The Musicians Hall of Fame inducted its ninth class of 12 new members during a ceremony on April 28 at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University. Honorees included Keith Urban, Dolly Parton, Dann Huff, George Thorogood & the Destroyers, and Michael McDonald. The event featured performances by Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, and others.
The induction began with a private medallion ceremony in the Fisher Center’s Brad Paisley Ballroom. Linda Chambers, co-founder and CEO of the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, presented medallions and custom jackets to the honorees, assisted by Ricky Skaggs and Don Felder. Actor and musician Sam Palladio hosted the subsequent all-star concert celebrating the inductees. The house band included Brent Rader, Paul Franklin, and Gordon Kennedy, among others. Background vocalists were Marcia Ware Wilder, Brent Rader, and Tania Hancheroff. Dweezil Zappa presented the award to George Thorogood & the Destroyers, who performed “Move It On Over,” “Who Do You Love,” and “Bad to the Bone.” “With humility, we say thank you,” Thorogood told the audience. Producer Tony Brown honored bassist Leland Sklar, with performances of “Running on Empty” by Wendy Moten and “How Sweet It Is” by Garth Brooks. Brooks addressed the honorees: “You guys all light the paths that the rest of us try to follow.” Bernie Leadon presented to producer John Boylan, followed by “More Than a Feeling” and songs by Linda Ronstadt. Dann Huff received honors for his guitar work and production on hits like Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On.” Huff said, “I’m still trying to wrap my head around this... just to be inducted in the class with these people, it’s astounding.” Peter Frampton honored the late Nicky Hopkins, with performances of Rolling Stones and Beatles songs. His wife Moira accepted the award. Sheryl Crow presented to Dolly Parton, who accepted via video: “I am very humbled to be inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame.” Steve Wariner performed a medley of her hits. Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs honored Keith Urban, who performed three songs and praised collaborator Dann Huff. Gill presented to Michael McDonald, who played “What a Fool Believes” and more, ending with an all-star “Takin’ It To The Streets.” The Hall has now inducted 200 members total. Chambers stated, “Each new class of inductees reminds us why we do what we do.” Tributes were paid to producer Cliff Downs, who died April 24.
