Here Are The First 50 New Orleanians to be Honored on the Newly Announced Walk of Fame

In honor of New Orleans' rich cultural heritage, the city has unveiled its first-ever "Walk of Fame" along Canal Street. The initial lineup of honorees, set to be memorialized with distinctive fleur-de-lis plaques, gives flowers to a healthy mix of musicians, athletes, business icons, and community leaders. This initiative, spearheaded by New Orleans native and hip-hop mogul Percy "Master P" Miller, aims to commemorate the diverse influences that have shaped the city’s identity.

Master P, who was named New Orleans’ official Entertainment Ambassador by Mayor LaToya Cantrell in August, envisions the Walk of Fame (similar to the famous walk in Hollywood) as a permanent homage to New Orleanians who have made a lasting impact. Local artist Brandan "BMIKE" Odums has designed the inaugural plaque, which will be placed outside the Saks Fifth Avenue department store on Canal Street before Christmas. The remaining 49 plaques will be installed by February 6, 2025, just days before New Orleans hosts Super Bowl LIX.

The First 50 Honorees for the New Orleans Walk of Fame

This eclectic list showcases the city’s "innovation, resilience, and creativity legacy." Among the first 50 to receive plaques are:

Music Legends

Icons like Louis Armstrong, Fats Domino, Irma Thomas, Allen Toussaint, and Trombone Shorty represent the city’s world-renowned musical heritage. Rising stars and genre-shapers such as Big Freedia, Lil Wayne, and Jon Batiste are also honored.

Sports Figures

Family football standouts Archie, Eli, and Peyton Manning join Drew Brees (honorary New Orleanian) and Marshall Faulk. Meanwhile, NBA stars Avery Johnson and Clyde Drexler represent basketball excellence tied to the city.

Business Pioneers

The list includes notable entrepreneurs like Al Copeland, founder of Popeyes, Todd Graves of Raising Cane’s, and Gayle and Tom Benson, who helped shape New Orleans' economic landscape and sporting culture.

Arts and Entertainment

Actors and entertainers like Reese Witherspoon, Ellen DeGeneres, Anthony Mackie, and Wendell Pierce showcase New Orleans' contribution to film and television.

Civic Leaders and Visionaries

Activist Oretha Castle Haley, political figures Ernest "Dutch" Morial, Marc Morial, and Cedric Richmond, and education champion Norman Francis are just a few on the walk that embodies the city’s commitment to civil rights, politics, and education.

As the countdown to Super Bowl LIX approaches, this Walk of Fame initiative highlights New Orleans' contributions to the arts, sports, and civic life and adds a new landmark to one of the city’s most iconic streets. The fleur-de-lis plaques are a nice local touch and will be cool for visitors and locals alike to visit, and maybe even learn more about the city's history and influence.

Full List of the First 50 Honorees for the New Orleans Walk of Fame:

1. Aaron Neville, Musician
2. A.P. Tureaud, Attorney
3. Al Copeland, Restaurateur
4. Allen Toussaint, Musician
5. Allison "Tootie" Montana, Mardi Gras Indian
6. Anthony Mackie, Actor
7. Archie Manning, Athlete
8. Avery Johnson, Athlete
9. Big Freedia, Musician
10. Blaine Kern "Mr. Mardi Gras," Businessman
11. Bryan "Birdman" Williams and Ronald "Slim" Williams, Musicians
12. Bryant Gumbel, Journalist
13. Carl Weathers, Actor
14. Cedric Richmond, Politician
15. Clyde Drexler, Athlete
16. Khaled Mohammed Khaled "DJ Khaled," Musician
17. Drew Christopher Brees (Honorary Inductee), Athlete
18. Eli Manning, Athlete
19. Ella Brennan, Restaurateur
20. Ellen DeGeneres, Comedian
21. Ernest "Dutch" Morial, Politician
22. Fats Domino, Musician
23. Gayle Benson, Businesswoman
24. Harry Connick, Jr., Musician
25. Irma Thomas, Musician
26. Jon Batiste, Musician
27. John Georges, Businessman
28. Leah Chase, Restaurateur
29. Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. "Lil Wayne," Musician
30. Louis Armstrong, Musician
31. LaToya Cantrell (Honorary Inductee), Politician
32. Malcolm "Dr. John" Rebennack, Jr., Musician
33. Marc Morial, Politician
34. Marshall Faulk, Athlete
35. Mahalia Jackson, Singer
36. Mia Young "Mia X," Musician
37. Moon Landrieu, Politician
38. Norman Francis, Educator
39. Oretha Castle Haley, Activist
40. Percy "Master P" Miller, Musician
41. Pete Fountain, Musician
42. Peyton Manning, Athlete
43. Reese Witherspoon, Actress
44. Revius Ortique, Jr., Judge
45. Sidney Torres, Businessman
46. Trombone Shorty, Musician
47. Troy Carter, Politician
48. Todd Graves, Businessman
49. Tom Benson, Businessman
50. Tyler Perry, Filmmaker
51. Wendell Pierce, Actor
52. William Goldring, Philanthropist
53. Wynton Marsalis, Musician