North Carolina has a long, rich musical history. From early Black string bands comprised of enslaved people in the 19th century, to Earl Scruggs, one of the most influential banjo players in the world, to legendary jazz saxophonist John Coltrane, to chart-topping folk rock band The Avett Brothers, the Tar Heel State has no shortage of musical talent.
Since 2009, the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame has worked to recognize that talent by inducting musicians into the organization with an annual ceremony. This year’s event will recognize six new artists and music labels, including Mary Cardwell Dawson, founder of the National Negro Opera Company in 1941, the first African American opera company in the United States; Bobby Hicks, a 10-time Grammy Award-winning fiddler; Clarence Avant, a longtime music industry authority and mentor, earning him the title of “The Black Godfather”; Petey Pablo, a Grammy-nominated rap artist; Tommy Faile, a prolific songwriter, radio and television personality and baritone vocalist; and Merge Records, an independent record label based in Durham.
So far, 132 artists have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, and the genres they represent range from blues and bluegrass to rock and hip-hop. Each inductee must have “roots in the state” and at least 10 years of national prominence. Guest host Sarah Delia sits down with a 2024 inductee and the Hall of Fame’s chairman to understand North Carolina’s extensive music history and why this year's honorees are being paid North Carolina’s highest musical homage.
GUESTS:
Dolphus Ramseur, board chairman of the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame
Laura Ballance, co-founder and co-president of Merge Records, a Durham music label and a 2024 North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inductee
