Harry 'Sweets' Edison & Hal Williams to Be Inducted Into the Lincoln Theatre Walk of Fame
By: Tyler Peterson Jul. 07, 2016
The Lincoln Theatre Walk of Fame, a monument which honors Columbus natives who have made outstanding contributions in their professional careers, will honor these two local trailblazers during a ceremony hosted by State Auto Community Relations Manager Stephanie Meredith, Lincoln Theatre General Manager Suzan Bradford, and Jack Marchbanks, Lincoln Theatre Association board member and co-host of WCBE's "Jazz Sunday." The program will also include the 2016 Walk of Fame Band, featuring jazz trumpeter Byron Stripling, Artistic Director of the Jazz Arts Group, and jazz organist Bobby Floyd, a 2015 inductee into the Lincoln Theatre Walk of Fame. The ceremony will then move outdoors to reveal the new stars on the Walk of Fame.
Harry "Sweets" Edison, Jazz Trumpeter
Columbus native Harry "Sweets" Edison was a cohort of orchestra leader Count Basie, a favorite of bandleader Nelson Riddle, and a noted backup artist for the most prominent vocalists of his time, including Billie Holiday. Edison, with his energetic yet reticent blowing style, bridged a gap between the early classic jazz sound of Louis Armstrong and modern bebop modes. Edison, who played equally well in both styles, had a special talent for sustaining his trumpet notes and injecting each single tone with expression and soul. This special quality of his playing earned him the nickname "Sweets" because of the sweetness of the tones.
Hal Williams, Actor
Columbus-born actor Hal Williams is best known for his recurring role as Police Officer Smith ("Smitty") on the television sitcom "Sanford and Son" (1972-77) and Lester Jenkins on "227" (1985-90). He has also appeared in movies such as Hardcore, Private Benjamin, Clint Eastwood's The Rookie, and the Bernie Mac film Guess Who.
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