The Rochester Music Hall of Fame has announced its first two inductees as part of its 2026 class.
Taye Diggs and The Skycoasters will be part of the new hall of fame category called Local Legends.
Diggs was raised in Rochester and continued on to Broadway shows like “RENT,” of which he was an original cast member, and movies like “The Best Man,” “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” and “Chicago.”
“Taye Diggs exemplifies the spirit of Rochester’s creative community,” said Tony Gross of the Rochester Music Hall of Fame. “His achievements reflect not only extraordinary talent, but a commitment to artistic excellence, representation and storytelling that continues to inspire audiences worldwide.”
“I’m incredibly grateful and humbled to be recognized by my hometown,” said Diggs. “Rochester played a huge role in shaping who I am as an artist, and this honor means more to me than I can express.”
The Skycoasters are a party rock band that has been a part of the Rochester scene for more than five decades. In that time, the group has raised more than $1 million for charitable organizations, including Golisano Children’s Hospital and Camp Good Days and Special Times. The Rochester Music Hall of Fame says they have shared the stage with legendary artists including Chicago, Hall & Oates and The Beach Boys.
“The Skycoasters define what it means to be a local legend,” said the Rochester Music Hall of Fame. “Their music, generosity and unwavering commitment to Rochester make them the perfect first inductees with this honor.”
Induction is happening the evening of April 26 at Eastman Theatre. Early bird tickets are now available at EastmanTheatre.org.