Arkansas Jazz Heritage Foundation Inducts Six Musicians Into The 2026 Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame.
The Arkansas Jazz Heritage Foundation inducted six new members into the Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame, Monday, Jun 15, 2026, at the Dreamland Ballroom, 800 West 9th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas.
It was a festive evening at the famous Dreamland Ballroom, where the Arkansas Jazz Heritage Foundation (AJHF) Board inducted six musicians as part of the Class of 2026 Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame. The Swing Band Reunion, directed by Steve Travis, provided big band musical entertainment and accompanying support for the performing inductees.
Nan Maureen Renaud, AJHF Director and AJHOF 2018 Inductee, kicked this off with a gently swinging reading of “But Not for Me” before stepping to the podium to induct Randy Goodrum. The Hot Springs, Arkansas native is an internationally acclaimed pianist and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee whose work spans jazz, pop, country, R&B, and adult contemporary music. Goodrum joined the band’s rhythm section to perform “Stella by Starlight” and “Watch What Happens.”
Dr. Gerald Sloan, AJHF Director, inducted Jonathan Karrant. Fort Smith native Jonathan Karrant is an award-winning jazz vocalist whose recordings have charted nationally and who continues to advocate for jazz through performance, education, and community outreach. Karrant performed a front forward version of “Oh What a Beautiful Morning and his newest single, “Caught a Touch of Your Love.”
Sterling Ingram, AJHF Director, inducted Dave Rosen and his father, Martin Rosen (inducted posthumously) with the band paying tribute to the Rosens with performances of “Samba de Los Gatos” and “Theme and Variations.” Both generations of Rosens were instrumental in the music education of Arkansas.
Ms. Renaud returned to induct Rev. Larry Ross. Rev. Ross built a distinguished career as a percussionist with the Art Porter Trio and other renowned ensembles. He has served as an educator, a corporate executive, and a church leader. True to his spiritual calling, Rev. Ross delivered an impassioned call for inclusiveness and the role music plays in it.
Mr. Ingram returned to induct posthumously York Wilborn Sr. York Wilborn was a respected musician, composer, and educator whose influence extended from Arkansas television and live performance to music education and mentorship.
About 100 people attended the ceremony, representing various facets of Arkansas’s creative community.
The Arkansas Jazz Heritage Foundation (AJHF) is a non-profit organization in Little Rock, Arkansas, dedicated to educating the general public about the historical significance of Arkansas' musical heritage. It occasionally sponsors jazz performances by musicians with Arkansas connections and educational clinics for high school and college musicians.