Dr. John Tennison, Keynote Speaker.

Tennison said the historic marker is dedicated in memory of the late Barney Canson, who contributed his expertise in music, film and video production to Marshall`s Birthplace of Boogie Woogie program; and also in memory of Omar Sharriff, a popular piano player who grew up in Marshall, starred in the "Boogie Woogie Homecoming Concert" and relocated to the town as artist-in-residence. Tennison said it’s additionally dedicated in memory of Donna Musselman, who played a pivotal role in making his research known to city officials.