The Jazz Cruise Hall of Fame Inductees | Jazz Enthusiasts & Jazz Musicians Special to the Cruise

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OUR ANNUAL TRIBUTE

The Jazz Cruise is about music and about the people who make the cruise so special. To properly honor and recognize these talented and dedicated devotees of jazz, The Jazz Cruise decided to establish its own Hall of Fame. Borrowing from the legendary story of the man seeking directions to Birdland, how does one get to the Hall of Fame? Be special man, be special!

2005 marked the inaugural class of honorees, people as different as different can be, but with one thing in common. Each of them, in their own unique way, has made, or continues to make, The Jazz Cruise very special. There are no categories or specific requirements for induction. We just know it when we see it. Listed to the right is the inaugural class of The Jazz Cruise. Congratulations to them and congratulations to The Jazz Cruise for having such wonderful and talented people.

	INDUCTEES FOR 2005 (Inaugural Class)

	KETER BETTS Musician, Leader and Confidante
Keter Betts was the “Mayor” of The Jazz Cruise, for he presided over all of our “business” and was our worldwide representative and flag bearer. His talent, humanity and kindness set a tone for The Jazz Cruise that lives today and will always be the benchmark for all performers and for all future cruises.

	RAY EVANS Songwriter and Elegant Passenger
The Jazz Cruise has been blessed with the company of Ray Evans. Recognized around the world for his enormous contribution to music, it is an honor to have Ray onboard. As each of us continues to experience life, we should look upon Ray’s charm and elegance as the standard for our conduct.

	JOE WILLIAMS Vocalist and Star
From the onset of The Jazz Cruise, Joe Williams was an inspiration and advisor in every aspect of the cruise. His support helped to establish the cruise as a meaningful venue for other performers and we cherish the many years that his widow, Jillian, has graced our ship with her presence.

	CONNIE WILLIAMS Group Leader and Cruise Consultant
Support for The Jazz Cruise comes from various sources, but none more than the support provided by Connie Williams. A tireless worker, who is responsible for more guests being a part of our family than anyone else, Connie is also someone who The Jazz Cruise turns to for advice on new programs and guest relation matters.

	INDUCTEES FOR 2006

	EDDIE HIGGINS
If there is one Jazz Artist who symbolizes and epitomizes The Jazz Cruise, it is our great friend Eddie Higgins.

	HOUSTON PERSON
Arguably the most popular musician to perform over the years and a dear friend to The Jazz Cruise.

	CHERRIE SHEETS
Besides being a great vocalist and stylist, she has directed and guided the talent line-ups for The Jazz Cruise for all these years.

	CLARK TERRY
America’s Greatest Living Jazz Trumpet Player and one of the first supporters of The Jazz Cruise.

	INDUCTEES FOR 2007

	FRANKIE MANNING
As the world ambassador of the Lindy Hop, everyone on The Jazz Cruise knew who he was, but we will never forget the fun and spirit he contributed when he actually led us in dance. He has danced into our hearts and now he will do so into the Hall Of Fame.

	JAY LEONHART
A brilliant and talented musician, his wit and charm has always taught us that humor and serious talent can go hand in hand. For making The Jazz Cruise so much fun, we recognize Jay for all that he has done for the cruise.

	IRA SABIN
As the founder of Jazz Times, Ira has been a pioneer of jazz journalism and a torch bearer for “straight ahead” jazz for decades. His legacy will live on not only in the literary world of jazz, but on The Jazz Cruise as well.

	BRENDA MCDOWALL
To travel as far and as she does each year to join us would be cause enough to honor her, but her grace and elegance has adorned The Jazz Cruise for so many years that we must honor this wonderful woman. We politely bow to all that she has accomplished.