RENFRO VALLEY, KENTUCKY – The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame is proud to announce its upcoming 2022 Induction Ceremony to be held at the Renfro Valley Entertainment Center New Barn in Renfro Valley, KY on Friday, October 28th, 2022. This year’s inductee class contains a very deserving group of individuals from Kentucky who have left an eternal impact on the music industry in their respective fields. Tickets for the star-studded event will go on sale to the public on Friday, July 1st through www.renfrovalley.com.
The 2022 Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Inductee Class includes Carly Pearce, Pete Goble, Paul Yandell, Norah Lee Allen, Tommy White, Tee Dee Young, and Marty Brown. This year celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum, located in Renfro Valley, Kentucky. The museum features historical artifacts from inductees, as well as highlighting Kentucky’s rich history and how it influences music around the world. It is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sponsorship Opportunities are available to help support continuing music education opportunities and promoting the legacy of our rich music history in Kentucky. For more info on sponsorships, view the form here or contact Jessica at 606-256-1000.
Carly Pearce: A native of Taylor Mill, KY, Carly Pearce left home at 16 years old to perform at Dollywood, and in a full circle moment, Dolly Parton invited her to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The chart-topping singer/songwriter won CMT Music Award for Breakthrough Video of the Year for “Every Little Thing,” CMA Award for Musical Event of the Year, ACM Award for Single of the Year and Music Event of the Year for “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, ACM Female Artist of the Year, and ACM Award for Music Event of the Year for “Never Wanted to Be That Girl.” In addition to her own headline dates, including 2 nights at the Ryman Auditorium, Carly Pearce has been a part of Kenny Chesney’s “Here and Now” tour in 2022.
Pete Goble: Born in Prestonsburg, KY, Pete Goble was a bluegrass songwriting legend. Artists such as the Osborne Brothers, Jimmy Martin, and J.D. Crowe have had hits from Pete’s songs. Many of his compositions have become Bluegrass Music standards including “Big Spike Hammer,” “Blue Virginia Blues,” and “This Heart of Mine.” Mr. Goble also produced his own solo albums and received many awards and honors for his life’s work. Though he was among the most recorded songwriters in bluegrass, with more than 90 cuts, Goble said before he died in 2018 that he had written over 700 in total.
Paul Yandell: From Mayfield, KY, Paul Yandell was a master guitarist and sideman. He began his career in 1955 with the Louvin Brothers, then he joined the Kitty Wells Show from 1961-1970 and then Jerry Reed’s band. Paul went on to join Chet Atkins in 1975 and remained as his band leader for 25 years. Being one of Nashville’s most sought-after session players, Paul Yandell played on many hit records for Dolly Parton, Chet Atkins, Steve Wariner, and countless others. He released several solo albums and co-designed the Gretsch “Nashville Classic” electric guitar. Paul is one of only five people in the world to receive the prestigious Chet Atkins title “Certified Guitar Player.”
Norah Lee Allen: A native of Bowling Green, KY, Norah Lee Allen was a background vocalist and beloved member of the Grand Ole Opry from the 1980’s– 2021. Norah Lee Allen has performed with countless artists who have performed on the Grand Ole Opry over the years; anybody from Conway Twitty, Blake Shelton, George Jones, Vince Gill, Carly Pearce and everyone in between. She holds a very prominent name in the music industry but maintains a very humble and graceful attitude.
Tommy White: From Louisville, KY, Tommy White is an accomplished steel guitar player who has performed on the Grand Ole Opry since 1998. Tommy began his career as a young child playing in multiple clubs, events and even touring with artists. At age 15, he produced his first album “Tommy White, 100 Proof Steel, Aged 15 Years.” Tommy White’s career has taken him on the road with multiple artists and given him the opportunity to play on albums with performers like The Oak Ridge Boys, Joe Diffie, Vince Gill, Lionel Richie, Lady Gaga and many others. In 2013, Tommy was inducted to the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame.
Marty Brown: Born and raised in Maceo, KY, Marty Brown has been on CMT, TNN, the Grand Ole Opry, and America’s Got Talent tv show. He recorded three albums for MCA Records and wrote heart felt hit songs including: “I’m From the Country” (Tracy Byrd), as well as “It Ain’t Me If it Ain’t You” (Brooks and Dunn), “When Did I Stop Loving You” (Trace Adkins) and many more. Marty Brown received the 5 million Air Award from Nashville’s BMI for “I’m From the Country.” Marty also wrote, “There Must Be Something in the Bluegrass,” an anthem to the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. Marty’s live shows always leave the crowds wanting more and he is so proud of his Kentucky roots.
Tee Dee Young: Tee Dee Young is a name that is well respected in the blues music community with his club, Tee Dee’s, opened for over 30 years. He became Lexington’s prime ambassador of the blues as he started his own band at the age of 14. Tee Dee Young would go on to perform in many renowned venues, including The Cotton Club, Albert King’s Club, Kington Mines, as well as clubs owned by B.B. King and Isaac Hayes. He has shared the stage with Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Al Green, and more. Tee Dee Young’s accolades include the 2011 Best Blues Band in KY by the Kentucky Blues Society, 2011 Beale Street Blues King, 2011 International Blues Challenge Finalist, and the 2015 Lexington Music Awards Best Blues Artist.