The City of New Orleans is preparing to launch the NOLA Walk of Fame, an ambitious initiative celebrating local cultural icons with their names enshrined along a stretch of Canal Street. However, the project has taken an unexpected turn following a letter from Harry Connick Jr., one of the first 50 inductees.

Connick, in a heartfelt letter dated December 5, expressed his gratitude for the honor but requested that his name be removed in favor of more deserving New Orleans legends who have yet to be included.

The City of New Orleans has yet to announce whether it will amend the first group of inductees, but officials emphasized that the initial list is just the beginning of a long-term plan to honor the city’s rich cultural legacy.

The public debate surrounding Connick’s letter has underscored the depth and diversity of New Orleans’ artistic heritage, drawing attention to figures who remain under-recognized.

The inaugural NOLA Walk of Fame celebration is scheduled for Super Bowl weekend, and organizers assure the public that many more names will be added in the years to come.

The NOLA Walk of Fame features engraved Fleur-de-lis, each representing the achievements of notable New Orleanians who have left a mark in entertainment, politics, arts, sports, business, and beyond. From Grammy-winning musicians like Louis Armstrong and Irma Thomas to culinary icons like Leah Chase and civil rights leaders such as Ernest “Dutch” Morial, the Walk is a tapestry of inspiration, showcasing the breadth and depth of talent and vision that this city has shared with the world.

Among the 2025 inductees are household names like Aaron Neville, whose soulful voice shaped American music, and Anthony Mackie, an actor who brought New Orleans charm to Hollywood. The list also celebrates trailblazers like A.P. Tureaud, a key figure in Louisiana’s desegregation, and Big Freedia, who introduced bounce music to international audiences.

Connick’s Letter Reads:
“To Mayor Cantrell, Entertainment Ambassador Percy ‘Master P’ Miller, and the City of New Orleans:
I was delighted to hear about the NOLA Walk of Fame – such an exciting and welcome celebration. I was thrilled to be among those included in the first fifty inductees! As much as I would love to see my name on the NOLA Walk of Fame one day, I don’t believe I’m worthy of such an honor, considering the names that are conspicuously absent from the list.

There are many who came before me for whom I believe this honor is far more worthy:

Ellis Marsalis, Henry Roeland ‘Roy’ Byrd’ (Professor Longhair), James Booker, Branford Marsalis, among many other New Orleanian luminaries are, in my opinion, far more deserving than I.

I respectfully ask that you consider replacing my name with one of the others I’ve mentioned. Hopefully, in the future, after these legends (and more!) are acknowledged, I might be lucky enough to see my name among them on Canal Street.

Your Proud New Orleanian Son,
Harry Connick, Jr.”

In response, Percy “Master P” Miller, New Orleans’ Entertainment Ambassador, issued a letter praising Connick’s humility and emphasizing that the Walk of Fame is only beginning to recognize the city’s many trailblazers.

Master P’s Response:
“Mr. Harry Connick Jr.:

We received your letter and I appreciate your humbleness. There are a lot of people that do not think they are worthy. I am here to tell you that you are worthy.

This list is just the beginning! We have so many trailblazers from New Orleans that will be honored and recognized in the near future. The NOLA Walk of Fame project has four blocks of real estate on Canal Street. This is just the first 50 inductees that will be recognized during Super Bowl weekend in no particular order.

We value your recommendations, and those trailblazers are already on our inductee list. As a fellow son of New Orleans, we are committed to building a lasting cultural legacy that will benefit and last beyond our time. This is bigger than us and way overdue for our native New Orleanians. I will continue to let God lead me on this journey.

With kindest regards,
Percy ‘Master P’ Miller
New Orleans Entertainment Ambassador”