Saturday’s rainstorm didn’t put a damper on the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame celebration and induction ceremonies Saturday in Rentiesville.

One band after another took to the stage at the Down Home Blues Club and dancers crowded the dance floor to rock and sway to their soulful tunes.

Inductees seemed genuinely touched and humbled to receive the trophies presented to them by Selby Minner, a blues musician herself who operates both the Hall of Fame and the adjacent Down Home Blues Club.

“It’s a labor of love,” Selby said, “and it’s nice to be validated.”

All were certainly validated by the continuous applause and shouts of approval and encouragement.

Inductees included Jesse Cahn, who plays Blues, Traditional Country, Old Timey, Rockabilly, Originals, and teaches everything except piano and horns. He played the San Francisco and New York City scenes in the 60s before moving to Santa Cruz and starting the Jesse Chisholm & the Goodnight- Loving Band—his focus for fifteen years. His “Lady Come Lately” and “Radio Hit” were on more than 250 stations’ play lists across the country.

Also inducted was a musician who’s played professionally for 60 years in 40 states with 65 different bands—Cleve Warren. A nationally known drummer and Grammy Award winning producer, Cleve drummed for Chuck Mangione, Bill Waltous, Woody Herman, and Doc Severinson. He was house drummer for the world famous Copacabana nightclub and played with jazz greats at The Artists quarter jazz club. The band he founded and led—Smilin’ Vic and the Soul Monkeys—won first place in an International Blues Talent Competition.

Another inductee, Bobby “Green Shoes” Parker, is best known for his classic “Just Can’t Tell Her No.” Also honored were Matt Kohl, Steve Coleman, Bill Morgan, and the Jack Wolfe Band and OJHOF Jammer—names known by all blues aficionados.

David Warren Brown’s induction was as a memorial because of his passing in 2022. His music was infused with the essence of his native heritage, blending traditional elements with the soulful sounds of the blues.

“He was a soulful musician with a magnetic personality and an unforgettable stage presence,” Minner said. “We honor his legacy that will continue to inspire and resonate within the Blues community and beyond.”

The Blues are kept alive every Sunday at 4 p.m. when Selby’s band has a weekly jam session at the Down Home Blues Club at 102020 DC Minner Street in Rentiesville. There is no admission charge, but sometimes a hat is passed for a love offering to split among the musicians.