On Saturday, October 26th, the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum inducted 12 new members into the prestigious institute that honors all forms of music and aspects of the industry in a special ceremony at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center. Special performances and speeches were conducted among all of the inductees, which included BLACK STONE CHERRY (Edmonton), gospel music singer-songwriter RODNEY GRIFFIN (Somerset), honky-tonk bar and performer BOBBY MACKEY (Wilder), multi-instrumentalists PAUL MARTIN (Winchester) and JIMMY MATTINGLY (Leitchfield), world renowned bluegrass musicians THE MCLAIN FAMILY BAND (Hindman), sound engineer BILLY MOORE (Paint Lick), owner of Nashville’s famed honky-tonk bars Legend’s Corner, The Stage, and Second Fiddle RUBLE SANDERSON (Mayfield), multi-genre singer-songwriter turned producer and actor, STURGILL SIMPSON (Jackson & Versailles), country and bluegrass singer-songwriter CHARLIE SIZEMORE (Puncheon Creek), radio personality KARL SHANNON (Valley Station), and pure honky-tonk country singer GARY STEWART (Jenkins).
On hand to help honor the inductees included special guests Dean Dillon, Steve Wariner, Kentucky Headhunters, Exile, Danny McBride, The Whites, Tee Dee Young, Donovan Howard Trio, Greater Vision, Jeff Ruby, and Rockland Road.
It was also announced that DEIDRE RANSDELL was the 2024 recipient of the Karl Shannon Legacy Award. The award honors the legacy of the late Karl Shannon, who passed away in 2022 at age 62. It recognizes both philanthropic efforts and radio craft. Ransdell came to Lexington in 2021, working on WVLK and the then-Clear Channel station WBUL (98.1 The Bull). She was promoted to Program Director in 2019. Ransdell, a former high school and English teacher, is an advocate for children and veteran organizations.
Every two years, the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Board of Directors goes through the selection process to determine the Inductee Class. For the 2024 class, the Board reviewed over 130 different nominees over a year’s time. Final selection was made in November and throughout the last few months, each Inductee was presented with a surprise announcement.
“For 2024, the Board of Directors strived to have a more diverse class than before,” according to Executive Director, Jessica Blankenship. “Nominations are received via a submission letter or nomination form. The Board reviews them and ensures they are from Kentucky, participated in the music industry in a National and/or international capacity. They should also shine a positive light onto Kentucky Music. All forms of music are considered, as well as different positions – from singer, songwriter, band member, road crew, business individual, and more.”
For more information on the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum, you may visit www.kentuckymusichalloffame.com. The Museum is conveniently located off I-75 at Exit 62 and is open daily 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It contains over 16,000 square feet of music memorabilia on display, gift shop, event performance space, and more. Donations are accepted in preservation efforts and music education by contacting Jessica at 606-256-1000.