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.