Just a brief post today. I was so happy and excited that a band very close to my heart—WAR—received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today. The 2,814 star to be exact.
And yes, I know that stars are technically paid for or sponsored, but it’s still a honor for a band I chersh. So much so that I spent 3+ years writing and then self-publishing a book on them, Slippin’ Out of Darkness: The Story of WAR.
It all stemmed from my thought: I’ve read hundreds of music biographies and autobiographies, but how is it that there was NO book about this incredibly successful. popular, and influential group?
So I decided to write it. And I did. I traveled the country interviewing former members in person, did phone interviews, and a lot of archival research. It remains the most important thing I’ve ever done as a music writer.
As I watched the ceremony via livestream, I was overjoyed that the four original surviving members— Howard Scott, Lonnie Jordan, Lee Oskar, and Harold Brown—shared the stage with producer Jerry Goldstein and the children of late members B.B. Dickerson and Charles Miller. Papa Dee Allen was also mentioned, former member Tweed Smith was there, as well as the current lineup.
There’s been a rumbling of activity around the band recently with the Rhino Records new box sets, archival Live in Japan 1974 release, and more things ahead.
They’ve been nominated for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times so far, but never gotten in. I hope this helps!
I was honored and so touched that Howard Scott, WAR’s founding singer/guitarist, took time out of a very busy day to call me at 6:30 am California time where he was to tell me how much he appreciated my work promoting the band’s legacy. As well as expressing his appreciation to the FANS for keeping their music alive. It was one of the best calls I’ve ever received, much less on the drive to my “real” job!
Anyway, my deepest congratulations and sincere apprecation for this band. You can watch the induction ceremony below via the Hollywood Walk of Fame website.
And you can find out about my book here: https://www.amazon.com/Slippin-Out-Darkness-Story-WAR/dp/197416652X and my Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/theWARbook/.
See the entire ceremony here (and skip to 17:30 for the start).
Classic Rock Bob 
Hey Bob, thank you so much for this article! I’m a 40 something year old who loves WAR’s music and was elated when they were chosen for the Walk of Fame (even though I have my feelings about the walk itself) I’m so glad you mentioned that the late members families were there as well like Charles Miller in particular. It’s been 45 years to the day when he was murdered and his case has never been solved. I was wondering as this was happening if his children were there and when I read your article and you mentioned they were, I was so relieved. I was hoping he and the other late members weren’t forgotten and I’m glad to see that they weren’t. Do you know if they got a plaque as well? Thanks again and wonderful article!
Thank you, Krystal – I appreciate it! I was overjoyed with the nod of a star (even though, like you, I know how they are “earned”), and I’m hoping this is the true tipping point for the Hall of Fame.
They’ve been on the ballot three times already, but their profile has really risen in the past couple of years with the box sets, new live CD, anniversaries, etc
As for Charles Miller’s children, two were there. His son Mark made a short speech at teh top of the ceremony, and his daughter Laurian accepted the plaque when the star was unveiled and even sang two choruses (including her dad’s) during the impromptu performance of “Why Can’t We Be Friends?”.
B.B.’s son Morris Dickerson, Jr. also made some comments during the ceremony and accepted a plaque. But as far as I know at this point, there was no one from Papa Dee Allen’s family, though I’m trying to confirm that.
Thanks for responding Bob. I don’t want to sound mean here but even though I’m glad Charles Miller kids were there and he was remembered, his son was an embarrassment! That speech he gave was totally off the hinges and I really wish his daughter had been the one to speak instead. It seems like there is some tension with him and members of the group that was clearly visible on stage. It was really painful to watch and if you’re going to accept something in your father’s honor, do it in a professional way! Let me know what you find out about Papa Dee Allen’s family and keep up the good work!