Another group of famous Louisvillians will get the “Hometown Hero” treatment this year, joining Jack Harlow and other champions of Derby City on banners around town. Here’s who made the cut for the Greater Louisville Pride Foundation’s Class of 2024:
Music
- Static Major | In 2008, Static — aka Stephen Ellis Garrett, Jr. — co-wrote the Grammy Award-winning song “Lollipop” with Lil Wayne + appeared in the music video, which was dedicated to Static following his death in February 2008. He also co-produced the Ginuwine hit “Pony” and worked with other artists like Aaliyah and Destiny’s Child over an 18-year career as a singer, songwriter, and record producer.
- Hill Sisters | This duo may not have ended up on your 2023 Spotify wrapped, but you probably know all the words to their most famous song. Mildred + Patty Hill composed the music for “Good Morning to All,” which later became “The Happy Birthday Song.”
Sports
- Rajon Rondo | The former Eastern High School Eagle played 16 seasons in the NBA, and was a member of the 2008 Boston Celtics + 2020 Los Angeles Lakers championship teams. In college he was a standout Kentucky Wildcat, where he set the school’s single-season steals record.
- Howard Schnellenberger | A graduate of Flaget, a former Derby City high school, Schnellenberger coached the University of Louisville football program for 10 seasons from 1985 to 1994, leading the Cards to two bowl wins. His 32-year coaching career also included a national championship with the Miami Hurricanes. ‘Schnelly’ died in 2021.
Community
- Dr. Allan Lansing | The late surgeon’s career featured several notable achievements, including: the world’s first spleen transplant, an artificial heart implant, and thousands of open heart surgeries. Bellarmine University’s School of Nursing is named in his honor.
- John Y. Brown Jr. and Ellie Brown | The deceased former Kentucky governor + his professional basketball executive ex-wife were a formidable power couple in their day. Together, they’re credited with financially boosting several downtown institutions, like Actor’s Theatre, the YMCA, and the Ali Center.
