What began as a small jazz gathering in 1962 has become one of the largest and most culturally significant music events in the United States. The Cincinnati Music Festival—originally known as the Ohio Valley Jazz Festival—has evolved dramatically over the last six decades, mirroring changes in music, culture, and the African American experience. From a single-genre concert into a multi-day celebration of R&B, soul, jazz, and hip-hop, the festival stands today as a symbol of resilience, growth, and cultural pride.
A Jazz Festival is Born (1962)
The first Ohio Valley Jazz Festival took place in 1962, offering jazz lovers an opportunity to experience some of the genre’s finest talents in a live outdoor setting. Back then, the focus was strictly on jazz—a genre deeply rooted in African American history and expression. The early lineups featured legends like Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, and other jazz giants whose improvisational genius laid the foundation for modern American music.
The venues were modest, initially held at locations such as French Lick, Indiana, and later the Carthage Fairgrounds and the Hamilton County Fairgrounds. But even in its early years, the festival attracted a loyal following who appreciated the caliber of talent and the community spirit it fostered.
Growth and Genre Expansion
As musical tastes evolved through the decades, so did the Cincinnati Music Festival. The 1970s and 1980s saw the infusion of soul, funk, and R&B, reflecting the changing landscape of Black music and culture. By inviting artists like Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, and Earth, Wind & Fire, the festival embraced the broader spectrum of Black music while still honoring its jazz roots.
What made the Cincinnati Music Festival unique was its ability to adapt without losing its identity. It began to represent not only a musical celebration but a generational touchpoint where families and friends could gather to honor their heritage through song and community.
From Jazz to a Multi-Genre Powerhouse
By the time the 1990s arrived, the festival had outgrown its early venues and started attracting national attention. It wasn’t just a local event anymore—it had become a major summer destination. With the rise of hip-hop and contemporary R&B, the festival’s lineup expanded to include modern superstars and crossover artists.
This openness to innovation allowed the festival to bridge generational gaps. One year might feature Patti LaBelle and Gerald Levert, while another could showcase Janet Jackson, New Edition, or rising stars from the hip-hop and neo-soul scenes. It created a space where young and old music fans could unite under the same rhythm.
The Turn of the Millennium
By the early 2000s, the festival had grown into the largest event of its kind in the country, regularly drawing crowds of over 50,000 attendees annually. The festival found its home on Cincinnati’s scenic riverfront and eventually moved into Paycor Stadium, the NFL venue that offers a world-class concert experience for both artists and fans.
In 2015, a new chapter began with a presenting sponsorship from Procter & Gamble, the Cincinnati-based global company. This partnership helped elevate the festival’s visibility, resources, and long-term sustainability. The collaboration also reflected the festival’s deeper purpose—celebrating African American excellence and providing a platform for cultural impact far beyond music.
Economic and Cultural Impact
Today, the Cincinnati Music Festival Presented by P&G is more than just a concert series; it’s a vital economic and cultural engine. According to a study by the Greater Cincinnati Center for Economic Education at the University of Cincinnati, the event generates an estimated $107 million in annual economic output. This includes tourism, local business revenue, and job creation. Hotels fill up, restaurants thrive, and the city buzzes with life during festival weekend.
In addition to the main performances, the festival is accompanied by Festival 513, a vibrant street festival that showcases local vendors, food, art, and cultural exhibitions. Together, these events create a holistic experience that celebrates not only music but the richness of Black culture and entrepreneurship.
A Platform for Legacy and Discovery
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Cincinnati Music Festival is how it honors musical legends while also spotlighting emerging talent. Each year, new artists are given the opportunity to perform on a national stage, reaching audiences that might not have discovered them otherwise. This commitment to supporting up-and-coming musicians keeps the festival fresh and forward-looking.
Meanwhile, fans still flock to see legendary acts, returning year after year as part of a family tradition. It’s common to see multiple generations of attendees enjoying the same show—grandparents, parents, and kids all dancing to timeless tunes that span decades.
What’s Different Today?
The difference between the Cincinnati Music Festival now and sixty years ago is more than just scale. It’s about representation, accessibility, and influence.
In 1962, the country was still grappling with segregation and civil rights struggles. Jazz festivals were among the few places where Black artists could express themselves freely, and where Black audiences could celebrate without limitation. The Ohio Valley Jazz Festival was radical in its very existence.
Today, the Cincinnati Music Festival stands as a monument to that progress. It showcases the vast diversity within Black music and provides a safe, joyful space for celebration. It has also become more inclusive, with better production, increased sponsorship, corporate partnerships, and a commitment to social causes, such as community outreach, education, and Black-owned business support.
Technology, of course, plays a major role now. Social media, live streaming, and digital marketing have made it possible for people across the globe to engage with the festival, even if they can’t attend in person. Merchandise, artist content, and event promotions reach millions, turning a once-local event into an international brand.
Looking Forward
The 2025 edition marked the 63rd Anniversary of the Cincinnati Music Festival, co-promoted by The Santangelo Group and Ohio Valley Entertainment. As it approaches its 60th milestone, there’s a growing sense that the festival is entering its golden era. Organizers continue to innovate, artists continue to amaze, and fans continue to show up in record numbers.
While much has changed since 1962, the core essence of the festival remains: music, unity, and cultural celebration. The Cincinnati Music Festival is not just a concert—it’s a living, breathing piece of American history, growing more powerful with each passing year.
As the beat goes on, so does the legacy.
