Inductees Category: Spotlight

Best known for what he once called the “national anthem of Colorado,” Joe Walsh came out to Colorado from Cleveland in the early 1970s. The success of his band the James Gang, with hits like “Funk #49” and “Walk Away,” and in his solo career was largely due to his friendship with legendary producer Bill Szymczyk, who also worked with B.B. King, the Eagles, the J. Geils Band and others.

Founded by Nick and Helen Forster in 1991, eTown is a live, music-based radio show recorded in front of an audience but with a new twist: every show included conversation or information about social and environmental issues. Launched on Earth Day 1991

Bill Frisell released a new album, Four, on Blue Note Records, described by the record label as “a stunning 13-track meditation on loss, renewal and friendships.” Four is dedicated to fellow Hall of Famer and good friend, Ron Miles, who passed away earlier this year.

Otis Taylor was born in Chicago in 1948 but grew up in Denver. His parents were both jazz fans. “My dad worked for the railroad and knew a lot of jazz people. He was a socialist and a real bebopper,” Taylor recalls. His mother loved everything from Etta James to Pat Boone. The first instrument Taylor learned to play was the banjo.