Memphis Celebrates Musical Legends as the Hall of Fame Inducts Newest Class
Memphis, a city steeped in rich musical history, had an exciting night on Friday as the Memphis Music Hall of Fame officially crossed its centennial milestone by inducting its 2024 class. This year’s ceremony, held at Downtown’s Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, welcomed an array of artists and influential figures, bringing the total number of honorees to a remarkable 106 members.
A Night Filled with Stars
Among the inductees were deep soul singer James Carr, the legendary garage band The Gentrys, renowned session musician and songwriter Spooner Oldham, prolific rap producer Jazze Pha, R&B pioneer Wilson Pickett, opera sensation Kallen Esperian, and the vocal group Rhodes Chalmers Rhodes. Additionally, the event honored local music business leaders Jack Soden of Graceland fame and Kevin Kane of Memphis Tourism.
Highlights of the Ceremony
With veteran music industry personality Pat Mitchell Worley and Memphis Tourism executive Marcus Cox at the helm, the nearly three-hour ceremony was infused with excitement, laughter, and heartfelt tributes. The live musical backing provided by the Memphis Music Hall of Fame band, led by Kurt Clayton, further elevated the night’s energy.
One of the standout moments was none other than the appearance of Neil Young, a Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer, who took to the stage to induct his friend and collaborator, Spooner Oldham. The audience erupted into a standing ovation as Young shared a touching reminiscence of hearing Oldham on Percy Sledge’s “When a Man Loves a Woman” back in the mid-’60s. He expressed how Oldham’s iconic organ intro stirred powerful emotions within him, describing an almost physical reaction, stating, “My heart started swelling.”
A Family Affair
The night also had a special personal resonance for the inductee Jazze Pha, who was invited into the Hall of Fame by none other than his father, and fellow inductee James Alexander, founder of the Bar-Kays. Their lighthearted exchange featured a delightful roast that had the audience laughing and cheering. To cap off his induction, Pha shared the stage with hip-hop titans 8Ball & MJG, a true celebration of his impactful career.
Emotional Tributes
This year’s ceremony was replete with heartfelt family connections, particularly during the inductions of soul legends James Carr and Wilson Pickett. Carr was honored by festival promoter Graziano Uliani and had his music celebrated by family members, including a notable performance by his son and grandson. Pickett’s induction followed suit, with his children accepting the award on his behalf, facilitated by former bandmate Eddie Floyd.
The Gentrys Join the Honors
The Gentrys, a band instrumental in the 1960s garage rock movement, finally received their moment under the spotlight. Although lead singer Larry Raspberry was grounded by recovery from surgery, a video message allowed his presence to be felt. Fellow band member and famous wrestling personality Jimmy Hart took charge of the acceptance speech, coupling humor with heartfelt nostalgia, citing their significant influence on the Memphis music scene.
Memorable Performances
The evening wasn’t just about acceptance speeches; it was also a showcase of musical talent. The Rhodes Chalmers Rhodes group thrilled the crowd with a powerful rendition of Al Green’s classic “Let’s Stay Together.” Additionally, the opera community was represented with a stunning performance from Kallen Esperian, who captivated the audience without any microphone assistance, showcasing her commanding vocal range.
Honoring Local Leaders
Jack Soden and Kevin Kane also took their places in the Hall of Fame, acknowledging their vital roles in promoting Memphis culture and tourism. Soden, who has played a crucial part in maintaining Graceland as a beloved destination, described the last 42 years as an unexpected adventure, while Kane shared the essence of Memphis music as not just a product, but a life-altering experience that draws visitors from across the globe.
The Memphis Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony was a night filled with love, laughter, and a true celebration of the artistry that makes Memphis a unique cultural hub. The city’s vibrant music scene continues to shine, keeping the spirits of legends alive while inspiring new generations of artists.
