St. Louis Walk of Fame

St. Louis Walk of Fame. The St. Louis Walk of Fame is a series of plaques embedded in the sidewalks of Delmar Boulevard in University City, Missouri, honoring famous St. Louis-born or St. Louis-raised individuals, including Chuck Berry, Miles Davis, and Tennessee Williams. The walk of fame recognizes the contributions of notable individuals in various fields, such as music, literature, and entertainment, including John Goodman, Betty Grable, and Dick Van Dyke. It also acknowledges the achievements of notable figures like Yogi Berra, Bob Gibson, and Stan Musial, who have made significant contributions to sports.

Introduction

The St. Louis Walk of Fame is a unique attraction that celebrates the city's rich cultural heritage, featuring notable individuals like Nelly, Cedric the Entertainer, and Andy Cohen. The walk of fame is located in the heart of The Loop, a vibrant entertainment and shopping district that is home to various restaurants, theaters, and music venues, including the famous Blueberry Hill restaurant, owned by Joe Edwards. Visitors can stroll along Delmar Boulevard and explore the various plaques, which provide information about the inductees, including their achievements and contributions to their respective fields, such as Jack Buck, Harry Caray, and Bob Costas. The walk of fame is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world, including fans of Vincent Price, Agnes Moorehead, and Jean Seberg.

History

The St. Louis Walk of Fame was established in 1989 by Joe Edwards, a local businessman and University City, Missouri resident, who was inspired by the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, California. The first inductees included Chuck Berry, Miles Davis, and Tennessee Williams, who were recognized for their significant contributions to music, literature, and entertainment. Since its inception, the walk of fame has grown to include over 150 inductees, featuring notable individuals like Redd Foxx, Dick Gregory, and Phyllis Diller. The walk of fame has become a beloved institution in St. Louis, with new inductees added annually, including Bob Kuban, Fontella Bass, and David Sanborn.

Inductees

The St. Louis Walk of Fame features a diverse range of inductees, including musicians like Chuck Berry, Miles Davis, and Nelly, as well as actors like John Goodman, Betty Grable, and Dick Van Dyke. The walk of fame also recognizes the achievements of notable athletes, such as Yogi Berra, Bob Gibson, and Stan Musial, who have made significant contributions to baseball and other sports. Other inductees include writers like Tennessee Williams, William S. Burroughs, and Kate Chopin, as well as journalists like Eric Sevareid, Pauline Kael, and Sarah Kendzior. The walk of fame also features inductees from the world of politics, including Harry Truman, John Ashcroft, and Kit Bond.

Location and Design

The St. Louis Walk of Fame is located on Delmar Boulevard in University City, Missouri, in the heart of The Loop. The walk of fame features a series of plaques embedded in the sidewalks, each bearing the name and image of an inductee, as well as a brief description of their achievements. The plaques are arranged in a chronological order, with the earliest inductees located at the western end of Delmar Boulevard and the most recent inductees located at the eastern end. The walk of fame is surrounded by various shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, including the famous Blueberry Hill restaurant and the Tivoli Theatre, a historic movie theater that hosts film screenings and live performances.

Selection Process

The selection process for the St. Louis Walk of Fame is overseen by a committee of local business leaders, artists, and historians, who review nominations from the public and select new inductees annually. The committee considers a range of factors, including the individual's achievements, contributions to their field, and connection to St. Louis. The selection process is designed to ensure that the walk of fame represents a diverse range of individuals and fields, including music, literature, entertainment, sports, and politics. New inductees are announced each year, and a ceremony is held to honor their achievements, featuring notable guests like Tony La Russa, Ozzie Smith, and Bob Costas. The walk of fame is maintained by the University City, Missouri government, with support from local businesses and organizations, including the St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis Blues.

Category:St. Louis, Missouri