We now have a new street in Providence, "Jeffrey Osborne Way". It's dedicated to the music legend who grew up here.
It was a day of laughter and cheering, Saturday, in Providence, as Jeffrey Osborne got the city's version of a "star on the walk of fame".
Osborne, popular singer, song-writer and producer is best known for his work in the 80's and 90's and songs like "On the Wings of Love" and "Stay With Me Tonight."
All that fame started on Olney Street in Providence, where he grew up the youngest of 12 kids in a music driven family. Saturday, he sang there again. This time, under the street sign Mayor Angel Taveras just dedicated to him.
"To actually sing a song that I recorded on this street is phenomenal in itself," said Osborne, "I came here earlier and did a little sound check and I got chills. I was like wow."
One section of the street is officially "Jeffrey Osborne Way". Even though the singer left Providence in 1970 to pursue a music career in Hollywood, he's certainly left his mark on this community. Hundreds showed their support at a block party dedication Saturday, including the mayor.
"I think he reminds you that anything is possible when you work hard and to follow your dreams, because you can achieve them and he's a great example of it," said Mayor Taveras.
Little Ricky Fonseca agreed, while he showed his moves to the audience hoping one day he can follow in Osborne's footsteps.
"You just practice and practice and practice until you get better," said Ricky.
Osborne, who's worked with legends like Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson knows he's accomplished a lot in his life, but he never expected anything like this in the place he still calls home.
"This means so much to me," said Osborne, "It's even more than my dream. This today, I guess I have to go back and dream this one up, because this is really special."
Osborne's brother, Clay, was popular in Providence's jazz music scene. And their father Clarence "Legs" Osborne was also famous. He was a trumpeteer who played with jazz legends like Duke Ellington.
