Anthony Lisi & Stephen M. Gardner
Web specialists/website designers